U.S. Congressional Open Hearing Write Up Sample - Turkey Foreign Affairs 2013
Memorandum
Where Is Turkey Headed? Gezi Park, Taksim Square, And The Future Of The Turkish Model
Attendance:
The Honorable Kurt Volker - Executive Director of the McCain Institute for International
Leadership at Arizona State University, Washington, DC. Former United States Permanent
Representative to NATO. Joined the State Department as a Foreign Service officer in 1988.
Currently is a managing director for the BGR group, a Washington based lobbying firm and
investment bank.
The Honorable James F. Jeffrey - Philip Solodz Distinguished Visiting Fellow, The
Washington Institute for Near East Policy Washington, DC. Former US Ambassador to Turkey,
Iraq, and Albania. Also served as the Deputy National Security Advisor to President George W.
Bush. Has spent the majority of his career in the State Department focusing on European and
Middle Eastern security affairs.
The Honorable Robert Wexler - President of S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace,
Washington, DC. Former U.S. Representative from Florida’s 19th District as a member of the
Democratic Party from 1997-2010. Active member on Foreign Affairs committee, particularly on
the Middle East, during his time in the House.
Dr. Jenny B. White - Professor, Boston University Boston, MA. Author of numerous books on
Turkey focusing on political Islam and civil society, ethnic identity, and gender issues. Formerly,
Dr. White was the President of the Turkish Studies Association and of the American
Anthropological Association Middle East Section, and sits on the board of the Institute of
Turkish Studies.
● Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT)
● Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI)
● Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
● Senator James Risch (R-ID)
● Around 100 people attended the hearing
Summary:
The focus of this hearing was to discuss the current situation in Turkey, with a particular
emphasis placed on the government’s response to the recent protests in Gezi Park and Taksim
Square. While all of the witnesses praised Prime Minister Recep Erdogan’s ability to turn Turkey
into a regional economic and military power, all present also indicated their dismay at his
response to the recent demonstrations. The panelists believed the Freedom and Justice Party
(AKP) created its own political adversary as the economic boom has tripled the size of the
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middle class, and progress has enabled new constituents to form and speak out. As a ‘moderate’
Islamic country with strong ties to both the Middle East and Europe, Turkey is in a unique
position unlike any other US ally, which should be appreciated when considering our policy on
Turkey.
This position dictates a nuanced US foreign policy stance with an eye towards not letting
small disagreements harm our long-term relationship. The US should use its influence within the
Turkish government and with the Turkish elite to provide private counsel and guidance towards
this fledgling democracy. With the political developments over the last few years, Turkey is
increasingly moving towards becoming a one-party state. In particular, the US should emphasize
the crucial role that institutions play in maintaining full participation of all parties, including the
opposition, in the electoral process. Special protections for minority rights, freedom of the press
and funding of political parties are absolutely necessary in this regard. Winning an election does
not diminish the need for pluralism in a democratic society and does not grant one’s party license
to wholly disregard other points of view. In public, the US should not pejoratively lecture the
country’s leaders on how to act because this will only be counterproductive by diminishing the
private power of our counsel.
Relevant Points:
Dr. White Testimony
● Firmly believes the protests were not about Islamization or concern over threats to
secularism but rather the growing partisanship and majoritarian view of democracy held
by the AKP and Prime Minister Erdogan.
● The AKP government has developed a majoritarian hold on the country, pushing its
views and policies upon the minority. Other lifestyle norms are delegitimized. Ex: Recent
limitation on public alcohol consumption and the government’s insistence that ‘one can
drink at home in the evening’.
● This demonization is blatantly partisan and has enraged many Turks. The recent protests
can be seen as symbols of this frustration.
● PM Erdogan has attempted to introduce constitutional changes, which would establish a
presidential system, where he would serve as the new president with increased executive
authority.
● The AKP party has both taken steps forward and backward. Ex: economic growth and
infrastructure development versus jailing of journalists and limitations on civil liberties.
● The party has successfully reinvigorated national pride and the European Union
Succession plan.
● Party support has fallen from 50% at the time of election to 44% currently.
● A sizeable new constituency has emerged and provoked more polarization with an
undercurrent of violence.
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● Dr. White recommended the U.S. puts its “thumb on the scale” and acknowledge the new
constituency and advise our friends to keep in mind that democratic integrity is about
more than what happens at the ballot box during an election.
Former Ambassador Jeffrey Testimony
● AKP regime is stable but its ‘majoritarian mindset’ undermines that stability and the
rights of minorities.
● If the AKP continues to attempt to reform the constitution, instability could pose an
increasing threat to Turkish democracy, as the opposition will feel marginalized. Turkish
democracy has always been an experiment in testing the tension between liberal and
Islamic values.
● With its economic and military strength, Turkey is a stronger regional power in the
Middle East than the United States. As such, there may be instances where the US should
follow Turkey’s lead.
● Understanding new political coalitions and their interests is crucial to gaining a full
appreciation of Turkey in this new era.
● Amb. Jeffrey advises maintaining contact and coordination with all levels of the
government and Turkish society.
Former Representative Robert Wexler
● Turkey is an indispensable US ally.
● The recent protests in the country should not be confused with the Arab Spring as they do
not seek regime change. It is a positive sign that there has been no military intervention.
● Turkey has been a global success story
○ World’s 17th largest economy, strong ties with NATO and Europe
● Turkish democracy is still a work in progress
○ PM Erdogan’s recent public comments are disappointing but his past record is
strong.
○ There are calls for reform and for Turkey to enter the EU.
Former NATO Representative Kurt Volker
● Turkey is a strategic asset to the US because of its influence in a region where the US is
not well-liked but where it still has legitimate interests (war in Syria, deterioration in
Egypt, violence in Iraq, Iranian hostility).
● US should keep its mutually beneficial relationship with the country. US needs to clarify
its responses to the crises before criticizing the Turkish government on regional issues.
Ex: lack of clarity on policy towards Assad.
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Q and A: US Response and Areas of Improvement for Turkey
● The United States should make recommendations to the Turkish government as a
‘friend’.
● Stress that democracy is about more than elections and make plain our concern over
restrictive campaign funding laws that prevent true political contestation.
● Turkey remains in the pattern of ‘two steps forward, one step back’.
○ Attempts to roll back abortion
○ More girls going to school
○ Increasing pressure on individuals and women to conform to norms
● Let Turkey find its own understanding of democracy, but do not let that be an excuse for
authoritarianism.
● The US should not associate religious advocacy with extremism. The role of religion in
Turkish politics is different than in the US.
● It would serve Turkey’s interests to continue opening up.
Q and A: PM Erdogan and the AKP
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Civilian control of the military has been and remains an important of Turkish democracy.
Even pious conservatives are not happy with religious restrictions.
The achievements under the Party have been pretty impressive.
The moderate minority has strong ties with the United States.
AKP responds to protests with bigger pro-government protests
○ This increases feelings of majoritarian dominance
Government has largely created the huge group of people that defy it.
Current reports show the economy is on a downward trend in response to inflation,
decline in trade, and US economic troubles.
General surprise that the AKP has not split since it encompasses a coalition of oft
diverging interests.
Post-Erdogan Turkey is uncertain with a dissipation of power possible.
Background
In May, protests erupted in Turkey over the proposed demolition of green space in Gezi Park.
While people took to the streets in response to this specific incident, it also provided the spark
for people to express their general discontentment with the ruling party and Prime Minister
Erdogan. His crackdown on the protestors, the jailing of journalists and his attempt to increase
the power of the executive branch raised concern among the Turkish general population.
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