Daily Times

The exhibit of an impotent coup in Turkey by the fraction of the rebel group allowed the world to identify the extent of the country’s democratic frailty. The verve with which the Turkish public responded to Recep Tayyip Erdoðan’s call to storm the streets of Istanbul in condemnation of the coup is admirable. Democratic patrons across the globe swelled with pride, but their revelry was short lived, as it soon dawned on them that they along with the Turkish public were being misled to believe Erdogan’s plea was one to rescue constitutional democracy. The devastating length and breadth of the president’s feisty authoritarian behaviour after the attempted coup glorified the pretence he used during his desperate social address, encouraging the display of public empowerment.

Ambitious leaders go down in history for one eccentric trait or the other, Erdogan explored his talent and showcased it to the world: his ability to snip and stitch a democratic system tailored to fit a size and shape of his choosing. By doing so he has created a new model of governance that is interesting yet injurious to a country: authoritative leadership in the apparel of a smooth democracy. The paranoia to maintain this vicious appearance has compelled Erdogan to ambush his military forces pre-emptively. He has sabotaged the image of the entire Turkish army, whether it was done by design or by default is debatable.

The Turkish history is skewered with dictatorship; Erdogon’s call thus must have had a magical effect on the public wherein all logic appeared to have evaporated in the heat generated by their love for democracy, bewitched by an individual, who can only be saved if hazardous directions are followed. The provocation to attack its own army men is a nerve pincher, a predicament — who is the enemy and who is the hero? Luckily, the rebel army group was not backed by the majority of the force, or else it may have resulted in a tragic bloodbath.

It was shocking to see hundreds of images flashing on various media forums, unprecedented acts frozen in time: civilians chasing, ridiculing and assaulting its very own men in military uniform. Men who symbolise strength and guard geographical boundaries of the country were beaten up and degraded by their own people. These bewildering events received amalgamated reactions amongst the democratic world, all of which are emphasising support for Turkey’s democratic rule, while also encouraging Erdogan to maintain and uphold the rule of law.

The events following the failed coup indicate that Erdogan is on a witch-hunt, handpicking his opponents indiscriminately from a pre-made anti-government list. Erdogan brazenly displayed authoritarianism by flagging a bulk of people as aiders and abettors of an attempted coup, an engaging episode.

However the reaction of a certain sector in Pakistan was far more amusing; while complimenting the people of Turkey, they supported the outright bravado to malign the armed forces that simply added a dash of horror to Erdogan’s recipe for disaster. A handful of shortsighted people showered Erdogan with praises for his “victory.” They clamoured their appreciation of Erdogan’s model as being a specimen democracy. It is unfathomable how a selected few applauded the humiliation of the armed forces. The innuendos suggest that the images of army men in handcuffs were purposely and repeatedly exhibited, showing us a glimpse of their deepest desires.

It is infantile to believe voicing support for an Erdogan model will deter any intervention that leads to a possibility of a coup in Pakistan. The one aspect that will block an extra-constitutional action would be political awakening; political leaders must snap out of their vegetative state, and take control of their duties and deliver for the welfare of the people. A motionless and weak government that orchestrates economic and political chaos encourages the armed forces to stretch beyond its domain, providing them with ample space to manoeuvre as they see fit. And that is something has negative connotations. In a twisted way, the stagnant ruling prowess of our political leadership has compelled the army to innovate and adapt new roles that are proving to be beneficial to the country: Rangers proactively cleansing Karachi; fighting small wars like the Zarb-e-Azb, attending to those affected by natural disasters, and owning duties of recovering kidnapped people. Lines have been blurred, but what other option do we have? How can our country uphold the rule of law where the police force is threatened by local war gangs?

Government’s failure to perform has become the army’s cue; they exercise damage control and excel. Militaries, especially those that are trained to defend a democratic state, adhere to a confluence of political and cultural factors. The amphibious forces’ success is a testament to the army’s versatility and adaptability.

Detractors are continuously noting the rapid growth of the army chief’s popularity. The Turkish failed coup is being used as a platform to convey their wish to maintain the rule of democracy in Pakistan. Government institutions are perennially on guard; it can be best described as executive paranoia, which gradually results in a neck-down paralysis. The ability to see and understand is overridden by the inability to move in any direction. Yet their determination is not wavered; on several occasions throughout history, elements within the executive branch have attempted to weaken or outright dissolve the power of the commanding chief either by dismissal or using the extension clause as a bargaining chip hoping to achieve a win-win situation. Extensions of chiefs should not be a by-product of a deal; it is unacceptable to favour personal interests over public interest.

We are living in a tumultuous time that requires our leadership to set personal grievances aside and act in the best interest of the country. Our world is threatened by terrorism on a daily basis. We are not only fighting a faceless enemy, but also hostile neighbours, and depressingly, the parasites that have infested our internal system. Without a strong army we will be destined for doom. Erdogan may not have realised the impact of scorning democracy, but the spectators have: a prostrate army is an invitation for invasion. Unless the mindset to provoke, embarrass and undermine the establishment is changed and corruption-free governance is ensured Pakistan will fall prey to unconstitutional adventures in the disguise of doctrine of necessity. However, if Pakistan’s ruling elite continues to idolise the Erdogan model because it massages their egos then may the Lord be with us!

The writer is a media professional, and can be reached at ybmirza@gmail.com