International Peace Against Terrorism

Muge Sokmen, the manager of the Metis Publishing house and a member of the International Penal Court working group for Iraq, drew attention to the dangers that could be faced by peace activists, as she talked about the attacks in Istanbul:

"The attacks will push Turkey toward the center and draw it closer to the United States of America (USA). With these attacks, they are trying to make people insecure and to push them to look for security and shelter. This would hurt the democratization process and peace in Turkey."

Terror by the state

Sokmen opposed setting up hasty connections while looking for those responsible of the attacks. She also criticized statements by the government officials who said, "We were left alone in our fight against terrorism. Now, everyone saw that we were right."

"These comments are very unjust and shortcut. Turkey should not use these attacks as an excuse to delay its democratization process," said Sokmen. According to her, "one has to correctly define terrorism to be able to start fighting against terrorism":

"If you overlook terror created by the state, if you don't define as terrorism a war which began despite international opposition and protests, you will not be able to fight terrorism," said Sokmen. "Terrorism committed by states in every part of the world and in Turkey's face, is the harshest kind of terrorism."

International stability and peace first

Sokmen emphasized the need to maintain international stability and peace in order to be able to wipe out terrorism:

"Who formed al-Qaida?" According to some claims; it's CIA. Did we work enough as opposed to the U.S. efforts against terrorism? If government were as active as their citizens in trying to restrain the U.S., would the world be in such a bad situation right now?

Sokmen also opposed the government officials who claim, "a new period in fight against terrorism has begun." She continued with her questions:

"Was the world in peace when everyone overlooked things happening in Palestine? People in Lebanon, South America, Palestine go through such pain everyday. Did terrorism suddenly fill the world after we were hit? The world is already filled with terrorism created by states that ignore international agreements and conscience. Will terrorism stop when al-Qaida is silenced?"

asked Sokmen.

"Each government should first look at its own mistakes"

"Each government should first look at its own mistakes before looking for certain terrorist groups," said Sokmen. She drew attention to the role and responsibility of governments in the increase in terrorism and violence.

"I think that the oppressive governments that ignore international law, human conscience and protests, and the use of wars and attacks by such governments, have played a very big role in terrorism; which in turn hit them."

"For example, the U.S. must get out of Iraq. Turkey should review its policies. International pressure should be imposed on Israel...Before these are done, the world and Turkey cannot escape from terrorism," said Sokmen.

Sokmen said the increase in enmity and anger could threaten the peace activists' fight against armed forces. She repeated her call on the peace activists:

"Let's not lose our serenity. Let's not lose our sense of security, our independence and our quest for a new way and democracy. Everyone should raise their voices against weapons, for democracy, freedom and rights. We may find a way out if we seek less state security, more human security," she added. (BB/EA)