Failure of coup marks Turkey’s departure from 3rd World

By Ahmed Yousef

DOHA (AA) – Last week’s failed coup bid in Turkey, which was "put down by the steadfastness of the Turkish people", has brought Turkey out of a period of "military dominance" into one of "genuine democracy", Qatari intellectual Jassim Sultan said Wednesday.

"Turkey will soon return to the regional scene -- stronger than ever -- once it arranges its internal affairs," Sultan said in exclusive comments to Anadolu Agency.

"Turkey, with its newly-appointed prime minister, Binali Yildrim, has embraced a positive foreign policy by which it will achieve its objectives," he said.

"One of the most critical lessons to be drawn [from the coup bid] was the example set by the Turkish people who safeguarded their democracy," Sultan added.

The ultimate failure of the coup, he asserted, "is proof that Turkey and the Turkish people have left the Third World -- which is characterized by the dominance of the military -- and entered the realm of democracy, where the will of the people holds sway".

Sultan went on to urge Muslim youth to study -- and draw inspiration from -- the Turkish democratic experience.

At least 246 people, including civilians and security personnel, were martyred -- and nearly 1,500 others injured -- during last week’s failed attempt to overthrow Turkey’s elected government.

The coup attempt is believed to have been orchestrated by followers of U.S.-based cleric Fetullah Gulen, who has been accused of infiltrating Turkey’s vital state institutions with the aim of creating a "parallel state".