Erdogan now routinely calls any critic as “terrorist,” including students protesting for peace. Brunson’s arrest has resulted in an international outcry. He is being tried for alleged terrorist ties. He could face 35 years and Erdogan asked the U.S. “Can you not extradite this man [Gulen] based on the prisoner swap” deal? If there is no such reciprocity, I am sorry.”Despite his destroying free speech, free press, and political freedoms, the United States still supports this authoritarian extremist. I have previously written of my love for traveling in Turkey, particularly Istanbul. However, I would not take my family to the country with Erdogan and his Islamic extremist government in power. Indeed, now that he is taking hostages, it is hard to believe that any tourist would want to visit the country under the Erdogan regime.
