Professional Army Would Serve the Capital

General Ilker Basbug, commander of the ground forces, had announced the formation of professional brigades. They would be deployed in the East and South-East in order to reduce the loss of life among soldiers.

Sen interpreted this plan as a step on the way of professionalisation of the army. He believes that Turkey needs professionalisation in order to protect the global capital and flow of values in the Caucasus, Balkans and the Middle East.

In Sen's estimation, a fully professional army could be established within 15-20 years. This is a process, which cannot be justified just with war against the PKK and the existence of a Kurdish regional government in Iraq. Meanwhile, the rise of militarist ideology is serving to legitimize the new role of the army.

* Turkey and the Greater Middle East Project (GMEP): As part of the Eurasian strategy of the GMEP, Turkey has taken on the role of "vassal state". After September 11 and the increase of conflict in Eurasia, Turkey has been placed at the centre of energy and communication channels. Turkey is shown as an exemplary regime to other countries of the region. In this context, military power has increased in importance in order to control the region. The Turkish Armed Forces are aware that they are the most suitable army due to their experience and technical equipment.

* Changing status of the army: Capitalist groups cannot act without the army. The political influence of the army has been reestablished in a new context, based on regional dominance-dependence relations, petrol pipelines and communication lines. This also involves being prepared for cross-border operations.

"Martyrdom" only accepted on Turkish soil

The professionalisation of an army means that there is never a delay of recruits and that experience is accumulated. Temporary soldiers cannot be used for long-term cross-border operations.

While there is a culture of "martyrdom" to protect the borders of one's country which has legitimized the dying of soldiers, the same motivation cannot be maintained in operations not on Turkish soil. That is why there is a need for a professional army. Professionalisation also represents an investment area for modernizing the army.

Capitalists, the army and the government hand-in-hand: War is essential in the regeneration of industrial capitalism. International, particular US-centred, capital is currently being invested in Turkey. Ahmet Davutoglu, head advisor of the Prime Minster, has declared 2007 "the year in which our orientation will increasingly respond to the challenges of globalization".

Politicians, capitalists and the army come together in this project. What sounds like the noise of conflict, is really everybody's attempt at redefining his or her position in the hierarchy of power. (TK/EK/AG/EÜ)