The youth's 'No to NATO' cry was not in vain

The article draws a sharp parallel between the "68 generation" and the current "youth's" anti-NATO sentiment, suggesting past injustices against figures like Deniz Gezmiş, who were executed, have echoes today. It criticizes the Menderes government's transition to a "pluralistic democracy" as a means to serve the interests of the "predatory right" and merchants, leading to the "plundering" of the Republic's gains. The author argues that the "great America" influence was a factor in the government's decisions.

The piece then pivots to the present, questioning the timing and relevance of discussing NATO's military purpose. It highlights the significance of Donald Trump's repeated emphasis on President Erdoğan's potential benefit from NATO, especially with an upcoming meeting in Ankara. The author dismisses the official narratives surrounding the meeting, focusing instead on the "economic costs" to Turkey, which are deemed "shameful" and "disgraceful."

Specific examples of these costs are raised, including the arrest of individuals deemed a security risk, the cosmetic "painting of buildings" to improve appearances, and the closure of "shameful streets" to prevent accidental entry by the poor. The author also points to the high cost of hosting "armies of journalists" while restricting access for many Turkish reporters, and the expense of preparing runways for Trump's aircraft, which are also noted as beneficial for the President's own planes.

The article concludes with a lament about Turkey's "realities" and "agendas," suggesting an inability to escape them. The author notes the suffocating atmosphere, implying that even the "heatwave sweeping Europe" is a welcome distraction. The piece ends abruptly, suggesting a sense of being overwhelmed by current events.