Last week, Türkiye’s agenda was mainly busy with three things.
The reactions from the government to the oath of the lieutenants at the Military Academy graduation ceremony topped the agenda.
Another topic was Türkiye’s participation in the Arab League meeting after 13 years.
Lastly, the shoot-down of a Turkish UAV in Iraq was another important development.
The oath of the lieutenants
Debates continue over the drawing swords oath of the lieutenants at the Military Academy graduation ceremony. During the oath, the lieutenants chanted the slogan “We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk”.
Initially, the government side welcomed and supported the oath. However, a week later, its stance changed, and President Erdoğan condemned the act of the lieutenants at his speech during the Imam Hatip Schools Congress:
“Who are you drawing your swords at? All necessary investigations regarding this are being carried out. A few ignorant ones there will be removed. No matter how many there are, they will not remain in our army.”
Erdoğan also referred to the three female lieutenants who had graduated top of their classes:
“How were they manipulated into this?”
Journalist Nedim Şener from Hürriyet newspaper suggested that the oath of the lieutenants might have been a planned act. Şener emphasized that the lieutenants can’t take such an action without the approval or guidance of their commander.
According to claims, the Ministry of National Defense and the National Intelligence Organization have started investigating the background of the event. The investigation is focusing not on the content of the act, but on whether the students were directed to take such an action.
The leader of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the main partner of the ruling AKP, Devlet Bahçeli, made a statement, saying:
“The first question to ask is: What is the purpose of this oath, and who decided on it? Where does the need for such an oath come from after the official oath took place? How can we guarantee that this division in oaths will not cause discord within the Turkish Armed Forces or in the defense of the country in the future? No one should exploit the sacred memories and works of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk for polarization.”
The main opposition party Republican People’s Party (CHP) also made a statement. CHP chairman Özgür Özel said:
“For the government, it is suspicious to stay silent for eight days and then react like this. I condemn the use of newly graduated lieutenants, who are embracing their eternal commander Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, for political calculations. You cannot sacrifice the future of these bright young people for your divisive political agenda. This is neither moral nor conscientious. Our people will neither forget nor forgive this. Stop it!”
Doğu Perinçek, leader of the Vatan Party, also made a statement:
“We will remain firm in our policy for the unity and solidarity of our state, our nation, our government and our army.
The lieutenants openly expressed that they drew their swords against imperialism during the oath ceremony.
The resentment of some AKP members and some residues of the Sultanate against the Turkish Army is very dangerous. This resentment has its historical roots in supporting the Sultanate and opposing the Republic. (…) At a time when Türkiye faces serious military threats, the Army is our main guarantee. The lieutenants have passionately demonstrated that they represent this guarantee with determination and sacrifice.
At the beginning, the AKP government evaluated the oath with an understanding befitting patriotism. But now it is seen that the President is being manipulated by the US supporters who have resentment against the Army.
Targeting the Army would create serious vulnerabilities in our security.”
The Ministry of National Defense announced that the investigation regarding the lieutenants’ oath is ongoing.
Türkiye at the Arab League meeting after 13 years
For the first time in 13 years, Türkiye participated in the Arab League Council of Foreign Ministers meeting. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan represented Türkiye in the meeting.
Syria’s approval of Türkiye’s participation was worth attention, although there were media reports that the Syrian delegation left the meeting hall while Fidan was speaking.
In his speech, Fidan addressed the Palestine issue and said, “We will not resume trade with Israel unless they accept a ceasefire and provide unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza”. Fidan added:
“The international system has failed to prevent genocide in Palestine. It is time for unity and solidarity to defend our dignity. We can never accept that the lives of Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims are less valuable than others. The unprecedented collective punishment of the besieged people in Gaza is now spreading to the West Bank. Israel is exploiting the current situation and taking advantage of divisions. Arab countries, Muslim nations or Palestinian groups must unite. Only then can we stop this barbaric war machine.”
Fidan also mentioned his visit at the Rafah Border Crossing:
“Last month, I visited the Rafah Border Crossing to raise awareness on this issue of humanitarian aid. I personally witnessed how well-organized our Egyptian friends are working. I thank them once again for their efforts.”
Türkiye’s UAV shot down in Iraq
Reuters, citing two unnamed Iraqi police sources, reported that a Turkish UAV was shot down by the Iraqi Air Force.
An Iraqi army colonel speaking to Reuters confirmed that the initial examination of the wreckage indicated the UAV belongs to Türkiye. Iraqi police sources noted that the drone fell in central Kirkuk and caused fires in some houses.
Abdulsalam Hamoudi Ramadan, Deputy Commander of Iraq’s Air Defense Forces, told the media “A Turkish drone entering Iraqi airspace was shot down”. He said that the drone entered Kirkuk from the direction of Sulaymaniyah.
Following confirmation of the UAV by the Deputy Commander Abdulsalam Hamoudi Ramadan, Ankara responded immediately.
Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli made a statement on social media:
“The Iraqi Joint Operations Command issued a statement regarding today’s incident in Kirkuk. Coordination with Iraqi authorities has been established to fully clarify the details. Türkiye remains committed to its fight against terrorism. Türkiye continues its operations against terrorist organizations entrenched in Iraqi territory based on the right to self-defense enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. Türkiye and Iraq share a strong and growing commitment to fight terrorism together. The recent developments, including Iraq’s designation of the PKK as a ‘banned organization’ and the signing of the ‘Memorandum of Understanding on Military and Security Cooperation and Counter-Terrorism’ on August 15 in Ankara, are the outcomes of this joint commitment. Both countries are determined to gain tangible results from this cooperation and to improve coordination between their authorities.”
The Iraqi Joint Operations Command announced that a technical working group was established to investigate the incident.