It is those secular principles on which Ataturk reshaped the country that many in the Opposition see as being threatened by what they see as Islamist leanings by Erdogan. He is not popular with many of his European neighbours and no Western European country sent a head of state to the Erdogan inauguration, and the US sent a low-ranking representative from its Ankara embassy — seen by some as a snub. As the ceremony concluded, the police were using water cannon to disperse protesters in Istanbul. Polarised Turkey may be politically, but there is no doubt that under Erdogan, the economy has been rejuvenated and Turkey has moved from a ‘hands off’ position in respect of foreign policy to playing an active part in events surrounding the Arab Spring. Mr Erdogan has the solid support of the conservative middle class that are the most obvious beneficiaries of his years as prime minister, but it is the 48 per cent of the Turkish people that did not vote for him that form the mountain he has yet to climb.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2014.
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@Sajida: Quoting some opinions in press does not mean there is proof. There are many opinions circulating and democratic countries are free to express them. My question is what does that prove? Diverting blame does not take the danger away. The fact is that IS is an extremist group which is killing and cleansing Iraq from those who are different. All we need to hear is that it is evil and does not fit in this 21st century. This article is about Turkey President who has done some good, but taking the country to autocratic rule. Instead of following Ataturk and his secular philosophy, Erdogen is moving towards religious values. And yet wants to join EU.It is becoming increasing clear that Europe has no appetite for a Turkey which does not follow secular and liberal ideals of EU.
Apart from politics Turkey is making tremendous progress and the best thing the rulers did is to rein in the out of control army. Pakistan has to follow Turkey example if they ever want to make any progress.
"moved from a ‘hands off’ position in respect of foreign policy to playing an active part in events surrounding the Arab Spring" Yes as a supporter of ISIS. It is one think that family rin Gulf countries do this. I is another when Turkey does this. http://www.cnbc.com/id/101916826?_source=yahoo%7Cfinance%7Cheadline%7Cheadline%7Cstory&par=yahoo&doc=101916826#. Why is Turkey supporting Islamic State fighters in Iraq? http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/14/america-s-allies-are-funding-isis.html America’s Allies Are Funding ISIS The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), now threatening Baghdad, was funded for years by wealthy donors in Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, three U.S. allies that have dual agendas in the war on terror. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ alastair-crooke/isis- wahhabism-saudi-arabiab_ 5717157.html
You Can't Understand ISIS If You Don't Know the History of Wahhabism in Saudi Arabia
From Ikhwan to Muslim Brotherhood, to Al Queda and its fellow travellers and now ISIS. A certain theme has emerged over time. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage/wp/2014/03/20/saudi-arabias-muslim-brotherhood-predicament/ Saudi Arabia’s Muslim Brotherhood predicament http://www.thenation.com/blog/168871/saudi-arabia-and-brotherhood-what-new-york-times-missed Saudi Arabia and the Brotherhood: What the 'New York Times' Missed