Another NATO footprint in the Turkish coup

10.08.2016
Turkey

A senior Turkish military, working in NATO structures, has requested political asylum in the United States. This was reported by the world's news agencies.

Accusations

These are being leveled against Turkish Navy Admiral Mustafa Ugurlu, as a few weeks ago Turkey issued a warrant for his arrest. NATO officials suspected of involvement in the coup attempt in the country from the 15th to 16th of July. On July 22nd, he was moved to an undisclosed location which is not part of a military installation. It was then reported that he was assigned to the headquarters of NATO Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virgina.

NATO’s Hand

This episode is further evidence of the involvement of NATO structures in the attempted coup in Turkey. The only reasonable answer would be Turkey's exit from the alliance. However, the powerful pro-NATO lobby is trying to convince President Erdogan that this step is unnecessary, thus making possible a new destabilization of the situation in the country. This is not the first Turkish ranking military person associated with NATO, who sought asylum in the United States. Previously, such a request was made by the commander of the "Incirlik" base,  Bekir Ercan Van. This request was not granted. However, unlike Van Ugurlu, he is in the United States and the US may well refuse to extradite him.

Turkey
USA
Coup in Turkey
NATO