THE RIPPLE EFFECTS OF A POLITICAL MURDER

EurActiv.com, Belgium
March 5 2007

In this Centre for Economic and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM) bulletin
article, Sinan Ulgen, EDAM chairman, comments on the assassination
of Turkish Armenian journalist Hrant Dink.

The author argues that the assassination of Dink has been "a watershed
event for Turkey", which caused a "public outpouring of sorrow and
sadness". However, he also thinks that this event should be seen as
an "opportunity to make a stand against the rise of a dangerous form
of nationalism".

Ulgen goes on to explain that the current form of nationalism found
in Turkey "is not only on the increase but is also changing course"
to a "more aggressive soul".

Among the reasons for this he sees the rise of political Islam,
but also the Turkish judiciary’s interpretation of article 301 of
the Turkish penal code, which "limiting the freedom of expression".

Nevertheless, Ulgen says that democratic forces in Turkey have become
aware of the problem and are engaging in a "long-standing struggle
to enhance the respect for liberal democratic values".

The author also points out that the EU’s raising of the bar for
Turkish membership and "anti-Turkish" rhetoric by some European
leaders actually "undermine the confidence of the Turkish population
in reaching this goal".

Ulgen concludes by urging "the time has come for Turks to strive to
eradicate this ugly face of nationalism", even though support from
their American and European allies might be uncertain.