Speaking at the 34th Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC) in Istanbul, President Erdogan gave important messages from regional unity in the Muslim word to reform in the United Nations.

Emphasizing the importance of cooperation, Erdogan highlighted the importance of regional unity among Muslim countries and stated, “The more we boost our trade among COMCEC members, the stronger we will be.”

More, President Erdogan touched upon the current protectionist policies pursued by government leaders, which can eventually push forward global trade wars. In an extraordinary comment reflecting on the U.S.-imposed trade war and the hegemony of the U.S. dollar in the global economy, Erdogan stated, “In order to break the shackles of imperialism, it is of critical importance to use local currencies in trade amongst ourselves.” This remark is expected to have a triggering effect on trade relations among countries that have suffered from the hegemony of the U.S. dollar in the global market.

In addition to hegemony in global trade, Erdogan also touched upon the “dirty games” pursued by some in the international system in order to set Muslims against each other. He also added, “We should no longer fall into the traps set up by those who act with the logic that a drop of petrol is more valuable than a drop of blood.”

Reforming the UN and war in the Middle East

Before commenting on the current humanitarian situations in Palestine, Syria, and Yemen, President Erdogan re-emphasized his call that urgent reform is required in the United Nations. Known for his motto “the world is bigger than five,” Erdogan called for all members of the UN to have a seat on the Security Council by stating, “All members of the UN must be entitled to be permanent members.”

Moving on to the Middle East, Erdogan argued that the scheme of ‘Great War’ is the reason behind the civil wars, crises, and conflicts in the Muslim world. Criticizing U.S. policies, President Erdogan added that “We will oppose the creation of any new “terror states” in our region by the pretext of Daesh.”

Commenting on terror in the global sense and the unresolved conflict in Syria, President Erdogan said, “We will put things in order in the Syrian conflict, not others. From Berlin to Paris and Brussels to Moscow, we will oppose the murder of innocents by terrorists. We will encourage our citizens to visit Jerusalem and prevent occupiers to turn off the candles of Jerusalem. We will be the first ones to say no to terrorist organizations like FETO, the PKK, and Al-Qaeda, and will not allow them to darken our future. We will increase our voice against oppression and injustice before anyone else.”

*Written by Selahattin Emre Celebi 

On December 6, 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and stated that the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv will be moved to the Holy City. While Trump originally stated that this move would occur in the space of two years, the official opening of the U.S. embassy occurred yesterday.

In the immediate aftermath of the decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the matter was convened to the United Nations General Assembly with the leadership of Turkey, on the basis that this move was against UN Security Council resolutions and was a matter that would lead to more conflict in the region.

Despite calls from leaders across the world, including U.S. allies in Europe, the Trump administration decided to ignore these calls, and went so far to threaten UN states that the U.S. will stop “funding” countries that will vote against them. Apart from threatening member states at the General Assembly, in response to Palestinians who pulled back from the negotiating table and stated that the U.S. had no room in the “peace process,” the U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, stated, “The President has basically said he doesn’t want to give any additional funding, or stop funding, until the Palestinians agree to come back to the negotiation table.”

U.S. opens new embassy

Despite all the chaos caused and the protests that occurred worldwide against the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the Trump administration officially opened their new embassy in the city.

Both Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, arrived for the opening of the embassy on Monday 13 May. President Trump himself was not there.

During the opening of the ceremony, protests broke out across Gaza. 58 protesters have been killed and 2,700 have been injured. While the Israeli security forces have maintained their excessive use of force, 14 May, 2018, can be described as the bloodiest single day for Palestinians since 2014.

While this bloodshed drew calls for restraint from some countries, including France and the U.K., Turkey called it a “massacre,” and declared a three day national mourn.

Nakba

15 May, 1948, also known as “Nakba Day” or the “Catastrophe” marks the day of the displacement of Palestinians when the Israeli state was founded.

Protests will apparently increase all across the world with the commemoration of the Nakba, and the ongoing violence utilized by the Israeli government.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for an emergency OIC meeting and there will be a mass gathering on Friday at Yenikapi in protest of the terror committed by the Israeli state.

In response to US President Donald Trump’s “recognition” of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, Turkish President Erdogan – also acting as the Chair of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation – called for members of the OIC to gather in Istanbul.

During the OIC Jerusalem Meeting, which was held in Istanbul on 13 December, the Turkish President condemned Trump’s decision and claimed this move as a “violation against the historical dignity of Jerusalem.”

Making reference to the unjust systematic regulations of the UN, before proceeding in his speech, Erdogan underlined that while this move was against international law, the US has the power to veto any resolution made by the UN Security Council.

Thanking countries, and the Pope, who retained their support to such a decision, Erdogan stated that “Trump’s decision has only been supported by Israel, which is occupying Jerusalem.”

While underlining that the US decision has only shot dead a so-called “peace process,” the Turkish President presented OIC member states a graphical representation of how the Israeli occupation in Palestine has been growing since 1947.

During various reports from the protests that broke out across the occupied lands, Erdogan made reference to the 14-year-old Fawzi al-Juneidi, who was blindfolded, surrounded by around 20 Israeli soldiers and taken into custody.

Showing member states a picture of Juneidi, Erdogan stated: “In addition to being an occupation state, Israel is a terror state.”

While it is rare for any head of state to call Israel an “occupying” power, let alone “terror state,” Erdogan, referring to the case of Juneidi, asked “How can I not say this, if this is not terror, or occupation, then what is this?”

Listing the crimes committed by the Israeli government, including the increasing illegal settlements, the Turkish President stated “Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel does nothing but award Israel for its occupation policies.”

World doesn’t turn around the US

Referencing that the UN currently has 196 members, the Turkish President further criticized the US administration for assuming that they can make such a decision on their own.

“The UN has 196 members, and the remaining 195 members will react to this decision [to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.]”

“As the US you may be a strong country, you may have nuclear missiles, planes and weapons, but this does not mean that you are strong. You’re only strong if you’re right. If you’re not right, you can never be strong.”

Criticizing Trump for his decision, Erdogan also reminded OIC members that the US has been supporting another terrorist organization in the Middle East – the YPG/PYD – which form the Syrian wing of the PKK – a terrorist organization according to Turkey, the US and European Union.

Meanwhile, Erdogan highlighted that “other issues in the region will not make us forget Palestine” and that “Without finding affair and sustainable solution to the Palestine issue, we cannot talk about peace and stability in the region.”

Acknowledging that Jerusalem is sacred for all three religions – Islam, Christianity and Judaism – President Erdogan repeatedly emphasized that the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock and the 144 hectares of land in its surroundings belong to the Muslim world.

Finally, before finishing his speech, President Erdogan reminded the Palestinian political sections in occupied Palestine to “solve their problems within themselves and act in unity against this test,” claiming that Palestinian unity has become a “must for them.”

To finish off his words, Erdogan reminded the audience of the words of Selahaddin Eyubbi – the conqueror of Jerusalem: “Those that fight with their friends, cannot beat their enemies.”

No room for US in peace process

Echoing comments made by President Erdogan, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also insisted that Jerusalem be recognized as the capital of Palestine.

In recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the US clearly demonstrated its color, which is why Abbas stated “We will never allow the US a role in future peace processes.”

Abbas added that the Palestinians “did not want American mediation anymore.”

The Palestinian president, underlining that Jerusalem “is and will always be the capital of Palestine,” stated that “Peace will not come unless Jerusalem is recognized as Palestine’s capital.”

OIC Secretary General Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen also reiterated his call on countries which do not recognize Palestine as a sovereign state to do so.

The OIC final Istanbul communique declared that the bloc recognizes Palestine as a sovereign state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

While the Muslim world is simmering with the recent announcement of President Trump concerning Jerusalem being the capital of Israel, Arab Gulf states have reportedly been directing their citizens not to participate in any activities with regard to Jerusalem. It’s also reported that the regimes have ordered their media to defuse the Jerusalem issue in their news coverage.

According to a report by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed on December 8, Saudi Arabia ordered its media ‘to limit coverage’ on Trump’s decision on Jerusalem.

Media outlets – bosses of newspapers, television and radio stations – were told not to focus “too much attention” on Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, sources have said.

Under the condition of anonymity, the sources added that the directive ordered the media to “take aim at Iran and other regional countries” instead.

Prior, the kingdom’s most senior religious body, the Supreme Council of Islamic Scholars had released a statement “confirming the great status of Jerusalem.”

This statement focusing on Jerusalem’s religious importance was perceived as disappointing, as it lacked criticism of Trump’s decision and its outcome.

Saudi Arabia had also drawn attention last Thursday when Yisrael Katz – Israeli Minister of Intelligence – speaking to Channel 10, suggested that Trump received a “green light” from Arab leaders before making the controversial decision.

Katz claimed that the US administration was in contact with Arab leaders to ensure their help to contain Palestinian and Arab reaction.

On the objects of Saudi Arabia, Katz underlined that Riyadh has “shared security interests with Israel,” especially on their common foe Iran.

Saudis and Bahrainis urged to stay away from protests

In addition, the Saudi and Bahraini embassies in Jordan warned their citizens against participating in the protests and demonstrations organized against Trump’s decision.

“The embassy calls upon its citizens living in Jordan and its students studying in Jordanian universities to stay away from places of public gatherings and protests in order to protect their safety,” the Saudi embassy in Amman wrote on its official Twitter page.

Citizens were “urged […] to completely avoid areas of public gatherings and protests,” the Bahraini embassy in Amman announced on their official website.

There have been mass protests to condemn President Trump’s decision in countries from all over the world, from the US to Indonesia.

Even in war torn Syria and Yemen, people stood in solidarity with Palestinians and gathered in protests and demonstrations.

In the Gulf countries Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, there were no major protests and their reaction was limited to official statements given by the heads of states.

Protests in Jerusalem continue

In protests that started on Friday after Hamas called for a “day of rage,” two Palestinians were killed and 98 were wounded in clashes with Israeli security forces in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

About 3,000 people demonstrated around the West Bank, including in the cities of Ramallah, Hebron, Tul Karem and Nublus.

Israeli forces responded with live fire, rubber bullets and tear gas. Twenty-eight protesters were arrested.

Among the protestors about hundreds of Palestinians were wounded by rubber bullets, live fire and dozens were treated for tear-gas inhalation, the Palestinian Red Crescent reported.

After tens of thousands of Muslims attended Friday prayers in Al-Aqsa Mosque, a number of protesters have been arrested.

On Thursday, a 16-year old Palestinian boy was detained in the occupied West Bank’s Hebron while going to buy supplies for his family.

“They slammed him to the ground, put their boots on his body and blindfolded him before taking him into custody,” said Wesam al-Hashlamon, who took the photo of the boy being dragged away blindfolded by dozens of Israeli soldiers.

OIC meeting in Istanbul aims a road map on US decision

Right after Trump’s declaration regarding Jerusalem, Turkish President Erdogan, as the current chairman of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation announced that Turkey will host an extraordinary meeting of the OIC in Istanbul.

At the meeting on December 13, Jerusalem will be on the agenda and leaders will come together to coordinate a response to the decision by the Trump administration.

Erdogan announced that leaders of the OIC member states would adopt a road map on the US decision.

Previously Erdogan had also vowed to urge the OIC to cut ties with Israel.

*Written by Suna Nur Sarihan

It is a difficult but equally vital task for Turkey to fight against this terror organization abroad, considering that FETO members are very skilled in manipulation and deception. They have various tools to manipulate politics and public opinion outside of Turkey. Most people are unaware of their methods of deception. Revealing these methods and informing the countries that host FETO institutions will be a major challenge in the fight against Fetullah Gülen Terror Organization.

From an Education Empire to a Bureaucratic Empire

The FETO network and institutions are spread over more than 140 countries. Their main focus is the education sector, but their activities are not limited to it. Education is often a suitable and legitimate entry point to the countries in which FETO wants to become institutionalized. It concentrates its activities in civil society, targeting Turkish diaspora first and trying to reach the local elite. It continues its activities in the economic and cultural domains.

In the American context, FETO controls the charter schools network and uses US taxpayers’ money to finance these schools. FETO administers more than 150 charter schools in the US and these schools have more than 60,000 students. Some argue that FETO works in close cooperation with the US authorities, especially in Central Asia, where more than 90 percent of Turkish schools are owned by the FETO network. In Central Asia and the Balkan countries, it operates elite education institutions that usually offer strong training in the English language.

FETO has institutions in 42 of the 57 OIC countries and owns more than 2,000 schools all over the world. Its estimated assets reach 25 billion US dollars. Education institutions and well-trained teachers loyal to FETO are among its most important assets. In Germany, FETO owns more than 24 schools and more than 300 associations. The host countries often support or facilitate their education activities. But, in fact, FETO activities are banned in some countries due to security concerns.

FETO also instrumentalizes humanitarian aid with its affiliate NGOs. It tries to form business networks and aims to reach politicians, bureaucrats and other decision makers. It uses cultural and educational activities as the fundamental pillar of its PR campaign. Education, Turkish culture and the alleged Sufi version of “moderate Islam” are the major assets that FETO utilizes for legitimizing its operations in the international arena. It also lobbies business environments and politics but tries to differentiate the political and economic domains from those of culture and religion. Some politicians and religious NGOs in the US receive financial support from FETO. Education is often a useful cover and a source of funding to uphold its clandestine activities. It eventually targets and tries to manipulate elite-level bureaucratic and political posts.

Western Friendly “Moderate Muslims” as Opposed to “Islamic Radicalism”

FETO places special emphasis on PR campaigns in the transnational domain. Its education and “dialogue” activities are the main PR instruments. Inter-faith dialogue provides a platform on which FETO’s religious activities are concentrated. In the non-Muslim majority countries in particular, FETO tries to promote inter-faith and inter-cultural dialogue projects. The moniker of a FETO-affiliated institution gives the impression of a dialogue center promoting a “liberal and pro-dialogue” version of Islam as opposed to a more conservative or extremist version. It tries to portray its understanding of Islam as compatible with Western moral codes and political interests.

In its activities it refrains from presenting itself as solely an Islamic religious network or missionary Islamist network that tries to spread a religious message. It uses the label of hizmet (service) rather than da’wah (preaching of Islam). FETO’s transnational network is flexible, meaning that it tries to adapt to the priorities and needs of the countries in which it wants to become institutionalized.

Transnational Elite Network Par Excellence

FETO is a hierarchical and multilayered organization, ruled under a strict chain of command. In both Turkey and abroad, it targets elite-level students, businessmen, bureaucrats and politicians. It recruits smart students in the countries in which it operates and provides education opportunities in the higher education institutions in Turkey. It tries to form a permanent bond with the selected international student body. Before they were closed, FETO owned 15 universities in Turkey, and was also active in the administration of some state universities. Thousands of international students are educated in these higher education institutions. FETO maintains strong ties with the students educated in these institutions and further turns them into loyal subjects by appointing them to proper positions within the organizational hierarchy.

FETO is a network that concentrates its activities on the elite, rather than focusing on making a difference at the grassroots level. Unlike other traditional religious networks, it is not in the service of ordinary people. Almost all activities related to this organization specifically target the elite or potential elite of different kinds. It tries to reach high-level politicians or to train the people who will become elite bureaucrats or cultural and economic elites in their home countries. Focusing on education brings FETO legitimacy, which also helps it to become connected to the future elite in various countries. The version of education it offers is a modern Western-style education. It lacks almost any Islamic courses in its international curricula, a typical method used to disguise its real purposes. In underdeveloped countries that lack educational infrastructure, the strong education provided by FETO-affiliated institutions makes a big difference. One of the distinctive assets of FETO is the well-educated human resources that are ready to serve in different parts of the world.

The transnational networks of FETO may eventually become a Messianic elite diaspora network that may not only threaten Turkey’s interests but also manipulate the politics of the host countries. The FETO network increasingly recruits local followers from the countries in which it has become organized. Education is the innocent stage of recruitment, but the organization intends to increase its influence in bureaucracy and state apparatus. With its financial resources and educated human capital, it also manages to gain access to politicians and the business elite. Its visible face is in the areas of education and religious and cultural dialogue, but its secret aim is usually to take control of state apparatus and to manipulate the elite. Its members have gained experience of hiding themselves and deceiving people over more than four decades. Now, the main challenge for the Turkish government is to deal with the transnational dimension of FETO. Without the coordination and help of the countries that host FETO institutions, this struggle will be even more challenging. Therefore, diplomacy and international PR should be an important tool used in the struggle against FETO.

The second basic finding regarding the organization’s trade outlook is in fact strongly revealed by the recent drop in export revenues, which reflects the ‘high dependence” of some member countries on oil products. Although there were other contributing factors, including the weak demand worldwide, the steep slump in the group’s economy in 2015 can largely be explained by the collapse in commodity prices. In this regard, understanding the product composition of the group makes substantial sense in order to examine the organization’s economic health.

Global OIC Exports by Products (% Share, 2014, Top 10)

As demonstrated in Graph 2, which shows the shares of the top 10 product categories based on the latest available data, the majority of the OIC goods exported to the world consists of mineral fuels and oils. The remaining goods, on the other hand, exhibit low single-digit shares in the overall portfolio, implying a low diversification (high concentration) problem in the group’s production structure, on average. While petroleum, as the main export, indicates unhealthy product concentration levels in certain member countries, diversification has been achieved only by a limited number of economies including Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Qatar and the UAE.

As it is well known, export diversification aims to enlarge trade portfolios in terms of products and partners. Beyond its contribution to growth, diversification is propounded to serve as a hedge against economic crises and shocks. When the latest product concentration ratio for OIC exports is computed, a relatively high one is found out at the level of 0.35 (on a scale of 0 to 1, where 0 represents the lowest level of concentration).

When it comes to intra-OIC trade, fossil fuel products still take the lead with a share of 29% in 2014, leaving relatively higher portions for the other items in the intra-OIC exports pie. Therefore, while exports within the group itself appear to exhibit better diversification, this rosier outlook emanates only from a few countries mentioned above, which managed to become diversified in the 2000s with a range of manufactured goods. Accordingly, the shares of the diversified countries in the intra-OIC exports were witnessed to go upwards upon the recent commodity collapse. As of 2015, whereas Turkey, Malaysia, the UAE and Qatar led the intra-group exports, the countries with commodity-dependent exports lost significant shares.

Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the undiversified economic profiles of most of the OIC members present an obstacle both to their own economic development and the potential for stronger solidarity in the group. Therefore, developing cooperative efforts to diversify the economic structure of the group turns out to be a significant task. In this sense, OIC countries like Turkey, which have diversified industries, have the potential to perform a critical role in leading investment and technology collaborations within the group. Beyond the sincere political will required, OIC urgently needs to reduce its vulnerabilities and build solid economic structures for a more concrete solidarity.