Provocation and Retaliation

I was a fairly decent writer getting ready for bed yesterday when newswires started to inform that the Freedom Flotilla ships were approaching Gaza, next the southwest border of Israel. 6 ships allegedly full of humanitarian aid like supplies, food and daily items accompanied by human rights activists, European Parliament members and journalists.
Live broadcasts from on board the main ship carrying mostly humans and tweets of journalists on board reflected the public opinion at large: Solidarity and willfulness against the inhumane blockade by Israel on Gaza, preventing the civilians in this area from the necessities of survival. 
But behold, on the last broadcast live from the flotilla, Israeli Defense Forces started by attacking the ship by armed commandoes from boats and helicopters and started shooting at activists who refused to be taken in without a fight. As seen on the videos broadcasted by Turkish TV's Israelis answered sticks and knives with live ammunitions and killed at least 9 activists on the spot. Among which there are Turkish and Greek citizens alike. (Still unclear. As reported by June 1st 2010, 3:00 am GMT)
Independent media outlets around the world today, are calling Gaza as the Vietnam of Israel. 
However, this author sees these event from the viewpoint of two separate more important issues than politics or global world balance: 1. Human Rights and 2. Importance of social media in world events.
This event is first and foremost a twofold abuse against human rights by the state of Israel. Going even further I fully acknowledge Israeli claims that Hamas is a source for terrorism on Israeli soil. However Israel herself is playing to the Hamas hand by letting them hide behind the women and children of the strip by heightening the blockade of Gaza. There is one force and only one force that is legitimizing Hamas and that is the no-nonsense politics of a weak and incompetent government in Israel. Israeli media is questioning their competency with solid grounds as written by Reuven Pedatzur of Haaretz: "the inefficiency and the panic that overwhelmed the commandos [attacking the ships], leading to the deaths of so many, raises worrying questions about their skillfulness and operational capability". It shall be the purpose of International community to bring the issue of human rights violations by Israel against Palestinians and human rights activists in and outside of Israel to the attention of masses everywhere. This is not a simple case of attacking civilians (as it became the habit of many governments supposedly fighting against terrorist), but another attempt to move beyond its own territory to perpetrate military action assaulting basic human rights. Israel also violated freedom of speech rights by confiscating all belongings of journalists on the ships including all personal belongings with the only exception of clothing that they were wearing.

The second issue worth mentioning is the rising power of social media in forming public opinion. As soon as the IDF hit the main flotilla ship tweeters all around the world started sharing news and opinions. However @Twitter was sleeping due to time difference and later on public holiday. And their automated filters started to ignore #flotilla trending which in turn turned into wide protests against Twitter. Upon realizing the incident, @Twitter updated its filters and immediately the phrase flotilla was available for trending.
Here we have to stress the significance of freedom of speech. And punctuate the fact that no matter it promotes hate speech and extreme opinion, it is of utmost importance to keep it alive! Yesterday, people on Twitter, all around the world, following news through twits had access to information that no other media can provide: 1. Accessed opinions of people actually living the tragedy live; 2. Informed immediately of the opinions of people who did not simply think like they did.

This is no longer social media, this is modern activism: as a result of the informational surge on Twitter, many Turkish TV's were following the events by newly formed Twitter desks at their news centers, voicing many views that could never be heard before. On the other hand many people creating new twitter accounts, "broadcasted" their opinion through this revolutionary media. 
Provocation and retaliation has different meanings since yesterday. Were the attacking IDF forces provocating the activists? Or were they when they stroked the commandoes with clubs and sticks? Was is retaliation to human rights violations at Gaza when activist ships provoked IDF to find a way to stop them? We shall never decide yet. On political repercussions we need to wait until "the big boys" take action if they ever will. But locally, the actions of self-indulgent states are becoming well known thanks to the new weapons held by human rights activists. Tomorrow will bring new perspectives whether it be when Turkey acting towards Kurds or Israel against Palestinians.

A Guide at Ephesus

A friend was visiting last week. The usual fare is to visit Ephesus. The ruins of the infamous ancient city just a few tens of miles away from Smyrna.
Ephesus was the gem of Ionia until the Byzantian times. Since Hellenistic period she lead in arts, sciences and provided a peaceful living to its citizens as witnessed nowhere else. Her library was unsurpassed and the ruins today perfectly reflect her glory.

Even though it was still May and the weather was awful by the season's standards, Ephesus was full of visitors from all over the world. Japanese flocked together to overload the digital consumption, my fellow Americans were all smiles and courtesy.
(A detailed history of the city can be found here)
Towards the end of our tour we ended up at the big amphitheater. We waited for a large Japanese group to end their visit to the theater and started strolling around.
Then finally another Turkish speaking group arrived in tow of their guide. And thus spoke Zarathustra: the guide was explaining the history of the city, of its Greek roots and Hellenistic achievements throughout the history. And finally he ended his tirade by saying "this is why we are so proud to 'OWN' this city as Turks. We can go to Greece and say that we own Ephesus!"
Proud nationalism in action. Hatred for Greeks is so deeply rooted in some Turkish minds for no apparent reason that it might even ruin a great touristic experience.
I just simply wanted to tell the guy that owning a land does not simply result in owning its culture. You have to cherish it, utilize it and build upon it to claim it. Turkish authorities cannot claim that virtue while letting some construction company to build a hotel on top of a Byzantian palace in Konstantinopolis.

Where is the love?

Colder days in Smyrna. Things are evolving so quickly I seem not to
get a hold of everything. Summer cannot come somehow. Visits to
surrounding summer resorts are like travelling among freezing tourists
on the beach.
Pitiful politics too. Red tapes, layoffs, party leaders leaving posts.
Foretellers of a wild summer.
Quick blog from my iPhone. Soon I will be reporting on the firing line
again. Also sorry for the latest changes on my og due to blogger
policies.
Take care of yourselves now.

Remembering Luciano!

It's been a little over two years. One September day he died. The man who made the whole world love opera. I woke up today remembering Pavarotti. Everybody accepts he had phenomenal voice, larger than life personality and a drive to make opera popular among masses. In the ninetees he waged war against the conception of classical music as a for of entertainment for a scarce elite. The first Three Tenors concert in 1990 changed recital concept all together. He was criticized for including popular songs in his concerts, he was dismembered for his lavish life, but he kept on fighting. Recording duets with popular singers, advocating several modern causes he forced his hand until his untimely death.

It's really difficult to listen to him without feeling it in your bones. His style, an eye opener for classical music aficionados or not alike, goes deep into your taste and brings out the best about music, memories and technical excellence. Going back to the original 1990 Roma concert, the unforgettable ensemble (Luciano Pavarotti, Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo), put on stage a show that has never seen before. They had put aside all their humongous egos and cheered and joked on stage and sang songs like "Memories" (from Andrew Lloyd-Webber's Cats), "Maria" (from Bernstein/Sondheim's West Side story), and "La Vie en Rose"(originally sung by Edith Piaf) as well as the signature performance of "O Sole Mio"(Di Capua) and "Nessun Dorma"(Puccini:Turandot) as a trio.

Revisiting that huge performance 19 years later demonstrates the vacuum left by the loss of great Pavarotti. We need a new star in the line of greats such as Caruso, Lanza and the great tenor himself who would go the extra mile to make the new generations adore lyric singing.

Now, enjoy the embedded performance of Pavarotti and join me wishing he should return to Surriento sooner than later!

Summer over... time to work

Many events has passed us by during summer. Heat was up, emotions were up, issues were on the rise, but I kept silent. Sometimes it is better to walk away and watch all from a distance. And of course it is great to be lazy during summertime. Sipping a glass of ouzo, watching the passers by, brewing uncommunicative thoughts... As the sun moves towards west, being informed that the Greek government went for early elections; claiming that they couldn't handle the economic crisis efficiently but meaning also they couldn't handle the scandals anymore.

Yet, looking from neighboring Turkey, this line of action feels like completely European. Accepting one's failure is a no way street here. After 2 years of turmoil, scandals and complete alienation of almost 60% of the voters, Turkish government is still trying to hang on the wings of a long forgotten election.

Of course, congratulations are in order for the newly elected Prime Minister of Greece, Mr. Giorgos Papandreu for his first term in service with hopes that PASOK will provide for Greeks the long awaited stability and trust in political institutions. Also tourism sector hit hard by the ongoing disturbance of the crisis and high cost of maintenance throughout the dispersed nature of Greek hinterland need a close eye by the new government.

On this side of the water, despite stabilization efforts of the state (although only in verbal form) the economics of the unemployed and barely surviving industry and services are getting direr every month. Talks with IMF are at a stall and the influx of fresh funds is still in decline. After two years there is no light at the end of the tunnel and unemployment rate in young population is at a threatening rate of 29%. What is even more scary is that economic issues ar does not make the top ten list of everyday agenda, neither of the government, nor the media.

Here the winter starts with power costs hikes, disarray in trust in markets and the future and radicalization of all political issues. And only changes in agenda and drastic measures can save Turkey from a disaster in near future.

I, on the other hand, am very glad to come back to my blog and hope to talk to you folks more this season. Sipping the last drops of summer ouzo here in smyrna, sthn eigeia!

To Kill and To Write

They'll never let it go. It's been years since they've murdered Hrant. The only unlawful thing he did was to write. He was cautioned by the government before his death. He was told that if he keeps on writing "things would happen to him and his family". Law enforcement officers knew about the plan to end his life. Even on the Internet, if you search about dialogues among law enforcement officers on Hrant Dink's death, you can reach recorded telephone conversations proving this knowledge. The trial is going on for two years. Attorney General is asking for 20 years imprisonment for the accused murderer. The establishment is protecting its killers. The victim is a Christian, he is an Armenian and " a Turk is worth the Universe", let alone an Armenian's life.

A journalist is researching the facts behind this killing. He collects public information and writes a book about the blind spots in this case. Now he's in court. The establishment wants his life. Attorney General asks for 28 years of imprisonment. His name is Nedim Şener. He's a reporter from Milliyet daily.

Turkey is an EU candidate state. She's undergoing so-called judiciary reforms to be accepted as a member. What judiciary reforms I hear you asking. To reform something, it has to exist first.

With its recent record of judiciary mishaps, Turkey should be banned from all International forums let alone EU membership. Until the establishment in this country would be aware of the fact that in the global village every neighbor has to clean his act our of respect to his peers. Either democracy now and for everyone or marginalization in the full sense. These should be the options left for Turkey.

Clap Hands

You've got to leave I-75. You've got to get away. Leave the highway and every single bit related to it. When you're done and out, you've got to drive south. As long as it gets it out of your mind, out of your system. That's what I do at least.

Far from the madding crowds, loose among the elderly but satisfied ad icons of post-industrial society. And a tape on the player. (Listen yourself)

"..........

Shine, shine, a roosevelt dime
All the way to baltimore and running out of time
Salvation army seemed to wind up in the hole
They all went to heaven in a little row boat
Clap hands, clap hands, clap hands, clap hands"

You know the ocean is near. But it's hot. Tar is melting on the highway, and the heat is condensed in your nostrils, on your deck, near your computer screen.

Steven Hutt is putting nearby. Your eyes wander the 8th hole where he buried you last time though he has lived twice as many years. His old age is not compatible with your desires. You want a beer so bad, you've got to leave again.

But not on I-75. You got on a side state road. Where none of the fauna resembles your home state Ohio. You drive.

"Clap hands, clap hands, clap hands, clap hands"

Heat is soaking from the branches. A stink layers around your head. Did you hit a skunk? No skunks in this road. No roadkill. Only memories and music.

Memories of the past you're running from. The routine of impossible dreams. Gifts not purchased. Not given, nor taken. Gifts sizzling from your past both real and imaginary. You see an Indian drifter. You take him in. You share your lunch, your dreams, your past. He gives you his spirit. Two people don't add up. You drive...

When I am fed up with barbarism, I travel to Florida. I find my soul in the depths of Everglades. I find my soul among the crocodile faces of Key Westerns. I drink at Sloppy Joe's, I parade Duval Street in drag. Trembling down the alleys of a long lost imagination, living among lost souls in my hometown, I am not myself. I'm an outsider at an outsider planet.