The alleged kidnapping of Venezuelan leader Maduro by US forces shocked Turkey as well as the rest of the world. Then, a Greek lawyer posted a staged photo of Maduro, making it look like he had been kidnapped by US troops, which drew the reaction of many. This was followed by statements from some politicians, one after the other, emphasizing the importance of national unity and solidarity. In these statements, they talked about the ambitions against Turkey, colonialist countries and emphasized the need for unity against them. So far, everything is fine.
It is certain that such rhetoric resonates well with the public, and that it increases the legitimacy of those who use these expressions by giving them a kind of “statesman” praise. However, there is an important detail here: What weakens national unity in a country? Poverty, injustice in income distribution and lawlessness. If a section of the population believes that the law is unfair to them, it is the government that should address this problem. However, there does not seem to be any self-criticism from the government on this issue.
The real problem lies elsewhere. For years in Turkey, human rights demands, especially those of minority groups, have been characterized by the ruling powers as “the game of foreign powers” or as collaboration with them. Those who defended these demands were accused of carrying out a “fifth column activity”.
If the opposition engages in a nationalist competition with the government and constantly voices discourses such as “We must be one, the world is against us; we are one, they are all of them”, this may eventually strengthen the attitude of pro-government nationalist circles against minority and human rights demands. In such a situation, the superiority of discourse shifts to the government, while the opposition becomes timid. However, the main actor that should strengthen national unity in the country is the government. The opposition, on the other hand, should not hesitate to criticize under all circumstances. A proper opposition in the most difficult times is the greatest service to the homeland.
Many years ago, on the anniversary of the Sarıkamış Disaster, I heard an interview with elderly people living in the region where the incident took place. Just before Enver Pasha attempted to cross the Allahuekber Mountains in winter conditions, a villager boldly said, “Pasha, it is impassable in this weather”. However, before the pasha even had a chance to respond, other villagers accused him of indiscretion and beat him up, saying, “Are you giving advice to the great pasha?” In the end, Enver Pasha probably would not listen to that villager again, but history proved him right.
The opposition has to be the one who was called “indiscreet” that day and beaten by his own villagers. There is no point in lamenting afterwards. Yes, national unity is important; yes, there are countries hostile to Turkey. However, just as no one can do the damage that one person can do to himself, a country's greatest enemy is often itself. At the end of the day, rhetoric of national unity that is not crowned with democracy turns into a mere tool of hamasas in the hands of the government.