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April 29, 2007
Huge Rally For Turkish Secularism (Updated)
Topics: Understanding Islam
If Muslims in Turkey, a Muslim country, don't want radical Islam, are concerned about Islamic law, and vow to defend secularism, perhaps America's Democratic party could learn something from the Turks:
Tens of thousands of people are rallying in Istanbul in support of secularism in Turkey, amid conflict over a vote for the country's next president who is suspected of sucking up to the Islamists.Related:Captain Ed - Turkish Secularism LivesThe protesters are concerned that the ruling party's candidate for the post remains loyal to his Islamic roots.
The candidate, Abdullah Gul, earlier said he would not quit despite growing criticism from opponents and the army.
Mr Gul failed to win election in a first round vote in parliament as opposition MPs boycotted the vote.
They are also challenging its validity in the Constitutional Court.
An army statement on Friday accused the government of tolerating radical Islam and vowed to defend secularism.
Mr Gul has steered Turkey's European Union accession talks as foreign minister and is seen as less confrontational than Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the leader of his Islamist-rooted Justice and Development (AK) party.
"The president must be loyal to secular principles. If I am elected, I will act accordingly," he said after his nomination for the presidency.
But some analysts say he is closer to his religious roots, and his wife would be the first First Lady to wear a headscarf, a deeply divisive statement in Turkey.
... "Turkey is secular and will remain secular," shouted demonstrators from all over the country as they waved flags and pictures of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic."We want neither Sharia, nor a coup, but a fully democratic Turkey," they added.
Update: Video of at least 300,000 secular Turks waving the national flag flooding Istanbul to demand the resignation of the pro-Islamic government, and saying NO to sharia law!
Posted by Richard at April 29, 2007 9:19 AM
Are you listening, Nancy Pelosi? Stop being a clown, remove your submissive headscarf off that you don in Damascus, and stop cuddling-up to the Islamists and the terrorists!
Just like Turkey we want neither Sharia, nor a coup, but a fully democratic America, but if you and your defeatist Democrats persist in your treason and your Dhimmitude, we may wind up with one or the other!
Althor
Posted by: Althor at April 29, 2007 12:04 PM
There you go holding back again, althor. Loosen up and tell us how you really feel!
Posted by: Richard at April 29, 2007 12:26 PM
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- Huge Rally For Turkish Secularism (Updated) - Apr 29, 2007
