It was popular to dwell on the thesis “why is there so much bloodshed in the realm of Islam” during the Cold War period. Muslim countries, which were turned into the frontlines of the competing global blocs, would be strengthened militarily while their economies were kept in a fragile state and societal ties were weakened as much as possible. There were serious repercussions in the event of these countries -- that were kept on their feet in the shape of individual garrison states -- showing the slightest dissent.

The Muslim citizens of these countries, mobilized to serve Western dominion, were held responsible for the bloodshed that resulted from being a “frontline country.” All the violence and bloodshed was blamed on the Muslim identity and Islam.

With the end of the Cold War, the theory of two global poles also collapsed and a restructuring based on multiple poles of power began. The popular thesis of “the blood-drenched borders of Islam” changed at this stage and moved into the very heart of the Muslim world. Violence and clashes were transferred from the borders to the interior of Muslim regions. They were transferred to almost all nation states. We were faced with sectarian conflicts that had been added to domestic ethnic clashes.

The favorite slogan of this period was: “Islam will be in conflict within its own confines.”

Everything was reconfigured based on this great shift. It included security strategies, the redrawing of maps, occupations, scenarios for civil wars, activities of countless organizations that were formed and financed, and the threat perceptions of countries in the Muslim region. Given that Muslims could not be kept under control in the 21st century, the next best thing was to force them to spend the century fighting amongst themselves and spiting each other.

This century commenced in this manner in South Asia, Northern Africa, Central Africa and particularly in the Mesopotamian basin. Flames engulfed every corner of the region they defined as “region of chaos” and “fault line.” This demolition project was one to ignite a world war in which regions under Islam would be left in medieval ruins. A scenario similar to WW I was being implemented.

The same shortsightedness, the same betrayal…

Turkey, a remnant of the Ottoman political authority, took a stand after waking from a 100-year-long slumber. Unfortunately, other regional countries didn’t resist against the strategy being imposed from without, weren’t able to comprehend it, or based on their own internal calculations, impeded this great project by Turkey.

They became victims of the game. They have fallen into the trap and cannot be rescued. Perhaps 10 or 20 years from now, we will see that many of these countries have been divided up, some states even abolished, and mini states set up in their stead. The regimes in the region dragged these countries into the trap, making a mockery of the understanding and knowledge of the masses. They even went a step further and took up roles in the implementation of the strategy in question, and are bearing the burden for the wars of others.

Those same people who believed it when British imperialism promised them paradise during WW I, now, with the same blindness, believe that the United States and its allies will save their future!

The blindness remains the same, the betrayal remains the same, and the wretched thoughts remain the same.

Turkey has displayed a determined stance in its efforts to shut the chapter pertaining to the 20th century. It didn’t seek to do this just for itself, but also for societies and countries in its environs. It literally issued a historic call. It presented to our region its 1,000-year past within today’s context. In fact, this was a challenge to settle accounts left over from the 20th century and WW I. Turkey was aware that this challenge would require dealing with the power bases considered as those that laid the founding blocks of the region, and the turning upside down of the theses of creating divisions and creating a disconnect, which have been implemented for the last 100 years. 

That is why it proposed a scheme of partnership and regional stability starting from countries in the South and extending to North Africa. It expended a lot of effort toward this. However, this project stalled or perhaps was brought to a standstill via the Arab Spring. It might have even been rendered pointless. The region was once again torn to shreds. Trust amongst countries was shaken. Regimes governed by tutelage stole the dreams of the masses and countries.

This challenge issued by Turkey even had its own allies worried. They started to generate currents impeding Turkey, and began implementing projects that would limit its horizons and its path forward. No ugly action was left untried domestically in their efforts toward taking the country back to the past and the recreation of an administration under tutelage. They tried to make use of the traditional opposition and failed. They tried to bring together those on the fringes under one umbrella and failed. Most recently they tried it with a conservative circle but failed again. They didn’t succeed in purging the architects and leaders of the great change.  

Now they are trying two new things. One is trying to choke Turkey’s environs and the other is to once again create division and a disconnect domestically.

Just like they replaced their thesis of “the blood-drenched borders of Islam” with that of “Islam will be in conflict within its own confines”… they first transformed Turkey’s southern borders into a place filled with bloodshed, and as a continuation of that are now attempting to drag this bloodshed into the country and our homes.

This is what is occurring under the pretext of events in Kobane. As our borders and areas just across the border are being turned into conflict zones, clashes and violence are being brought into our homes via the HDP-KCK. (Peoples’ Democratic Party-Kurdish Communities Union). Some people are trying to strike Turkey both internally and externally. The anti-Turkey campaign being carried out across the globe by circles belonging to the “parallel structure” is just the seasoning added to all this.

The future of this region depends on Turkey’s solidarity with both Kurds and Arabs. The strength and energy to issue a challenge to the world will stem from this solidarity. Turkey should never get involved in a conflict with the Kurds or Arabs. However, currently it is being presented as a choice of “you will either prefer the Kurds or the Arabs.” This is where the danger lies. The danger started when the Kurds and Arabs were pitted against one another over Kobane. They tried to draw Turkey into a trap with this conflict. Those that wanted to bring the bloodshed into our homes, looked to use this scenario to destroy the reconciliation process and also place Turkey – simultaneously benefitting Iran’s interests -- in opposition to the Arab world.

It was an excellent strategy to be honest. But Turkey didn’t fall for it. Because it didn’t fall for it, they are now trying to punish Turkey by exporting the ugliest form of the violence being experienced in Syria and Iraq to Turkey. 

The reconciliation process is one that might succeed once in a century, and is a project that is proceeding well and sets a rare example for the region. The future of Turkey and that of the Kurds rests on this project. It is the project most feared by those with a tradition of tutelage.   

Be true to yourselves and be alert to those that are bringing violence to our borders and into our homes. Be aware that those exerting efforts toward these things and taking up a role in it, have adopted the same mission as the primitive regimes of the region.