> Checks and Balances Yeah, and the special thing about Turkey is (was?) that the military is one of the balancing forces because they were not controlled by t

> Checks and Balances Yeah, and the special thing about Turkey is (was?) that the military is one of the balancing forces because they were not controlled by the government as they are in many alternative democracies. This is partly historical due to past military coups. It's hard for me to say whether it's good or bad, given that the military independence has led to very negative outcomes like the 1980 coup, but it can also provide a force to keep a crazy parliament in check. > What would you call Chavez or Maduro? Can't comment because I don't know enough, sorry. Will look into them. > This is you trying to fit your worldview into the events. Maybe you're right, all I'm saying is that it looks like they are in the process of passing controversial policies while the electorate is under shock.