"Ruling Party's Islamist Past Roils Politics in Turkey
By Guy Chazan
Word Count: 2,111
ANKARA, Turkey -- As the driving force behind Turkey's bid to join the European Union, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul plays a critical role in one of the most pro-Western governments in the nation's history.
The 56-year-old is a leader of the AKP, a party with religious roots often cited as proof that Islam and democracy can co-exist.
'Turkey is an inspiration for the region,' he said in a recent interview. 'Of course, it's a Muslim country. But it's also a democratic, secular state.'"
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