Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan's decision to launch a campaign against social media such as Twitter and YouTube has backfired. Rather than stop the attacks, it has only fueled criticism of his government and heightened speculation about allegations of corruption. It is never a good sign when a government starts shutting down the media — attacking the messenger — rather than going after the problem.
For weeks, Erdogan's government has fended off charges of massive corruption that reached the highest levels of the government, and even tarred members of the prime minister's family and immediate circle.
Going on the offensive, Erdogan has accused a cabal associated with an exiled Islamic cleric, Fethullah Gulen, of active efforts to undermine his government through a series of orchestrated leaks.