Peace rally in Ankara, Turkey bombed killing almost 100 people. New York Times.

A forensic officer stands among dropped banners and blood. New York Times/AP.

A peace rally in Ankara, Turkey was bombed today killing at least 95 people and wounding 246 more. New York Times. The attack is considered the worst act of terrorism in Turkey's history. The protests were connected to war between Turkey and the Kurds, which has spiraled out of control after a long period of dormancy. The violence comes after the Kurds have made gains in Iraq and Syria due to the instability in both countries. Members of the People's Democratic Party or HPD, a major Kurdish party were demonstrating as the bomb blasts hit. Back in July, a similar bombing happened at a political rally in Suruc in southeastern Turkey. In that attack Turkey blamed ISIS, though the Kurds believe that the government of Turkey was responsible for both attacks. 

My Comment:

This was a major terrorist attack and what concerns me about it is that no one has taken responsibility for it. As of right now nobody seems to know who was responsible for this attack. Let's go through the possible suspects. ISIS is the obvious candidate. After all, they use suicide bombing and are known for terror attacks. And since Turkey joined the war against ISIS, they have a reason to attack. 

But I don't know if I buy this as an ISIS attack. Sure ISIS hates the Kurds, but they have been wary of attacking in Turkey. The only attack that they have conducted in Turkey that I am aware of is the Suruc attack, and there are doubts about their responsibility in that case as well. ISIS also does not have much of an operational presence in Turkey either. I guess it is possible that this was an ISIS attack, but I have my doubts. 

Another option is the PKK, a communist Kurdish group that Turkey is at war with. The PKK is no stranger to terrorism and they are one of the few non-Islamic groups to use suicide bombings. The theory is that they could have staged this bombing to gain sympathy for their cause. I personally think that this theory, like most false flag theories, is stupid. The HPD is often seen as an ally of the PKK and it makes very little sense for them to bomb them. I guess it is possible but I just don't see it.

The last candidate is the government of Turkey itself. Turkey is certainly capable of such an act. I consider Turkey with the same disdain I have for Saudi Arabia. Though they are our allies, the leaders of both countries are not good people. Turkey manipulated the Obama administration into supporting their war against the Kurds by launching a few token attacks on ISIS in Syria. After that and their official position of genocide denial, I wouldn't put it past them to conduct a false flag operation.

 But it seems implausible to me. Why? It's the method of attack. Every source I have read said that this was a suicide bombing. I just don't see someone volunteering for an attack like this just to blame other groups for it. People can be convinced to conduct suicide attacks rather easily, but it's always into service of some cause. People will die for their God or gods. A few will die for politics. But nobody will die for a lie. 

Whoever is responsible for this attack has a lot to answer for. This was a peace rally, and attacking a bunch of people trying to end a war is a pretty evil. I'm generally opposed to protest in general. but I am also opposed to anyone who wants to shut down free speech. And it is obvious that this was an attempt to shut down free speech. 

It's clear that Turkey is spiraling out of control. These kinds of attacks are becoming more and more common and it's unclear what Turkey can do about it. Their renewed war against the Kurds comes at the worst possible time. The region is in chaos and there is always a chance that the wars in Iraq and Syria will spill over. ISIS thrives in chaos and if the war between PKK and Turkey continues, ISIS could have and opening.