from the NYT site
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7:13 pm ETJul 15, 2016Fri Jul 15 2016 19:13:22 GMT-0600 (MDT)
Niraj Chokshi
Obama and Kerry Back Turkish Government
President Obama spoke by phone with Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday night, the White House said in a statement.
“The president and secretary agreed that all parties in Turkey should support the democratically-elected government of Turkey, show restraint, and avoid any violence or bloodshed,” the statement read. “The secretary underscored that the State Department will continue to focus on the safety and security of U.S. citizens in Turkey. The president asked the secretary to continue to keep him updated as the situation unfolds.”
6:55 pm ETJul 15, 2016Fri Jul 15 2016 18:55:07 GMT-0600 (MDT)
Niraj Chokshi
Ex-Prime Minister: Successful Coup Could Destabilize Region
Photo
Protesters tried to stop tanks in Ankara on Friday.Credit Burhan Ozbilici/Associated Press
In an interview with Al Jazeera English, former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu warned that a successful coup could destabilize the region.
“Stability of Turkey means stability of many other countries, and the stability of Turkey means the stability of a safe haven of millions of refugees,” Mr. Davutoglu said. “If it is harmed, the domino effect cannot be prevented.”
Mr. Davutoglu repeatedly suggested that the coup was being led merely by a “clique” in the military and said he expected the coup to fail.
“Throughout my life we have seen many attempts by these types of cliques in the army,” he said. “They were not able to succeed for a long time and, after so many years, I am sure we will protect our dignity, our democracy.”
6:52 pm ETJul 15, 2016Fri Jul 15 2016 18:52:01 GMT-0600 (MDT)
Christopher Mele
Who Is Fethullah Gulen, and What Is His Role?
Photo
Fethullah Gulen, at home in Pennsylvania in 2014.Credit Selahattin Sevi/Zaman Daily News, via European Pressphoto Agency
The president of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, blamed the coup attempt on the work of followers of Fethullah Gulen, an Islamic preacher who lives in exile in Pennsylvania, and who once was an ally of Mr. Erdogan.
Mr. Gulen has for years lived as a recluse at the Golden Generation Worship and Retreat Center, a compound in Saylorsburg, in the Poconos in Pennsylvania.
Turkey Feels Sway of Reclusive Cleric in the U.S.
By DAN BILEFSKY and SEBNEM ARSU
Fethullah Gulen has long advocated a moderate, tolerant brand of Islam, but critics say his movement is persecuting opponents and working toward a conservative Islamic Turkey.
His group,
Alliance for Shared Values, had not commented on the coup as of Friday evening. The group describes itself as “an umbrella nonprofit organization serving as a voice for civic, culture and service organizations” across the country.
His movement promotes a version of Islam that embraces science, education and interfaith dialogue, which has earned him millions of followers but also drawn the suspicion of many in Turkey’s secular establishment.
His movement has been feared by some for its ability to mobilize considerable resources and for its influence among decision-makers."
