On Sunday morning, the Turkish president, stated that the Imam Fettulah Giulen, who is under self-imposed exile in the US, is a “pawn, who had the support of a brain”. In this manner, Erdogan clearly suggested that higher power structures are hiding behind the failed coup attempt against his government.
The head of the Turkish state often refers to the “brains” behind the Gulenists. It is generally thought that he is indirectly pointing at the US when he choses to do that.
Although F.Gulen has adamantly denied any form of involvement in the July 15 coup attempt, there have been several theories that not only consider him to be behind it but also suggest that the whole operation was supported and financed by the CIA.
USA has also denied any kind of involvement, even the suggestion that they had information about the upcoming attempt before it took place.