Coup attempt in Turkey

[OttoVonBismarck]

It sounds like the military is divided, so I seriously doubt this coup succeeds.

Unfortunately this means Turkey will now become essentially a fascist country with strong Islamist influences. The idiots who attempted this have a lot to answer for, to be honest.

[mongers]

Breaking News:

There is now a very real threat that Queequeg will go full Byzantine within the next 30-60 minutes, bystanders and civilians are advised to seek shelter in calmer threads. 

[OttoVonBismarck]

I imagine that is a certain outcome.

[Queequeg]

Breaking News:

There is now a very real threat that Queequeg will go full Byzantine within the next 30-60 minutes, bystanders and civilians are advised to seek shelter in calmer threads. 

I used to argue sarcastically that the only real way to have Middle Eastern and Balkan peace is by restoring the Empire.  I no longer think that is sarcasm, but just a factual statement because the Empire coming back is about as likely as the entire region avoiding becoming Greater Somalia. 

[garbon]

CNN is showing people marching and chanting walking into and through the Istanbul airport.

[dps]

Washington's assessment:

Reuters World 
@ReutersWorld     
United States believes coup attempt underway in Turkey
2:47 PM - 15 Jul 2016

Wow, the Administration is really going out on a limb there.  I guess next they'll put out a release saying that the US believes that fire is hot, and that drinking bleach is probably not a particularly good idea.

EDIT:  Apparently the Administration just announced support for Erdogan.  That is going a bit out on a limb;  gotta say I'm surprised.

[Habbaku]

White House released a statement saying that Turks should back the elected government.

[garbon]

Washington's assessment:

Reuters World 
@ReutersWorld     
United States believes coup attempt underway in Turkey
2:47 PM - 15 Jul 2016

Wow, the Administration is really going out on a limb there.  I guess next they'll put out a release saying that the US believes that fire is hot, and that drinking bleach is probably not a particularly good idea.

Of course the Administration has also recently said this.

[dps]

I'm used to getting ninja'd 'cause I type too slow;  looks like I typed too fast this time. 

[LaCroix]

more evidence that the coup doesn't have a chance 

[DGuller]

Yeah, it's looking dead.

[OttoVonBismarck]

Yep, this bitch is over. The General in charge of the 3rd Corps of the Turkish Army is ordering soldiers back to barracks. Reports that coup aircraft are being shot down. The press agent for the Intelligence Ministry is saying the government is in full control and the coup is crushed. Germany and the U.S. have both released statements saying they support the government (they likely would remain quiet until they were pretty sure Erdogan was going to survive, because they would have to work with the junta if Erdogan was successfully deposed.)

[Sophie Scholl]

I'm not so sure.  Seems very early to make such a call.  The PM also said all aircraft that fly over Ankara will be shot down.  Doesn't sound secure to me.

[DGuller]

So they helicopter being shot down was not just on the side of the coup, but contained coup plotters?  Am I hearing this right?

[DGuller]

I'm not so sure.  Seems very early to make such a call.  The PM also said all aircraft that fly over Ankara will be shot down.  Doesn't sound secure to me.

I don't think it is.  Such situations favor those who seem to have the momentum.  Obviously being unable to enforce the martial law is not a show of strength.  Police clearly seem in control based on what I see on CNN.