http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/07/what-caused-the-turkish-coup-attempt-214057

What Caused the Turkish Coup Attempt

President Erdogan’s uncompromising approach to rule was bound to produce a violent backlash—but this wasn’t the way to go.

By Amb. W. Robert Pearson

July 16, 2016

A military coup succeeds or fails quickly. The July 15 attempt in Turkey now is over with thousands arrested, hundreds killed and Turkey in traumatic shock. The reasons behind a coup attempt, however, do not rise or disappear as quickly.

In a country that treats conspiracy theories like snack food, there will be few limits to public speculation in Turkey. For its part, the government has moved quickly to blame President Erdogan’s previous chief ally, Fetullah Gulen. The government quickly rounded up nearly 3,000 people suspected of involvement, and Erdogan has promised further retaliation. "They will pay a heavy price for this," he said.http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/07/what-caused-the-turkish-coup-attempt-214057