Truthdig - Ear to the Ground - Political Danger in Turkey

			May 18, 2008 Log in / Register
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Political Danger in Turkey

news.bbc.co.uk

Turkey’s Abdullah Gul says he will once again run for the presidency, which could lead to a crisis in the politically and religiously complex nation. Turkey’s avowedly secular military has already announced its willingness to intervene should Gul win the post, because of his Islamist background.

The mere fact that Gul’s wife wears a head scarf is a major controversy in Turkey.

BBC:

His previous presidential bid sparked huge protests in May because of his Islamist roots. Secular institutions, including the army, opposed him.

Mr Gul said his ruling AK Party, which won a convincing victory in elections last month, was backing his bid.

Opponents dislike the fact that Mr Gul’s wife wears the Muslim headscarf, which is banned in state institutions.

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