THE QUESTION
After a strong win in parliamentary elections, Turkey's current leadership is set to keep pursuing its reforms. Does the government's Islamist rhetoric pose a threat to Turkey's secularism? Or is moderate Islamism the best way for Muslim nations to avoid extremism?
FROM THE PANEL
Turk Leaders Religious, but Economy Strong
After the AKP's election victory was declared, Turkey's stock market jumped to a record high. The party may be religious, but so is Bush. Yet they don't claim God is on their side, and have delivered impressive economic growth. The West should embrace the AKP as an opportunity for reconciliation with the Muslim world.
Bashir Goth Somalia/UAE |Aug 3, 2007 at 7:06 AM
Mideast Needs Consensus Islamists
There is nowhere in the world where the victory of a moderate Islamic party is more important for us than in the Middle East. Numerous Arab columnists have already written calls for Islamists to learn from the lessons of Erdogan and his party. The first lesson is that Islamists must accept and play by the democratic rules of the 21st century.
Daoud Kuttab Princeton, NJ |Aug 2, 2007 at 5:14 PM
What Would Ataturk Do?
The battle between reformers and the state has been taking place in Turkey for over a century. Ataturk's rebellion, begun in 1908, established the secular republic we know today. It is ironic that the ideological descendants of Ataturk's rebels are now the reactionary establishment against which the "reformist Islamists" are rebelling.
Nikos Konstandaras Athens, Greece |Aug 2, 2007 at 2:51 PM
It's About Modernization, Not Religion
The elections in Turkey were a momentous event. The ruling AKP has its roots in Turkey's Islamist movement and won in a landslide. But I see no reason not to apply the same analytical tools as in any other country's political system. Voters were not voting about the future of secularism in this country. They were responding to military interference in Turkey's modernization.
Soli Ozel Istanbul, Turkey |Aug 1, 2007 at 9:31 AM
Don't Send Islam Underground, but to Ballot Box
Political Islam is a fact of life in countries with large Muslim populations. Indonesia's experience tells us that suppressing or banning political Islam only drives the movements underground and leads to violence. Political Islam should instead have to make its case to voters, who in Indonesia have consistently chosen secularism instead.
Endy Bayuni Jakarta, Indonesia |Aug 1, 2007 at 9:03 AM
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