Update - April 24, 2007: Gul has been nominated for President of Turkey by Erdogan. My poll results for who you think will be the next President of Turkey is as follows: Erdogan 31%, Gul 19%, Pamuk 19%, Other 17%, Arinc, Cubukcu, and Baris with 4% each, Babacan 2%. Thanks for voting!
As you may know, there will be a new President of Turkey in May, appointed by the General Assembly. There have been speculations for too long about Prime Minister Erdogan's interest in the post, which is of figurehead nature. I believe that Erdogan has still a lot to prove and do for the country. Oh and by the way, his wife wears a headscarf, which is a no-no in Turkey, at least for the Presidential Palace.
The next President for sure will come from within the representatives of the General Assembly, and most likely from the ruling party (AKP.) Who do you think will be chosen for this seven-year appointment? Should the people choose the President instead? Will it matter who the President is? Do you even care?
As for me, I wanted to see Orhan Pamuk through a grassroots effort, but it hasn't happened. Instead, I would vote for a woman (not a 'headscarved' one to appease the generals,) or Ali Babacan, not necessarily in that order. My long shot favorite is Egemen Baris, the former New Yorker, and chairman of the Turkish-American Associations Assembly. He also happens to speak perfect English, and frequently interprets for the current President, as well as the Prime Minister. He would be a great interpreter of Turkish politics to the world.
Then again, Bush will be out of a job next year, and he can really be close to the issue ever most important to him, especially if Istanbul becomes the next capital of the U.S.E. (United States of Eurasia.)
