The Current Discussion: Turkish secularists say that allowing women to wear headscarves will result in the Islamicization and radicalization of the country. Do they have a point?

Let me start by stating straight-away that I am personally against the ban on headscarves in Turkish universities and I believe it should be removed for two main reasons: First, as a matter of moral principle, I cannot sympathize with any obstruction of liberties whether religious or political. Second, I simply don't think the ban has worked for the purpose it has intended to serve.

Yet I do believe that the Turkish secularists have a point when they warn against the gradual Islamization of Turkey, and I also believe that their arguments have not been clearly reported in the international media. Therefore, I think it would be best if I first report on the secularist arguments I have heard here, including those from most of my friends and family, as I understand their positions. Then I will explain why I have not been fully convinced to change my mind on the issue.

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