You thought Erdogan was bad before? The worst of Turkey's leader is yet to come

And this is where the West becomes relevant. Mr Gülen now lives in Pennsylvania, giving Mr Erdogan an obvious opening to accuse America of conniving in the plot.

He may, by extension, include Europe in the nefarious category of those who tried to overthrow him.

But the European Union depends on Turkey to stem the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean.

The agreement signed with Mr Erdogan in March has actually worked: the number of boats turning up on the Greek islands has fallen dramatically since last year. But will that deal be safe in the hands of a furious Mr Erdogan in the aftermath of this coup?