Marking the victory against the Brits

This is good, dear public. As if we haven't exhausted everything that we could possibly become polarized about, we are now moving quickly to the point where we will polarize even national victories and national holidays. 

Deputy Prime Minister Tu?rul Türke? instructed the Education Ministry and other institutions on Feb. 24 that spectacular ceremonies would be held for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of al-Amara.

Both sides immediately took their positions. The opposition said, "At a time when April 23 is postponed, where did this new holiday come from?" The pro-government front said, "This historic victory was forgotten. Why does it disturb you to remember it?"

Let us refresh our memories about exactly what the Siege of Kut al-Amara was. It took place during World War I, the time of the dissolution and defeat of the Ottoman Empire. The city of Baghdad was a major target for the British. It was seen as a possible tool of revenge for their defeat at Gallipoli and a strong center for their Arab Peninsula plans as well as an important bridge for their Eastern dreams. 

The town of Kut was a significant resistance point on the road to Baghdad. 

The British troops were led by the famous British General Townshend and the Ottoman army was led by the first Bearded Nurettin Pasha under the German general and military historian Baron von der Goltz. But instead of Bearded Nureddin Pasha, who was unable to truly comprehend the process, Halil Pasha took command and the battle was won by the Ottomans. 

Halil Pasha besieged the British-occupied city for months and exhausted it with hunger and fire. When he completed the physical and psychological battle with a military victory, he was officially declared a hero. The people of...