Why the Turkish protests matter to the west
This isn't just about lipstick – if Turkey can't reconcile secularism, Islam and democracy, there will be global repercussions
Şafak Pavey
The Guardian, Sunday 9 June 2013
Secularism: what does it mean to the people of Turkey? Is it simply a question of whether we can buy alcohol when we please, or whether the cabin crew of Turkish airlines are allowed to wear red lipstick? It cannot simply be these eye-catching issues, beloved of the media, that have brought people out on to the streets in their tens of thousands. Let me draw a different picture of the current challenges to secularism in Turkey, as protesters continue to express their frustration with a government that seems to be defined by inflexible religiosity.
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