To promote Erdo?an call for his resignation

Eric Edelman, one of the former U.S. ambassadors to Ankara, never liked this country. My recollection of him while I was working as a diplomatic reporter in Ankara was that he had this bullying attitude coupled with a condescending look. He did not understand the dynamics of Turkey, and ended up no liking it.

I was not a journalist when Morton Abramowitz, another former U.S. ambassador, served in Turkey, but I know he left a better legacy behind.

So it was rather surprising to see Abramowitz join Edelman in penning an article calling on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an to reform or resign.

This call is like a bad joke. In fact, I find it utterly stupid, more absurd than the absurdities voiced by pro-Erdo?an columnists.

The call from two former U.S. ambassadors for Erdo?an to resign will only serve to consolidate the love and devotion for Erdo?an among his constituency. As he can no longer promise a positive agenda, Erdo?an consolidates his power by portraying a world where he is challenged by those who do not wish the Muslim world well. 

So this call to resign will end up increasing his ratings by several points.

Was that the intended outcome of the Edelman/Abramowitz duo?

Whatever their initial intentions were, I am sure Erdo?an's dozen chief advisors are busy making wild speculations about it. It is worth mentioning this call comes just a few days ahead of Erdo?an's visit to the United States.

And interestingly, it coincides with the publication of the interview in the Atlantic where U.S. President Barack Obama was said to think of Erdo?an as a "failure and an authoritarian."

While this is not in direct quotes, no one would question its authenticity.

Needless to say,...