'Een destructieve cyclus'

Although the acute phase of the unrest is over, there is growing evidence that the police are singling out press members and representatives of foreign media institutions during public gatherings. Several foreign reporters covering demonstrations in recent days have been beaten up or briefly detained. Media commentators active on social media have also been the focus of concerted campaigns by unknown groups. Female journalists, in particular, have received threats via Twitter of sexual violence and death.

The solution to the deepening divide in Turkey is, of course, not to be found in distant climes nor will it be addressed by studying other countries' crises, even if some lessons can be drawn. The solution is here, at home. The main threat facing the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government these days is its own hubris and sense of self-righteousness, which has led it to deviate from the reformist path it had embarked upon in its early years in power.