Updates: April 27, 2007
(6) My Sentiments Exactly!
(5) The Last Word: Generals
(4) Islamic Secularism or Turkish Islam?
(3) If the Reverse Happened . . .
(2) The New Anatolian
(1) Turkish Opposition
Turkey's Prime Minister Erdogan announced that Abdullah Gul will be the nominee for the Presidency of Turkey ending the speculation for the past few months that Erdogan himself may choose to 'appoint' himself for the position.
I believed back then as I believe now that Gul was the right choice for Prime Minister when he held the position briefly until Erdogan's clearance papers were obtained. Gul is more of a statesman, and one who is temperate, full of cheer and hopeful of the future, as well as a moderate democrat when it comes to appeasing the conservative and fundamentalist leaning factions within the country, while championing an acceptable compromise for the majority of the republic.
In my poll Gul had been the second choice behind Erdogan, but I believe not because he's a second option as most people, including those who oppose him, vehemently thought Erdogan would be running.
My personal recollection of Gul goes back to the early 90s when I met him in New York City for the first time. My dad and I followed him, and in some cases drove him around, during a roundup of some of the local Turkish-American establishments he visited and spoke at. I had found him to be soft spoken but strong in his convictions. I was pleasantly surprised and pleased with his view for the future of Turkey. One where polarization is opposed and people of all ideologies live in peace and harmony respectful of each other's mindset and without any fundamentalist overtures of one over another.
I congratulate Gul and wish him the best success and luck over the next seven years. If he's 'approved' of course by the 'secular' deep state, better known more recently as the aging generals of the sinking 'establishment-passe.'
And my favorite minister Babacan will be the new foreign minister replacing Gul. It's about time! He will be a great policy maker. And I am very hopeful for Turkey's 'foreign policy' future, with Gul as its President and Babacan as the minister of foreign affairs.
