Angry Boys and Moderate Murderers

The events outpace us. Before we can deliberate on Turkish-Israeli deal, Erdogan (HL) caved in under economic pressure and apologized to Russia's Putin which opened the door to restoration of all relations while 3 suicide bombers wreaked havoc in Istanbul Ataturk Airport, killing 44, wounding hundreds.

Amidst all this chaos, many cities that thrive on tourism, especially Antalya,  have been eagerly waiting for the return of the Russian tourists. That, however, may not be possible soon as Russian PM Medvedev pointed out:

"At the height of the tourist season, a relevant topic is the lifting of bans on charter flights and recommendations for Russian tourists not to travel [to Turkey]. Here, it is very important to obtain additional guarantees from the Turkish authorities that effective measures are being taken to ensure the safety of our travelers, especially in light of the recent tragic events in Istanbul."

But is it possible to create a reasonably safe environment for Russians in Turkey any more? The problem is two-fold:

1. Turkey's ruling Islamists have never seen ISIS for what they are and this myopic look has resulted in thousands of sleeping terrorist cells of angry boys. This is ex Foreign Minister Davutoglu, in an interview on news channel NTV in August, 2014:
   
   

   "The structure called ISIL [the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the previous name of the IS], at its core, could be viewed as a terrorist radical group, but people have joined it ... and there are significant numbers of Turkmens, Sunni Arabs, Kurds... we should understand it like this. Previous discontent, anger, discrimination and insults gave birth to a broad reaction."

   
   He blamed the violent behavior of Islamic State (IS) militants on those who excluded Sunni Arabs from society, saying that the marginalization had led to an accumulation of anger.
2. Then, we have the so-called moderate jihadis, who were groomed to fight Syria's Esad. Thousands of young people, Turkish and foreign, have been passively pushed to joining the ranks of these moderate murderers by Erdogan (HL) and company while the national intelligence  agency (MIT) illegaly providing logistics services for them including all kinds of weapons and ammunition. In their delusional state, the Islamist elite dreamed of praying with their Sunni brethren in Umayyad Mosque within a couple of months:
   
   

   "But we will go there in the shortest possible time, if Allah wills it; and embrace our brothers. That day is close. We will pray near the grave of Salahaddin Ayyubi and pray in the Umayyad Mosque. We will pray for our brotherhood freely in Hejaz Railway Station."

   
   Once said ex PM Erdogan, speaking at an extended group meeting of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), held at the party's headquarters in September, 2012. 

Alperenler drafting ceremony

 So, one can never be certain that effective measures will be taken against the angry boys. To make matters worse, no measures can be taken against the moderate murderers at all, they are the local brew of the pub. And both of these groups have been engaging Russians in Syria. Hence, even if the Russian jet had not been shot down, providing safety for Russian tourists day in day out would have been a risky proposition. It certainly is a huge challenge now.

America Confused After Orlando LGBT Attack

The barbaric attack to LGBT community at a bar in Orlando was probably the saddest news of the month. Yet, I resisted the temptation to write about it soon after the incident; later, we often regret what we say in the heat of the moment.

The mass shooting by a so called Muslim lone wolf dazed and confused everybody including the candidates for the president in the USA. Great ideas follow one another from not allowing Muslims into the country to beliefs (religions) should not be judged. As your fellow atheist living in a Muslim country, maybe I can shed some light into this mess.

Is Islam the root of this evil act?

Yes, there is no doubt about it. And it should be criticized and shamed at all platforms, non-stop. Islam should change and it can change.

Should you blame American Muslim communities/immigrants?

Absolutely, no! For two reasons if nothing less:

1. More often than not, they were once victims, as well. They had probably left their home country because of bigotry and oppression. They knew what America was before they arrived and they have been genuinely trying to make peace with American and liberal (if I may say so) values.
2. They are a minority and like all minorities, if they want to exist, they will stretch their values unlike their brothers and sisters living in predominantly Muslim countries. 

So, you have Muslims, mostly immigrants who had witnessed bigotry and oppression first hand and are open to change. Otherwise, how can you explain this photo?

Gay imam performs same-sex marriages

 Where else but USA can you see it, especially in Muslim countries? Don't lose it as this is the heart and soul of America.

My deepest feelings for the LGBT communities who suffered more than enough.