Page 288 - America's Failure to Perceive the PKK

A An important reminder

Turkey is obligated to possess a powerful army, as it is located in
a quite strategic geography and in the middle of conflicts, and is at the
same time under the threat of communism. This requirement will be

discussed in detail in the following chapter. However, the possession
of armed forces or weapons does not suggest making preparations for
killing others or intentions for the outright use of ammunition or
troops. It is mistaken ideologies and ideas that entrap or mislead peo-
ple to error. That is why the gruesome and terrifying mentality that
aims at killing people who hold wrong ideas is nothing but dreadful
savagery and most important of all, forbidden by religion. It is the
outcome of this vicious mindset that has led the Middle East to a set-
ting of horror and war. The formula to eliminate these fallacious con-

cepts is not through killing more people, but providing those that
hold these wrong ideas with a proper education.

That being so, regardless of religion, opinion, race and nationali-
ty, we take up a stand against the mindset that would call for
the murder of even a single person and struggle against this
with all our strength. In discussing the elements of deter-
rence, this important fact should never be forgotten.
Deterrence is one thing, war and murder is another.
God encourages making efforts for deterrence, but
forbids any offensive attack.

1. The state should bring forth its deterrent
demeanor

Our Lord reveals the following in the Qur'an:

Arm yourselves against them with all the firepower and
cavalry you can muster, to terrify the enemies of God and

286 America's Failure to Perceive the PKK