America and the Deep State

http://ericmargolis.com/2013/06/turkeys-progress-threatened-by-far-left-and-far-right/

Margolis raises several good points. The Turkish left is gunning for Erdogan. They resent his mild-Islamism and rejection of Turkey's secular legacy. And the Nationalist Right also is concerned with the shift in Turkey's domestic and international politics. They are concerned for the Ataturk legacy.

Few Americans are aware of the very tight relationship between Turkey's military and the United States. Turkey's Air Force is heavily dependent on its 200+ F-16's made by General Dynamics. Turkish Aerospace modified these to their own specifications but all the patents, parts and original sales belong to General Dynamics, the 4^th largest military contractor on the planet.

Everyone who possesses Vanguard index funds is invested in this company. For that matter a large number of mutual funds are invested in General Dynamics which would of course include large numbers of employee 401k accounts. In addition to these fighters, Turkey also uses several Boeing aircraft. I only mention this to reflect on the pervasive nature of the American Empire. All of us, like it or not are in some way invested in this titanic machine. Even though I would have nothing to do with the stock market or the financial sector, nevertheless I find myself working for people who are either part of it or heavily invested in it. They're investments write my paycheck as it were.

While I would advocate massive cuts in military spending, the reality is...it's at the very heart of the economy. It's not going to happen.

It's noteworthy that the current government under Erdogan has moved to produce domestic fighters to replace the aging F-16 fleet. This is a diplomatic slap in the face to the United States and its business interests...brokered by the United States military. The American military projects the American Empire through many means...one of them is in the role of broker and agent for the 'Defense' industry. All of these interests overlap and many in the civilian sector are merely ex-military. They still represent the same interests, they've just changed their clothes.

The Turkish Navy is also heavily dependent on US manufactured ships and armament and has been for many decades.

Turkey is a robust and modern country and even though portions of it resemble the Third World, overall it is very advanced and it is a sign of self-confidence that it ventures out and has created its own defense industries and seeks to be a little more autonomous. Turkey is embracing its historic role.

Remember military sales and aid packages are all tools, mechanisms for control. American assistance and gifts are often golden chains not easily broken. America does not just 'give' to other countries. Nor do they wantonly sell their products. It all serves a purpose and contributes to the execution of a grand strategy.

The CIA and undoubtedly various branches of military intelligence have a long history in Turkey. I'm sure they have been quite active on the Syrian border. While at this point there is no proof, I will only say it would greatly please the United States to see the Erdogan government toppled and replaced by a candidate chosen by the military. It has certainly happened before. It would be dangerous game at this point, but a Turkey outside of US control essentially dashes the whole Eastern Mediterranean- Black Sea agenda and significantly affects the Middle Eastern strategy.

 It's also worth reading the Wikipedia article on the Deep State.