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Turkey's troubles run deep - Daniel Silke
Nothing divides Europeans more than the issue of Turkey's role in Europe and her possible entry into the EU. And, following a devastating bomb blast in Ankara this last week and mass demonstrations to protest the influence of Islamic-oriented political activities, Turkey represents a true crossing point for the world - not just geographically but also ideologically. For a country whose political ethos - established over the last century - has been one of secular nationalism, it is not surprising that any possible drift towards a more religious state or political representation should cause ripples of concern throughout the secular establishment.
The country literally is a bridge between Europe and the Middle-East - and between Judeo-Christian values and Islam. Its sensitivity has been enhanced by events in Iraq and Iran and its courtship by the West as a bulwark against Islamic Fundamentalism. In addition, the West views Turkey as the model Moslem state where a separation of Mosque and State go hand-in-hand with secular Islam. Somehow, though, for all the good that Turkey provides the West, it seems increasingly isolated. The question remains whether the West is doing enough to aid and assist Turkey in what is likely to become an increasingly tough battle as elements try to destabilize this bastion of Islamic Democracy.
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