Charlie Rose Season 19 Episode 94 Ahmet Davutoglu, A Discussion About Turkey

Ahmet Davutoglu, a former Turkish Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and academic, sits down with Charlie Rose in this episode of his talk show to discuss current affairs in Turkey. In the wake of the failed coup attempt in July 2016, Turkey has faced international scrutiny and criticism over its response and alleged human rights abuses. Davutoglu defends Turkey's actions, stating that it was a matter of national security and that there was no other alternative. He argues that the coup was carried out by a small but powerful group within the military who were loyal to Fethullah Gulen, an exiled Islamic cleric living in the US whom the Turkish government has accused of orchestrating the coup.

Davutoglu addresses the difficulties that Turkey is facing both domestically and internationally, including terrorism threats, the Syrian conflict, and strained relationships with western countries such as the US and EU. He emphasizes the importance of respecting the sovereignty and independence of Turkey, and criticized those who have interfered in its internal affairs. He explains that Turkey is a key player in the region and that it has taken on more than its fair share of refugees from the Syrian conflict, which has put a significant strain on its resources.

The conversation then shifts to the recent referendum in Turkey which granted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan more powers. Davutoglu explains that the referendum was not about Erdogan's individual power but rather about addressing structural deficiencies in the Turkish political system. He defends the changes, stating that they were necessary to ensure political stability and that they were not a step towards authoritarianism. He contends that the opposition has exaggerated the significance of the referendum and that they should work within the system to effect change.

Throughout the interview, Davutoglu paints a picture of Turkey as a strong and stable country that is facing significant challenges but is well-equipped to handle them. He speaks passionately about the importance of democracy, rule of law and human rights in Turkey, and argues that these values are being upheld despite criticisms from the international community. He also highlights the contributions that Turkey has made to the global community, including its role in NATO and as a mediator in regional conflicts.

Overall, this episode of Charlie Rose provides an insightful look into the current state of affairs in Turkey and the challenges faced by the Turkish government. Davutoglu's viewpoints offer a unique perspective on the issues at hand, and his discussion with Charlie Rose is engaging and informative. For those interested in understanding the complexities of Turkish politics and its role on the international stage, this episode is a must-watch.