In the end Turkey is Islamic country

Submitted by Amit Srivastava (India), Feb 6, 2013 at 21:07

It would be sad if Turkey leaves NATO and join SCO. But it may be noting dissenting voices because it is not getting EU membership. Nobody should think that getting EU membership is not profitable and exciting for Turkey. Only thing is whether it gets it or not. Sure, fulfilling all requirements may not be possible for Turkey, more importantly those about genedr equality and freedom, but then Turkey could be granted special status in the EU.

Turkey is still moderate and modern Islamic Republic. There is not much Islamism in Turkey at this moment of time though it can go towards that extreme after much economic progress. Economic progress does not mean remaining at Center. Moreover, Turkey is also Islamic country and it cannot ignore the changes around itself in the region and those taking place inside.

The fact is that political islam is Right in nature and economically and emotionally it is inclined towards the Left. But it does not mean that Islam and the West, particularly the US, need to be in conflict with each other. The US can accept that Right is the natural inclination for the Islamic countries and Shariah would be their laws. It should thereafter makes appropriate policies. There is not much point in trying to convert each other in this post-internet age. But for sure, Turkey's relationship with the West are important one in keeping Islamic societies somewhat centric for external world.

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