Writer: Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı
Source: Taraf
Title: ['“Vatan', 'sağolsun”']
Date: 2008-08-17

a) Character Analysis:

Traits: - Consistency: Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı exhibits a high level of consistency in his writing. Throughout the column, he maintains a critical stance on the societal and political attitudes towards the ongoing conflict and the loss of life, particularly focusing on the reactions of different social groups. - Emotionality: The column displays a high degree of emotionality, with Kütahyalı using evocative language to convey the pain and frustration felt by families affected by the conflict. He uses phrases like “genç insanlar biteviye ölüyor” and “telefon titriyor, herkes öğreniyor ki, bugün de ya şurada ya burada, bir çatışmada ya da bir pusuda gepegenç insanlar ölmüş” to provoke a strong emotional response. - Credibility: Kütahyalı's credibility leans towards being fact-based, as he references real events and societal reactions. However, his use of the term “LAST” and his interpretations of social dynamics might be seen as somewhat hyperbolic, given the subjective nature of such categorizations.

b) Relationships with Entities:

Affiliations: - LAST (Laik yaşam tarzına sahip Sünni Türk) ortasınıfları: Kütahyalı repeatedly mentions this group, suggesting a critical view of their evolving attitudes towards nationalism and the Kurdish issue. He portrays them as increasingly hawkish yet reluctant to send their own children to fight. - Kemalist/ulusalcı kesimler: He discusses this group in the context of their reactions to the loss of soldiers, indicating a possible disillusionment with official rhetoric. - Geleneksel ve dindar insanlar: Kütahyalı contrasts these individuals with the LAST group, highlighting their more resigned and accepting attitude towards the loss of their children in the conflict. - Taraf gazetesi: As the platform where the column was published, it might suggest an affiliation with a more critical and independent media outlet.

c) Intentions (Trustworthiness):

Agenda: - Kütahyalı appears to be pushing a narrative that critiques the societal acceptance of ongoing conflict and the differing attitudes among social classes. He highlights the contradictions in the attitudes of the LAST group and the more traditional, religious families, suggesting a need for a political rather than military solution. - There is a suggestion that he aims to provoke a reevaluation of how society views the conflict and the sacrifices made by different groups.

Objectivity: - While Kütahyalı presents factual events, his analysis and the framing of social groups like LAST could be seen as less objective and more interpretive. His intent seems to be to challenge the status quo and encourage a shift in public opinion towards seeking a political resolution.