Failed coup in Turkey makes President Tayyip Erdogan stronger

Turkey’s president is democratically-elected, but has been stripping power from politicians, media, judiciary, and the army. Friday’s coup will give him the pretext for a further clampdown, writes Howard Eissenstat

CORRUPT, egomaniacal, and repressive, there is not much to recommend Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s rule — save the inescapable fact that he is the democratically-elected head of state. And that he is a politician who shines brightest in a fight.

Erdogan is not going to give up. He has millions of supporters who will give their lives for him. He has the support of all the opposition parties. And, because he’s won three elections, he is in the right.