The country of Turkey
Regretfully, we will not. The turn from commited secularism to Islamic fundamentalism, although democratically determined, will be a disaster and I do not wish to be even an observer. We fear for the welfare of many good Turkish friends.
Since the Korean conflict Turkey has been a staunch supporter of the U.S... until the Iraq war. The entire course of the war might have been different if Turkey had allowed the 4th ID to cross into northern Iraq. I have to believe that we were double-crossed and the Turkish Parliament, recently taken over by the Islamists, backed away from an agreement to allow that crossing. Of course, they had every right to change their minds. Just as we have a right to avoid Turkey in future travels.
We will.
This letter has not been edited.
I used to work at the American embassy in Ankara from 1994-1995 and I grew to love the country and its people as well.
I remember when Turkey won the World Cup, and all the celebrations in the streets. I remember the friendly people, cold beer (Efes and Tuborg), the casinos and nightclubs, and the great scenery.
While I was there, it seemed that the whole economy was based on tourism. I wonder how Turkey expects to survive without the economic boost it gets from European and Western tourists?
Also, I wonder how people can go back to religous fundamentalism after living a secular lifestyle since Ataturk. I just can't imagine all the women going back to wearing burkas again, and all the men donning turbans.
I only hope that another civil war won't be brewing there soon.
Posted by Tree Hugger on July 26, 2007 09:33 AMYes, by all means, J. Bruce Laubach. Even though you love the country and the people, teach them a lesson by doing what you can to isolate them from the west. The extremists there will love you for it.
And the nerve of those Turks, opposing Bush's long time dream of using the evil coming out of Afghanistan to invade Iraq. Too bad we didn't listen to them.
Posted by Truth on July 26, 2007 12:27 PMHaving just returned (less than 2 weeks ago) from four years living and working in Bursa, Turkey, I feel compelled to respond to this letter.
For one thing, they "...turn from commited secularism to Islamic fundamentalism." They have, instead voted for someone who holds close to his Islamic beliefs. It is not a 'turn from secularism'. Also, keep in mind that the Turks have a multi-party system (at last count they were upwards of 20 different parties) and that, as we all know, can cause an idiot to get into power. Such was the case here. True, Erdogan (pron: er dough ahn) recieved 46% of the vote. However, 54% voted for other parties. He did NOT get the majority vote. My friends, collegues and students are all concerned for their country's future, as am I, but I don't believe it will ever get to the point that women are required to wear the full cover, as Tree Hugger fears. All Erdogan wants is for those women who 'chose' to cover, to be allowed access to an education and careers. While I disagree with him and his policies (I don't like ANY religious people in power... including our own 'head of state'), I believe the Turks are going to force a military coup if it gets to the point that Sharia law is even a thought in that idiot's head.
As for not visiting the country, I think that's a mistake. As sarcastically put by Truth, the last thing in the world that we want is for that country to become isolated.
If you want some suggestions on places to visit, people to meet and/or have a WONDERFUL holiday in the FRIENDLIEST country I have ever had the pleasure to visit and live in, (there have been many) please feel free to contact me. I'd be happy to pass on the kindness shown to me by the Turkish people. ;-)
eslfemale@yahoo.com
Posted by Sheila on July 28, 2007 01:13 PMHaving just returned (less than 2 weeks ago) from four years living and working in Bursa, Turkey, I feel compelled to respond to this letter.
For one thing, they "...turn from commited secularism to Islamic fundamentalism." They have, instead voted for someone who holds close to his Islamic beliefs. It is not a 'turn from secularism'. Also, keep in mind that the Turks have a multi-party system (at last count they were upwards of 20 different parties) and that, as we all know, can cause an idiot to get into power. Such was the case here. True, Erdogan (pron: er dough ahn) recieved 46% of the vote. However, 54% voted for other parties. He did NOT get the majority vote. My friends, collegues and students are all concerned for their country's future, as am I, but I don't believe it will ever get to the point that women are required to wear the full cover, as Tree Hugger fears. All Erdogan wants is for those women who 'chose' to cover, to be allowed access to an education and careers. While I disagree with him and his policies (I don't like ANY religious people in power... including our own 'head of state'), I believe the Turks are going to force a military coup if it gets to the point that Sharia law is even a thought in that idiot's head.
As for not visiting the country, I think that's a mistake. As sarcastically put by Truth, the last thing in the world that we want is for that country to become isolated.
If you want some suggestions on places to visit, people to meet and/or have a WONDERFUL holiday in the FRIENDLIEST country I have ever had the pleasure to visit and live in, (there have been many) please feel free to contact me. I'd be happy to pass on the kindness shown to me by the Turkish people. ;-)
eslfemale@yahoo.com
Posted by Sheila on July 28, 2007 01:13 PMwhoops, in the editing process, I made a mistake in the first sentence. It should have read: For one thing, they HAVEN'T "...turn(ed)from commited secularism to Islamic fundamentalism." They have, instead voted for someone who holds close to his Islamic beliefs.
The rest remains the same. Also, my sincere apologies for the double posting. I'm not sure what I did incorrectly.
Posted by sheila on July 28, 2007 01:16 PMShelia, welcome back to the country. We are all used to double clicking and that makes double posting. No biggie, some folks deliberately post three or four times. I think whiskey is involved.
Posted by Sharon B. on July 28, 2007 05:23 PM