Gulen's Warnings

Last Updated on Friday, 23 June 2006 13:37 by Hüseyin Gülerce Friday, 28 October 2005 05:00

The Romanian National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) deemed Fethullah Gulen worthy of the award for "contribution to tolerance and dialogue" because of his contribution to world peace.

Gulen henceforth is recognized as a noteworthy social leader abroad. His recent remarks and warnings are extremely important as well.

I discern their importance this way: Some who collaborate with circles disturbed because the country has been freed from their grip, the so-called spokespeople who expect the job of minister and even that of prime minister during periods of undemocratic rule, are seriously perturbed by Gulen's statements. They sound as if someone has treaded on their toes.

Fethullah Gulen first spoke to Yeni Aktuel Magazine and then to Samanyolu TV. His remarks were as follows: There is a positive economic direction in Turkey where in the recent past siphoning incidents had occurred. However, there are also some who are disturbed by the current positive psychology. And their aim is to obstruct this positive psychology with street movements. Gulen urges that these movements should not be taken lightly. Because he is concerned they could shake the country.

Gulen's remarks on Samanyolu TV concurred with those made by [Bulent] Ecevit years ago. These expressions are quite striking:

"It seems to me that in Turkey there are special units formed outside the state. They seem to act when some people somewhere press the button. Maybe there are 50,000 of them, maybe 100,000, maybe even more than 100,000. These people generate turmoil in the streets. These are the people who instigate unrest, even under the canopy that 'the Republic is in danger.' Those who oppose them are again of the same horde. In Turkey those who instigate unrest and those who oppose them are from the same team.'"

Even if it is spearheaded by the "deep state" within the state, what is happening should be opposed, Gulen notes. He gives the following advice:

"The public should be warned so that they are not deceived. The public should be enlightened. The public should not take part in the conflict that is being orchestrated. The state has its army, its police organization. Why is there an intelligence service? They should identify these people and reveal them. They should identify them before the events take place. They should fulfill their responsibilities in this case as well and frustrate malevolent people the same way as they learn beforehand about bombs, drugs and frustrate those involved."

I think there are lessons the government has to learn from these warnings. For instance, have those who were behind the provocation in Bozuyuk last month or those who were accused of gross negligence been thoroughly investigated? Why were hundreds of busses heading from Ankara to Gemlik only being gazed at until they reached Bozuyuk. Even though the motives of those who headed towards Gemlik were well known beforehand, what lay behind the weakness manifested in the face of an illegal collective movement? Does the government have full control over intelligence?

As democracy and transparency improve and relations between the society and state become more transparent, some people are afraid of being deciphered. They have formed artificial fronts and won't give in easily.

This danger can be circumvented if everyone and every establishment charged with directing the country, particularly the government, remain resolute, determined and firm. Gulen does what behooves him and sounds warnings at the right time in the right place.

Note for [Emin] Colasan: You say you received insulting e-mails after you wrote an article full of insults about Gulen, describing him as "stretching, twisting his neck, speaking." Calling these Fethullahist reactions is a characterization that befits you. Because the manners of the Esteemed Fethullah Gulen are Quranic manners. His advice is to embrace good manners. These insulting expressions that befit your manners probably emanate from "birds" because you in your articles benefit from "letters sent by birds." Are you sure you are not again being used by certain people?

ZAMAN