BY ERGUN BABAHAN
SABAH- The basic rights and freedoms and democratic openings recently seen in Turkey seem to have greatly disturbed the terrorist group (PKK). At a time when security forces are seeking broader powers, terrorism has been gradually rising, which clearly shows the situation. One aim of yesterday`s bloody attack in Diyarbakir, following last week`s attacks on a southeastern military outpost, has to do with morale. The attacks try to show that the group is still alive and powerful. The second aim is to hinder democratic openings.
The terrorist group had its greatest strength just after the 1980 coup, when the legal system was suspended, people were being tortured in Diyarbakir Prison, and unsolved murders, extrajudicial executions and unwarranted detentions were very common. This pressure and violence caused a great many young people to lose their faith in the state, and to go to the terrorists` mountain bases, thinking that they would be ignored amid all this. In other words, lawlessness fed terrorism.
Now Turkey has to fight off both the international economic crisis and a rising tide of terrorism. While doing so, it`s also trying to formulate its National Program and keep its European Union membership bid on track. The PKK and its links with certain circles in Turkey are very dark and dirty. We should never forget that it might have multiple goals, some of which are directly related to domestic politics. But not only the state, but also all of its institutions are responsible for determining what these goals are and countering them.
Terrorist attacks, as well as the economic crisis, work to shake public confidence in the future. The aim is to cause the public to seek harsher measures, suspending the law and hindering the democratic opening in the region. Next year`s local elections are part of these calculations. All these goals should be assessed wisely, and proper counter-measures should be taken. Yes, Turkey`s fight against terrorism will not flag, but in the meantime our country`s vision for its future shouldn`t be neglected. This vision should be set not by the terrorist group and its attacks, but Turkey`s own choices and priorities. Obviously, Ankara needs a new opening and excitement. If Turkey properly evaluates its strengths and weaknesses and sets its goals accordingly, the atmosphere of pessimism can be quickly dispelled. The people killed in yesterday`s attacks in Diyarbakir are innocent victims of a dirty game. I extend my condolences to their families.