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Ayhan Kızıltan, ben@ayhankiziltan.com , Mersin 20 September 2024 They've gone crazy! The CIA is apparently providing Israel with the technology to remotely detonate electronic communication devices. This is literally piracy ! Billions of communication devices such as radios, pagers, telephones, tablet computers are being used in the world... The whole world should know that no one is safe in any country. He has this technology and can kill anyone he wants by hacking their phones... His excuse would be: Those we killed were terrorists. That's all! All the countries importing technological electronic communication devices should immediately stop importing these products. Because nobody is safe! For the safety of their citizens, all countries should declare that imports of these devices are stopped until the manufacturers prove and guarantee that their products are safe. In other words, an EMBARGO SHOULD BE APPLIED to those who produce these devices!

"From Gaza to Narin, from the flames of Kartalkaya to fading consciences… 2025 was a year of shame where humanity was buried under rubble. Feeling the weight of my mother’s words, 'Let the survivors boast,' we demand not happiness from 2026, but justice, the right to life, and conscience." My mother would always repeat that ancient saying, distilled from a lifetime of experience, on important anniversaries: "Let the souls who survive to see this day next year, boast..." As we entered 2024, when these words echoed in my ears, I merely nodded my head. But now, as I close the pitch-black ledger of 2025, I feel to my very marrow what my mother meant. Because 2025 was a year not just where calendar pages fell away, but where humanity, conscience, and innocence were shed. "Surviving" is now merely a coincidence in these lands. BLOOD, TEARS, AND ASHES Remember how, entering 2024, we wished for a "world without war"? That wish collapsed like a pile of concrete onto the children trapped beneath the rubble of Gaza. The world watched the annihilation of a people on live television. While the so-called "Civilized" West applauded the massacre, humanity in Gaza died not from the noise of bombs, but from the deafening noise of silence. 2025 taught the world that human rights are valid only for "some." And what about us? Our own home, Türkiye? Our pain has never ceased. While we still hadn't forgotten the innocent gaze of our young daughter Narin, while our collective conscience was left to rot in that creek bed, 2025 brought us new sorrows. With the heavy burden of a society that failed to protect Narin still upon us, this time we paid the price for negligence and greed for profit in Bolu Kartalkaya. The blackness of the fire and the screams of people mingled with the white of the snow. The lives lost in that fire—which everyone saw coming but was dismissed as "fate"—were not just statistics; they were the children of this country sacrificed to negligence. I CONDEMN! As I write these lines, simply saying "Happy New Year" would be hypocrisy. First we must reckon, then we can celebrate. In this piece, I condemn openly and unequivocally: I condemn the dark mentality that ripped a young girl, Narin, from life, and the system that failed to protect her and delayed justice. I condemn the profit-driven order in Bolu Kartalkaya that views safety measures as an expense and human life as cheap; that fails to inspect, signs off on permits, and turns its back. I condemn world leaders whose consciences are trapped in their wallets, continuing their trade, politics, and extravagance while babies in Gaza are buried without shrouds. 2026: WE JUST WANT TO "LIVE" What do we expect from 2026? We no longer have grand dreams. Our expectations have shrunk, but they have become vital. In 2026, we want a world where children do not "go missing," where forests and hotels do not burn for the sake of profit, and where people do not die under bombs. We expect a World and a Türkiye where politicians do not polarize the public, but instead unite to soothe these pains; a world that puts "people first." We want a year where security reigns, not wealth; where justice reigns, not extravagance. As my mother said, "Let the souls who survive, boast..." Yes, we emerged alive from beneath the rubble of 2025. But in 2026, we don't just want to survive; we want to "live humanely." With the hope for a year where suffering is accounted for and consciences are resurrected... I cannot say Happy New Year; instead, I wish for Just and Conscientious Years, World and Türkiye!

Ayhan Kızıltan,   ben@ayhankiziltan.com — Mersin, October 1, 2025 Is what’s happening in Gaza a war? Can there be a one-sided war? At best, it is the armed assault of the powerful against the powerless. What “war” are we talking about? In war, are babies, the sick, children, women—civilians—killed? Are buildings and hospitals bombed at random without verifying whether there are patients or civilians inside? What “cease-fire” are we discussing? One side has no meaningful firepower. The other side has the unconditional support of the United States—the world’s greatest technological and military power. With America’s unconditional supply of weapons, munitions, technology and diplomatic clout behind it, Israel is burning, destroying, killing—adopting an inhuman posture. Only Israel is firing . A so-called war … The reality is genocide . LAW IN GAZA: WAR OR ARMED CONFLICT? At first it was called a war; lately, in the language of International Humanitarian Law, efforts are made to frame Gaza technically as an “armed conflict.” Yet whatever the terminology, the basic rules on protecting civilians do not change. The principle of distinction requires separating military from civilian targets; proportionality forbids attacks where expected civilian harm outweighs anticipated military gain; and precaution demands concrete steps—target verification, warnings, timing, and munitions choice. Hospitals and schools are protected unless there is clear evidence of misuse; indiscriminate bombardment can never be lawful. The supposed “armed conflict” in Gaza—really an armed assault—has moved far beyond a local dispute. It has become a multilayered global crisis that exposes the limits of international law, the moral obligations of superpowers, and the triumph of political pragmatism over ethics. In short, the U.S.–Israel axis is acting on the notion that “what works is what’s right”—a textbook case of pragmatism . Those killed and the ruins left behind do not matter to them, because the outcomes serve their ends. Is the U.S. not a party to this carnage? Why does a country that prides itself on being the world’s most civilized and democratic stand anywhere but with the Palestinians—whose babies, children, women and civilians are being slaughtered? What “conditions” does Israel set for a cease-fire? The side that must cease fire, unconditionally, is Israel. THE GAZA CRISIS AND THE CONTRADICTIONS OF INTERNATIONAL POLITICS… Before the eyes of the so-called civilized world, a genocide is taking place in Gaza. The truly civilized condemn it and push to stop it. The self-proclaimed civilized endorse it—and in doing so, become complicit in atrocity. The contradictions laid bare by Gaza reflect not only the devastation on the ground but the foundational problems of the international order itself. I. International Reactions and the Breakdown of Diplomacy Gaza has split the world—geographically, ideologically, morally. Those who condemn and those who recognize: On one side, much of the Global South—led by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation—has forcefully condemned Israel’s actions and openly backed Palestine. Most notably, more than 140 states now recognize the State of Palestine, joined recently by Spain, Ireland, Norway and Slovenia among Western European countries. These recognitions reinforce the legitimacy of a two-state solution and serve as diplomatic pressure. Great-power interests: On the other side stand the United States—and countries bearing a special historical responsibility such as Germany—providing Israel strong diplomatic, military and economic support. Washington’s policy, despite international law and humanitarian agony, rests on counterbalancing Iran and maintaining regional hegemony. The gap between America’s global rhetoric on democracy and human rights and its conduct in the Middle East could not be starker. II. The Limits of Legal Accountability The destruction of civilian life and infrastructure in Gaza has thrust international law to the fore and tested war-crime allegations before two key institutions: International Criminal Court (ICC): The ICC Prosecutor sought arrest warrants for Israeli leaders (allegations include starvation of civilians and intentional killing) and Hamas leaders (hostage-taking, rape and intentional killing), signaling that international law applies to all parties. But the process faces heavy political resistance, as the U.S. and Israel do not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction. The war–and–genocide irony: A bitter moral irony looms: a state founded by a people who suffered the Holocaust now faces allegations of committing genocide against another. The past—be it the Holocaust, or America’s genocide of Native peoples—cannot legally or morally excuse present actions. The stances of the U.S. and Germany, despite their own historical burdens, show power politics once again eclipsing historical moral obligations. III. Searching for a Solution—and the Politics of Pragmatism Global diplomacy keeps trying to end the fighting, but proposals are either laden with impossible preconditions or sacrificed to political expediency. The 20-Point Plan—and its feasibility problem: The U.S.–Israeli “20-Point Peace Plan” sketches a framework, yet its implementability is extremely weak. It demands Hamas disarm and exit governance outright—an outcome Hamas would not accept without fighting, because Israel shows no sign of relenting from its aims. Who will protect the Palestinian people—are they to live as subjugated subjects? Compounding this are the Israeli Prime Minister’s contradictory statements about not withdrawing and maintaining post-war security control in Gaza—suggesting the plan entrenches Israel’s post-war expansion rather than enabling peace. Why is Israel  not being disarmed? The world has seen how dangerous and reckless an armed Israel can be. Türkiye’s ambivalent position: Ankara’s stance blends tough rhetoric with pragmatic moves. While championing the Palestinian cause and accusing Israel of massacre, Türkiye has avoided burning bridges with the U.S., mindful of NATO membership, F-16 procurement and economic stability. It must balance a claim to leadership in the Islamic world with the imperatives of the Western alliance. This produces public perceptions of hesitancy or U.S. sway—but, at core, reflects a necessity to guard national interests. IV. The basis of a permanent solution: Democratic Transformation Ending Gaza’s agony alone will not bring enduring stability to the Middle East. The region’s structural problems must be addressed. Conflicts deepen when revenues—especially from oil—fund authoritarian regimes and military spending rather than education, science and public welfare. The secular, democratic, republican character of the Republic of Türkiye offers a model for transformation. Global powers must stop propping up existing authoritarian structures in the name of short-term energy and security goals. Lasting peace is possible only by raising free-minded, conscientious, enlightened generations and building questioning, informed societies. Otherwise, the Middle East will remain a geography easily manipulated by great powers and trapped in cycles of conflict. CONCLUSION… The Gaza crisis has held up a mirror to the moral bankruptcy of the international system. The solution does not lie solely at negotiating tables; it also requires re-establishing the primacy of global conscience and international law over power politics. Until next week…

Ayhan KIZILTAN, ben@ayhankiziltan.com , Mersin, Türkiye, 26.09.2025 Yesterday, I was visited by the grandfather, father, uncle, and a close friend of mine, relatives of baby Alim Asaf Konat , who suffers from a rare disease with extremely costly treatment: SMA . They explained Alim Asaf 's situation. Through their efforts, they have managed to collect 38% of the estimated 2 million dollars required for treatment . We must thank the compassionate and benevolent people who have supported them. They were in a state of despair, anxiety, and sorrowful haste; especially the grandfather…“ I was once wealthy, but after facing many difficulties, I lost everything. I want to remain hopeful to keep my grandson alive ,” he said, with tears in his eyes. The baby’s father, Latif Konat , described how desperately he has been trying to make his voice heard and secure support for his child. He said it is very difficult to reach influential and authoritative people. “ In order to reach them, I hold up my child’s poster at events and raise my voice in public. We are not beggars; we only seek to save our child’s life .” The Metropolitan Mayor has significantly supported Alim Asaf through a live TV campaign, by the effort of the father of Alim Asaf . Like every child, Alim Asaf  is very charming. He was born in Mersin , Türkiye  on February 15, 2021. At 27 months old, he was diagnosed with SMA . Every newborn is the child of the state until reaching a certain age. The state is obliged to care for them. With this understanding, the treatment and medication expenses of Rare Diseases  like SMA  must be covered by the state . No family should have to beg for help on the streets, knock on businesspeople’s doors, or chase after politicians for their child’s right to live. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO “ALIM ASAF KONAT”, THE INFORMATION IS BELOW : STATE-AUTHORIZED DONATION BANK ACCOUNTS : Recipient : ALIM ASAF KONAT TL           : TR10 0006 4000 0016 6050 5466 62 USD       : TR14 0006 4000 0029 6050 1465 57 EUR       : TR31 0006 4000 0026 6050 1465 42 E-GOVERNMENT VERIFICATION INFO : Activity No      : 33.2024.2421 Name             : ŞÜKRAN KONAT Current Situation of SMA and Rare Diseases in Turkey • There are approximately 3,000 SMA patients in Turkey. Every year, about 150 babies are born with SMA. • Treatments : - Spinraza (Nusinersen): Covered by Turkish Social Security, free of charge    - Risdiplam  (Evrysdi): Covered by Turkish Social Security as of 2025    - Zolgensma  (Gene Therapy): World’s most expensive treatment (~2 million USD), not yet covered by Social Security in Turkey • Families are forced to organize fundraising campaigns for Zolgensma. Today, there is still no definitive cure for SMA. However, SMA is no longer an inevitably fatal disease. With early diagnosis + appropriate drug therapy + intensive physiotherapy, many children and young people can sustain independent lives. The most effective treatment is the Zolgensma cure, which costs around 2 million USD. Existing State Support The Turkish Government provides many supports for Rare Diseases : • Spinraza and Risdiplam treatments are free.  • Medical devices such as ventilators and wheelchairs are supplied by Turkish Social Security.  • Home care allowance, disability pensions, and tax exemptions are applied.  • SMA carrier tests before marriage are provided free of charge. In addition to state support, NGOs also provide supplementary assistance : • Medical devices & supplies (ventilators, equipment, consumables) via foundations/associations  • Rent support for some families  • Education scholarships for SMA patients and their relatives  • Stationery and other social support programs Problems • No access to Zolgensma  • Families are forced to hold fundraising campaigns  • Income differences create inequality  • Similar problems exist for other rare diseases Campaigns also face debates: • Public support : Many segments of society, including celebrities and social media influencers, participate.  • Transparency issues : In some campaigns, fund collection and usage became controversial. Hence, campaigns are subject to official permission and monitoring.  • Psychological effects : Families face emotional burden by having to constantly appeal for help on social media. International Examples • France : National Rare Disease Plans, reference centers, state funding  • Germany : NAMSE network, treatments under insurance coverage  • UK : NICE-HST program, Innovative Medicines Fund  • Common point : Rare Disease Funds and solidarity-based approachZolgensma is applied in the USA, Europe, Japan, and many developed countries.  In Turkey, it is not yet licensed, therefore not covered by Turkish Security or routinely applied.  It can only be applied in limited cases with special approval from the Ministry of Health. Proposed Model for Turkey: Rare Disease Fund • Purpose : To ensure high-cost rare disease treatments are guaranteed by the state  • Financing : General health insurance + Treasury contribution + small co-payment option; risk-sharing with producers  • Governance : Special Rare Diseases Department under Turkish Social Security  • Early Diagnosis : Genetic tests can detect SMA during pregnancy  • Infrastructure : National patient registry, newborn screening, application centers  • Performance : Access time, clinical outcomes, geographic equity, transparent reporting Financial Simulation (Summary) There are about 26 million Turkish Social Security -insured people in Turkey. • If 3,000 SMA patients receive Zolgensma: additional monthly premium per person ≈ 90–120 TL  • If only 150 newborns per year receive treatment: additional monthly premium ≈ 30–40 TL per person  • This creates a sustainable fund at a reasonable cost  • These premiums must be secured under a “ Rare Disease Treatment Fund ” protected by the Constitution, and cannot be used elsewhere Conclusion and Call Turkey must establish a Rare Disease Fund  based on the principle that every child is the child of the state .  No family should be forced  to organize street fundraising campaigns.  All children should have equal and fair access to healthcare .  This fund will be one of the strongest indicators of a social state. In cities, individual campaigns rarely succeed without the support of influential figures (governors, mayors, chamber presidents, prominent individuals…). Live TV campaigns, social media posts, and donation stands in busy streets unfortunately do not solve the suffering of these children. Until the state takes serious structural action, in the short term, “ Rare Disease Support Pools ” should be established under the leadership of governors and mayors. Just as businesspeople and corporations are called upon to support sports clubs, they should also be called upon to support the Rare Disease Pool . Every child struggling with SMA or any other rare disease is a child of society, and therefore of the state. THE STATE MUST ENSURE CHILDREN’S RIGHT TO LIFE.

Ayhan Kızıltan, ben@ayhankiziltan.com , Mersin, 25 June 2025 Hello Mersin! Hello Türkiye! Hello World! You know the classic plot in American Westerns: A ruthless gunslinger, backed by the town sheriff, terrorises nearby farmers with his gang—threatening them at gunpoint until they abandon their land. Anyone who dares to defend their rights is framed or murdered with the sheriff’s support; farms are raided and burned, and the land is seized one parcel at a time. But—just before the final credits roll—a taciturn yet fearless, fast‑draw hero rides into town and ends the reign of these villains, sheriff included. In today’s real‑life script, Israel plays the part of that ruthless land‑grabber, while the sheriff is none other than former U.S. President Donald Trump. The landowners of the Middle East are therefore searching for a bold, action‑oriented gunslinger who will silently deliver justice. Several names are mentioned for this role, most frequently Russia, China, and the European Union. ROOTS OF THE MIDDLE EAST CRISIS AND THE PATH TO A SOLUTION… 1. ESSENCE OF THE CONFLICT: FOREIGN INTERVENTION AND A WEB OF INTERESTS Role of External Powers: The United States, Russia, the EU and China stoke regional flames to secure oil, the arms trade and geopolitical influence. Proxy Wars: Externally funded civil wars in Syria, Yemen and Libya. Legacy of Artificial Borders: Sykes‑Picot (1916) entrenched ethnic‑sectarian tensions within artificial states. 2. REGIONAL ACTORS: OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS Turkey – Strengths: military capacity; humanitarian diplomacy. Weaknesses: economic fragility; trust deficit in the Arab world. Qatar – Strengths: mediation capacity; financial flexibility. Weaknesses: neutrality questioned due to the Al Udeid U.S. base. Iran – Strengths: network of proxy forces (Hezbollah, Hamas). Weaknesses: crippling sanctions; nuclear crisis. Israel – Strengths: technological superiority; U.S. backing. Weaknesses: international isolation; loss of moral legitimacy. 3. THE NUCLEAR DILEMMA AND DOUBLE STANDARDS Israel: Possesses an estimated 80–400 nuclear warheads, remains outside the NPT, and is entirely unsupervised. “Samson Option” doctrine: readiness to use nuclear weapons under existential threat. Iran: An NPT signatory yet subject to strict inspections and sweeping sanctions. Collapse of the International System: U.S. vetoes in the UN Security Council block any punitive measures against Israel. 4. HISTORICAL PARADOX: FROM VICTIM TO OPPRESSOR Jews, once the victims of genocide, now stand accused of systematic atrocities in Gaza. The Western Dilemma: Nations with genocidal pasts—the U.S. against Native Americans, Germany against Jews—offer Israel unconditional support. 5. RESOURCE EXPLOITATION AND ECONOMIC INJUSTICE Petro‑Dollar System: Washington’s protection of autocracies such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Arms Industry: 85 percent of the munitions used in Gaza are U.S.‑made. Wealth Distribution: Saudi Arabia spends roughly USD 70 billion on defence each year while unemployment hovers at 11 percent. CAN A “SOLUTION WITHOUT EXTERNAL INTERVENTION” WORK? YES, BECAUSE: Historical Success Stories: Lebanon’s civil war ended in 1990 through domestic dialogue; the 2023 Iran–Saudi rapprochement emerged from regional will (China merely brokered). Cultural & Social Advantages: Shared language, faith and social codes enable communication more effective than that of Western diplomats. PRECONDITIONS: Transformation of Corrupt Regimes: Dictatorships fuelled by petro‑dollars must transition into people‑centred democracies. Reining in the Arms Industry: Regional states should pledge to halve military spending. THREE CONCRETE STEPS: Economic Independence: Channel oil revenues into sovereign wealth funds à la Norway. Solar‑Energy Revolution: With an average of 6.5 kWh/m² of daily sunlight, the region can break free of fossil‑fuel dependence. Youth & Education Alliance: Establish a Middle East Youth Assembly for cross‑border projects (AI, renewables) and develop joint history textbooks authored by Arab, Persian, Turkish, Kurdish and Jewish scholars. Confidence‑Building Mechanisms: Inter‑faith dialogue among Al‑Azhar, the Diyanet and the Chief Rabbinate to issue a “Declaration of Co‑Existence”. A regional humanitarian‑corridor network coordinated by Turkey, Qatar and Egypt. CONCLUSION: “DETERMINING ONE’S OWN DESTINY” The Middle East will not be saved by Western “saviours” but by its peoples reclaiming their resources, transforming ossified regimes into democracies and resisting external manipulation. Every drop of blood spilt in Gaza fuels this awakening. Remember: Africa’s 1950s–60s independence wave succeeded without outside liberators. The path is long—but not impossible. KEYS TO ESCAPE: Break the petro‑dollar trap Curtail the arms industry Build the future with educated youth CAN THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY LEAD THE MIDDLE EAST? During the Ottoman era, Turks governed this geography for centuries; they therefore understand its people intimately. I have long argued that the region’s problems must be solved by its own inhabitants. Whenever third parties interfere, the outcome is blood, tears, poverty and ignorance. Outsiders arrive to exploit; human life here is of little value to them and they show no mercy in taking what they want before departing—leaving a trail of suffering. The United States demonstrates this wherever it claims to export democracy. Putting present‑day politics aside, Turkey’s democratic ethos, experience in statecraft, robust public institutions, vibrant civil society, and rich artistic–cultural life place it well ahead of many Middle Eastern nations and may render it a role model. Turkey’s Strengths and Potential Role Regional Military Capacity & Geography: NATO’s second‑largest army, cross‑border‑operation experience (Syria, Iraq, Libya) and strategic assets such as Incirlik Air Base provide deterrence. Diverse Connections: Hamas’s political bureau in Istanbul; open channels with Iran, Israel and the Palestinians; energy trade with Iran; the ability to mediate between Russia and the U.S. (e.g., Ukraine grain corridor). Humanitarian & Diplomatic Tools: Organisations such as the Turkish Red Crescent, TİKA and AFAD equip Turkey with strong humanitarian‑aid capability; experience with dialogue platforms such as the Istanbul Process. Obstacles and the Trust Deficit Can Iran Trust Turkey? Yes, because: economic interdependence (natural‑gas exports, overland trade), joint counter‑terrorism, and shared commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity. No, because: Turkey’s military support for Azerbaijan (2020 Karabakh War) and perceived pan‑Turkism; ongoing trade with Israel (USD 6.9 billion in 2022) and intelligence ties; Turkey’s Sunni affiliations vis‑à‑vis Iran’s Shia axis. Impact of U.S. Military Presence (Incirlik Air Base) Incirlik hosts U.S. tactical nuclear weapons yet is not as strategic as Qatar’s Al Udeid. Turkey leverages the base diplomatically (e.g., 2019 closure threat). Iran views Incirlik as an extension of U.S. power but acknowledges Ankara’s relative autonomy (S‑400 purchase, removal from the F‑35 programme, YPG operations). Critical Roles Turkey Could Play Gaza Crisis: Serve as a negotiation channel between Hamas and Israel and manage an aid corridor (logistical advantage over Egypt). Preventing Syria’s Fragmentation: Coordinate with regional states to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity. Water & Energy Diplomacy: Facilitate consensus on Euphrates–Tigris water resources and Eastern Mediterranean gas. Economic & Socio‑Cultural Development: Take an active role in constructing the Basra Gulf–Turkey Development Road and share its agricultural and industrial know‑how. CONCLUSION: A politically consolidated Turkey can play a leading, pivotal role in resolving Middle Eastern conflicts. A comprehensively developed Middle East would benefit the entire world. I hope that one day the conscience of humanity will prevail over geopolitical interests.… "A geography can be healed only by the wisdom of its own people. Foreign ‘saviours’ arrive in capes stained with oil." "Justice recognises no borders." ONE DAY ON THIS LAND; If, instead of oil, wisdom is spoken; Instead of weapons, books; Instead of borders, embraces… We shall owe it to those who truly possess conscience. Take care; we will be here again next week… Note:   I   wrote   this   article   in   collaboration   with   Deep Seek   AI in Turkish, and translated from Turkish to English in collaboration with ChatGPT AI.