ely sidelining the military's political influence , Erdogan went after other centers of power: media, business leaders and civil society; now, the Gulenists, a strong, EFTA00676546 politically effective community. The prime minister has exploited crises — whether real or manufactured — to undermine th

ely sidelining the military's political influence , Erdogan went after other centers of power: media, business leaders and civil society; now, the Gulenists, a strong, politically effective community. The prime minister has exploited crises — whether real or manufactured — to undermine the rule of law.

s, it seems very likely that more officers will be released soon. In his victory speech on March 30, Erdogan said that he had been naïve to let the Gulenists move into important positions. It's true that over time, as Gulen's followers grew more powerful, they sought to exert a more direct say in the gov

the polls may be, Erdogan has been hurt. He has also revived the opposition, who are likely to increase their vote tallies with the support of the Gulenists. Erdogan will get lower numbers, but beyond that it is hard to predict, particularly the all-important cities of Istanbul and Ankara, the bastions

of the military. About 18,000 people have been detained or arrested. Now local branches of the AK Party have been told to begin a purge of suspected Gulenists in their ranks. Mr Gulen had been a close ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan until a bitter split between his movement and the party of the presi