What began as a routine response to a foreign extradition request made to the United States is quickly becoming the source of extreme tension that threatens US-Turkish relations. American officials insist that it’s first and foremost a question of the Turks meeting American standards of due process and human rights. But in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan refuses to accept what he sees as stalling over his demand that the US turn over clergyman Fethullah Gulen without delay. Erdogan believes it was Gulen, who lives in exile in Pennsylvania, who orchestrated the failed coup against him. And while there is evidence that Gulen’s followers probably did play roles in the putsch, it is less certain that Gulen himself actually played the role Erdogan accuses him of playing. But American officials are concerned that even if sufficient evidence against Gulen is turned over to the US, the defendant’s rights and safety will not be guaranteed. If that proves to be the case, the extradition will not go forward and by all indications will elevate into a major diplomatic incident between the US and Turkey. In addition to cultural differences, in making his case and in urging the US to act, Erdogan points to examples where Turkey complied without delay to Western requests for extradition.
Give the gift of hope
We practice what we preach:
accurate, fearless journalism. But we can't do it alone.
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
Join us.
Support The Media Line. Save democracy.
