Is History Repeating?

Can Turkey Lead the Islamic World and Still Be a Western Ally?

Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The AKP does not aspire to be a model for the Islamic world; it aspires to be its leader — a duty which includes safeguarding the interests of the nearly 20 million Muslims living in Europe. In Erdoğan’s view, it is the EU which must accommodate itself to Turkey, not vice versa. Erdoğan is saying to the West: If you want my help in the Middle East, then we’ll play by my rules.

Behlül Özkan

Assistant professor at Marmara University; Author

FROM THE HUFFINGTON POST.