Hakan Fidan Faces Criticism After Coup Failure

Introduction: A Controversial Figure in Turkish Politics

In July 2016, Turkey was thrown into turmoil as a faction within the military attempted to overthrow the government in a failed coup. As the country’s spy chief at the time, Hakan Fidan found himself in the eye of a political storm. The National Intelligence Agency (MIT) under his leadership had received reports of potential military unrest in the days leading up to the coup. Despite this, intelligence suggesting an impending coup failed to lead to preventative action, culminating in chaos and the death of nearly 300 people.

Hakan Fidan’s role in this crisis attracted significant public and governmental scrutiny, particularly from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, whose government was the target of the coup. In the wake of the coup attempt, Fidan faced severe criticism from Erdoğan for his failure to prevent the insurrection. However, the spy chief managed to retain his position, and in the years since, has proven to be a resilient and crucial figure in Turkish politics. This article delves into the life and career of Hakan Fidan, analyzing his rise to power, the controversy surrounding his tenure, and the political complexities that allowed him to remain a key figure in Turkey’s intelligence operations.

Hakan Fidan’s Early Career and Rise to Power

Hakan Fidan’s rise to the head of Turkey’s National Intelligence Agency (MIT) in 2010 was significant. Before taking the reins of the agency, Fidan had an extensive background in both the military and diplomatic spheres. Fidan studied at Ankara’s Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ) and later obtained a master’s degree in political science. His early career began with his work in the Turkish Foreign Ministry and later in the military, where he developed crucial ties to intelligence services and security agencies.

Fidan’s reputation as a savvy operator with deep knowledge of Turkey’s national security apparatus made him an ideal candidate to head MIT. Erdoğan, who was then the Prime Minister, appointed Fidan with the objective of revitalizing Turkey’s intelligence services. MIT was seen as an organization that needed reform, and Fidan was tasked with modernizing and streamlining its operations. Under his leadership, MIT’s intelligence operations expanded, focusing more heavily on regional issues such as the conflicts in Syria and Iraq. His approach also emphasized internal security and combating terrorist groups like the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) and ISIS.

Fidan quickly became a trusted confidante of President Erdoğan, with the two developing a close working relationship. This connection to Erdoğan was key to Fidan’s success and helped cement his position within the upper echelons of Turkish politics. However, this close relationship would also come under intense scrutiny during the 2016 coup attempt, testing Fidan’s leadership and political resilience in unexpected ways.

The 2016 Coup Attempt: The Intelligence Failure

On the night of July 15, 2016, a faction within the Turkish military attempted to seize control of the government in a dramatic coup. Tanks rolled through the streets of Istanbul and Ankara, and jets roared overhead, dropping bombs on key government buildings. The coup attempt was ultimately unsuccessful, but the cost was high, with nearly 300 people killed in the ensuing violence.

In the aftermath of the coup, accusations flew about the government’s failure to prevent the insurrection. One of the primary points of contention was the role of MIT and its inability to act on intelligence that suggested a potential coup was imminent. According to reports, MIT had been in possession of sensitive information indicating that a faction within the military was planning to destabilize the government, but failed to act decisively on this intelligence. The delay in intervention allowed the coup to unfold rapidly, catching many government officials, including President Erdoğan, by surprise.

As the head of MIT, Fidan was directly responsible for the agency’s intelligence operations. Following the coup, President Erdoğan publicly criticized Fidan and MIT for their failure to prevent the attack. The criticism was particularly damaging because it questioned Fidan’s competence and the effectiveness of Turkey’s intelligence-gathering apparatus.

The Political Fallout and Erdoğan’s Criticism

Erdoğan’s criticism of Fidan was harsh. In public statements, Erdoğan expressed frustration with the intelligence failure, admitting that MIT had missed key warning signs leading up to the coup. The Turkish president compared the failure to similar intelligence lapses in other countries, such as the United States’ failure to prevent the 9/11 attacks, which were also linked to missed intelligence signals.

Despite the harsh public criticism, Fidan did not offer his resignation. This refusal to step down raised eyebrows, as many speculated that the fallout from such a significant failure would likely result in his removal. However, Erdoğan did not take immediate action to oust Fidan. Instead, the two men reportedly held a closed-door meeting that lasted several hours, during which Erdoğan expressed his displeasure with the intelligence operation but also acknowledged the complexities of gathering actionable intelligence in a politically turbulent environment.

In the aftermath of the meeting, Fidan remained in his position as MIT chief. While the president had been critical, the decision to keep Fidan in his role reflected the realities of Turkish politics. Removing Fidan would have been politically unwise for Erdoğan, as it would have signaled instability within Turkey’s intelligence community at a time when the country was facing multiple external threats, particularly from Kurdish separatists, ISIS, and Syrian militants.

Why Did Fidan Survive?

The decision to retain Fidan despite his failure to prevent the coup attempt was influenced by several factors. First and foremost, Fidan had a longstanding relationship with Erdoğan, which likely played a key role in the decision. The two had worked closely together for years, and Fidan had proven himself a loyal and effective ally. Despite the intelligence failure, Erdoğan recognized that Fidan’s tenure had also seen many successes, including the weakening of the PKK and a significant expansion of MIT’s operations in the Middle East.

Another reason for Fidan’s survival was his deep political acumen. As head of MIT, he had cultivated a network of relationships within both the military and the political elite, allowing him to navigate the complexities of Turkish power dynamics effectively. His continued position after the coup attempt reflected his ability to maintain influence, even in the face of public discontent.

Moreover, Fidan’s role in Turkey’s broader geopolitical strategy cannot be overlooked. His leadership of MIT was integral to Turkey’s foreign policy objectives, particularly regarding Syria and the conflict with Kurdish militants. At a time of regional instability, Erdoğan could not afford to disrupt the operations of Turkey’s intelligence agency, especially when Fidan’s leadership had been crucial in shaping Turkey’s foreign policy response to the Syrian Civil War and ISIS.

The Resilience of Hakan Fidan: A Political Survivor

Since the coup attempt, Hakan Fidan has continued to lead MIT, further solidifying his position as one of the most powerful figures in Turkish politics. His resilience in the face of public criticism, combined with his ability to maintain Erdoğan’s trust, has ensured his survival in a highly volatile political environment. Fidan’s tenure at MIT has also seen increased intelligence operations in the region, particularly in Syria, where Turkey has pursued military objectives against both ISIS and Kurdish militant groups.

Additionally, Fidan’s involvement in diplomatic efforts, particularly those involving Middle Eastern and European countries, has strengthened his influence. His background in diplomacy and his ties to Erdoğan have made him a key player in shaping Turkey’s foreign policy. His continued leadership of MIT, despite the setbacks of the 2016 coup, illustrates his deep political survival skills and strategic vision.

Fidan’s survival can also be attributed to his ability to adapt to changing circumstances. In the years following the coup attempt, he has overseen a significant restructuring of MIT, consolidating its power and expanding its operations both domestically and internationally. This expansion has allowed MIT to gain greater control over Turkey’s intelligence operations, making it a formidable force in the country’s fight against terrorism.

Conclusion: Hakan Fidan’s Legacy

Hakan Fidan’s leadership of MIT, despite the failures of the 2016 coup attempt, underscores his political acumen, resilience, and strategic importance to Turkey. His ability to weather the storm of public criticism and remain in power is a testament to his influence within the Turkish political system. As Turkey continues to navigate complex geopolitical challenges, Fidan’s role in shaping the country’s intelligence strategies and foreign policy will remain a key factor in the nation’s security operations.

Though his tenure has been marked by controversy, particularly regarding the coup attempt, Fidan’s continued survival in Turkish politics highlights the complexity of loyalty, power, and governance in a country marked by internal and external turmoil. Moving forward, Hakan Fidan will undoubtedly remain one of the most important figures in Turkish intelligence and politics, and his legacy will continue to be shaped by the decisions made during this tumultuous period in Turkey’s history.

Written by

Finn Morgan

Updated

4 weeks ago

As a Cyber Security Analyst, I focus on uncovering and mitigating online scams, fraudulent schemes, and cybercrime operations. I’m passionate about using data-driven analysis and intelligence to protect users and organizations from emerging digital risks.