ERDOGAN'S MOMENT.

ERDOGAN, Recep Tayyip, 1954-; TURKISH politics & government, 1980-; DEMOCRACY & Islam; AK Parti (Political party : Turkey); ISLAM; FOREIGN relations of Turkey; POLITICAL leadership; ISLAM & politics

ARAB countries; TURKEYReport Available

Thea article looks at Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, focusing on how his advocacy of secular democracy helped him to become one of the most influential leaders in the world. The author considers whether Erdogan's approach to political leadership can be applied to troubled Arab countries such as Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya. Erdogan's Islamist background is discussed, noting the support from religious and conservative Turks given to his Justice and Development Party (AKP). The Zero Problems foreign policy doctrine intended to improve relations between Turkey, secular Syria, and Jewish Israel is reviewed.