Generals' arrest sign of power struggle in Turkey

ISTANBUL: The arrest of dozens of high-ranking military figures in Turkey over an alleged coup plan dating back seven years marks the latest episode of a power struggle between the Islamist-party government and the army, the bastion of the secular order, analysts said yesterday.

Until recently, such tough action was inconceivable against the military which has toppled four governments in 50 years and exercised significant clout in politics.

But recent reforms to align the country with the European Union, spearheaded by the AKP government, has reduced the influence of the once-mighty military. Monday's arrests constitute a "breaking point" in Turkish political history, said the liberal Taraf daily.