Counter-Terrorism Issue in the U.S. and Turkey's Policies (From Understanding and Responding to the Terrorism Phenomenon: A Multi-Dimensional Perspective, P 394-409, 2007, Ozgur Nikbay and Suleyman Hancerli, eds. -- See NCJ-225118)

• NCJ Number: 225150
• Author(s): Murat Gunbeyi; Tarkan Gundogdu
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: IOS Press
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Description
• Language: English
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

This paper describes and compares the counterterrorism policies of the United States and Turkey, with attention to the use of intelligence, the importance and impact of the media on terrorism policies, the use of military tribunals, torture issues, and the use of the military.

Abstract

Both the United States and Turkey have committed to effective intelligence networks in the detection of terrorists’ pre-attack planning and the identification of individuals with terrorist associations. Also, in both Turkey and the United States, the media operate under a democracy that allows the press freedom to investigate and report on events without government control. A responsible media, however, can support government counterterrorism policy by showing terrorists’ brutality and disregard for human life and human rights. The media can also educate the public about terrorist tactics and ways in which the government and public safety agencies are acting to improve security against terrorist attack. Regarding the use of military tribunals in dealing with persons charged with terrorist acts, since September 11 the Bush administration has favored this policy as the most efficient means of dealing with terrorists, because they are not bound by procedures followed in civilian courts. This paper presents arguments for and against the use of military tribunals as counterterrorism policy. Regarding torture, Turkish law requires that all prisoners be admitted to hospitals for examination; and all detainees have access to attorneys, who can easily obtain clients’ medical records, regardless of the charged crime. The United States, on the other hand, appears reluctant to provide transparency on the treatment of prisoners charged with terrorist crimes. Regarding the use of the military in combating terrorism, the United States is much more likely than Turkey to use the military in mounting major attacks on foreign territories perceived as supporting or harboring terrorists. 53 references