On Nov. 28, 2011, the cover of TIME's international editions featured Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and a caption that read, “Turkey’s pro-Islamic leader has built his (secular democratic Western-friendly) nation into a regional power house, but can his example save the Arab Spring?” On Dec. 12, 2011, the same magazine had the following to say about Erdogan in its “News Feed” section:
He’s lauded as a steward of Islamic democracy. He’s helped boost Turkey to its place as the world’s second fastest-growing economy. Though not an Arab, he’s the most admired world leader among Arabs, according to a University of Maryland poll. His diplomatic missions bring out throngs of cheering crowds that could make a rock star jealous.
Today, less than two years later, the picture is very different. Let alone not applauded as the leader of a “secular democratic Western-friendly nation,” Erdogan is no longer admired by the West as a “steward of Islamic democracy.” Neither does he have the admiration of the entire Middle East, as those who oppose Islamic rule see him as a principle agitator in favor of it. Erdogan today finds himself under increasing international scrutiny.
The widespread impression is that Erdogan has turned his democratic mandate into a device for majoritarian impositions and is transforming Turkey into an authoritarian state inspired by Islam. In addition, he has no qualms about using an overbearing police force against its opponents. This image only angers Erdogan more, rather than leading him to understand the reasons driving it.
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