Unite Turkey with Europe - Orlando Sentinel : Opinion Unite Turkey with Europe - Orlando Sentinel : Opinion

"Unite Turkey with Europe
Our position: A Muslim nation in the European Union would build bridges at a critical time.

Pope Benedict XVI surprised Turks this week when he switched from opposing to supporting their country's effort to join the European Union. Ideally, the pope will inspire the same change of heart among European leaders who have been balking at Turkey's bid.

Turkey, which is 98 percent Muslim, has a secular, democratic government. It is a longtime member of NATO, the military alliance that links much of Europe and the United States. It is a literal and figurative bridge between Europe and the Middle East."

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