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October 11, 2008 4:04:48 AM CDT

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Turkish Elections Boost PM

Posted Jul 22, 07 6:00 PM CDT in Politics,  World 

(Newser) – Turkey’s ruling party dominated parliamentary elections today despite its perceived threat to the nation’s entrenched secularism. The elections were moved up after the secular opposition foiled PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan's attempt to install an ex-Islamist ally as president. The results, seen as a mandate for the AKP, also raise the risk of increased conflict, Reuters reports.

Erdogan’s agenda includes continued economic reform and Turkey’s inclusion in the EU. Turkey’s currency moved 2% higher against the dollar on the results, but opponents criticize the party’s Islamic ties and EU-backed policies. The new government will have to appease the secular-minded army and decide whether forces should suppress Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq.

Source Reuters

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Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife Emine Erdogan greet their supporters outside of the party headquarters in Ankara, Turkey, late Sunday, July 22, 2007. Turkey's Islamic-rooted ruling...   (Associated Press)
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, leader of the Justice and Development Party, greets his supporters after he cast his vote in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, July 22, 2007. Turks voted for a new...   (Associated Press)
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the leader of Justice and Development Party, greets his supporters outside of the party headquarters in Ankara, Turkey, late Sunday, July 22, 2007. Turkey's...   (Associated Press)
A poster of Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party flag are displayed at an election campaign center in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, July 20, 2007. The general...   (Associated Press)
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European Union  • Islam  • Turkey  • Kurds  • Kurdistan  • Recep Tayyip Erdogan  • secularism  • Turkish elections  • AK Party  • AKP


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