Turks in Suspense As Erdogan Sets Welcome of Pope - by JIM GERAGHTY
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey held its collective breath on the eve of the first visit of Pope Benedict XVI last night, as the nation's prime minister suddenly changed plans and indicated that he would greet the pope when he arrives.
For many Turks, who see a denial of their European qualifications as the height of snobbery, if not outright bigotry, the pope's statements appeared to endorse the concept of the European Union as a Christians-only club.
Secular and elite Turks are bracing themselves for a likely black eye for the country, unless the pope's visit goes off without a hitch.
