Last night I had a conversation with a Turkish diplomat. We were at a small table with a few of my colleagues and the former ambassador to Algeria. Obviously the rioting was a topic of conversation.
I started to detail it here but have since changed my mind... here's the summary - it was sad. He seemed sad, or maybe a bit resigned, and didn't hold a lot of hope for effective change. He was pleasant but was quite contained and measured with his speech and focused on history and facts, addressed nationwide cultural conflicts and social unrest and what has brought things to where they are today rather than what is happening today.He also talked about the growing problems with Syria.He was neither an advocate nor a detractor of his government and its actions. His words were very matter of fact but the feeling was that he was being restrained and the pleasant little sparkle in his eyes and smile evaporated.
Silence sometimes speaks louder than words, especially when one is not permitted to speak an oppositional view.
If you don't know what I'm referring to please open a new window and do some research. You should keep in mind the proven efficacy of social media and know that it's been completely shut down at this point. More State controlled silence.
Families are being gassed out of their homes and then beaten in the streets when they flee.People are being shot point blank with tear gas canisters and a number of people have lost their eyes and/or been permanently blinded. Unarmed civilians, tourists, and protesters alike are receiving direct blasts from water cannons - the force of which can render one unconscious. This information is easily ascertainable. The US and the EU have both condemned Turkey's actions.
Please pay attention. Be aware of what is happening in the world at large, not just your region. The Arab Spring is far from over.
I started to detail it here but have since changed my mind... here's the summary - it was sad. He seemed sad, or maybe a bit resigned, and didn't hold a lot of hope for effective change. He was pleasant but was quite contained and measured with his speech and focused on history and facts, addressed nationwide cultural conflicts and social unrest and what has brought things to where they are today rather than what is happening today.He also talked about the growing problems with Syria.He was neither an advocate nor a detractor of his government and its actions. His words were very matter of fact but the feeling was that he was being restrained and the pleasant little sparkle in his eyes and smile evaporated.
Silence sometimes speaks louder than words, especially when one is not permitted to speak an oppositional view.
If you don't know what I'm referring to please open a new window and do some research. You should keep in mind the proven efficacy of social media and know that it's been completely shut down at this point. More State controlled silence.
Families are being gassed out of their homes and then beaten in the streets when they flee.People are being shot point blank with tear gas canisters and a number of people have lost their eyes and/or been permanently blinded. Unarmed civilians, tourists, and protesters alike are receiving direct blasts from water cannons - the force of which can render one unconscious. This information is easily ascertainable. The US and the EU have both condemned Turkey's actions.
Please pay attention. Be aware of what is happening in the world at large, not just your region. The Arab Spring is far from over.
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