Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Many Turks wary even of 'mild' Islamists -- with reason | ScrippsNews

"Many Turks wary even of 'mild' Islamists -- with reason
editorials and opinion

By CLIFFORD D. MAY
Scripps Howard News Service
Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Why aren't more moderate Muslims protesting against Islamism? Actually, hundreds of thousands have been doing exactly that, marching in the streets of Turkey's major cities to insist on strict separation of mosque and state.

Turkey is unique. Though its population is 99 percent Muslim, its modern traditions are solidly secular. In recent days, millions of Turks have been as excited as 'American Idol' fans over one of the country's most popular singers, Kenan Dogulu, winning fourth place in the Eurovision song contest. (Accompanied by scantily clad backup singers, Dogulu wowed audiences with his version of 'Shake it Up Shekerim.')"

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