NCJ Number
123231
Journal
Terrorism Volume: 11 Issue: 5 Dated: (1988) Pages: 359-364
Date Published
1988
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Although the Turkish Republic has been a relatively stable and calm country since the military takeover in September 1980, the potential for terrorism and violence remains.
Abstract
Various terrorist groups have gone underground since 1980 and are waiting for the opportunity to renew their activities. Hundreds of suspected terrorists fled to Western Europe and the Middle East and continue to engage in anti-Turkish activities abroad. The terrorist threat to Turkey can be divided into four categories: the domestic terrorist threat from left-wing and right-wing groups, Middle Eastern terrorist groups operating in Turkey, the Kurdish dissidents, and the Armenians. This article reviews the current status of each of these groups, with attention to what their activities might imply for Turkey's future stability. Also, Iran and Turkey's Shi'i Moslem population (about 20 percent) pose a threat to Turkish peace. The Turkish security force and the protective measures taken by the American authorities have kept the terrorist threat to American interests at a low level. The most critical factor for continued calm in Turkey is the health of the economy.