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Erdogan Prepares to Face Post-Ramadan Challenges

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be walking on eggshells after Ramadan to balance the popular reaction to the Ergenekon verdicts and Kurdish demands to advance the negotiation process.
Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan (C) leaves after a wreath-laying ceremony with members of the High Military Council at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey, in Ankara August 1, 2013. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY - Tags: MILITARY POLITICS) - RTX126OH

Marking the end of Ramadan, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in his message, “We’re a civilization that makes it a principle to rush to the help of persecuted people, communities wherever they may be, and we stand in solidarity with them, holding their hands.” 

He was in particular referring to the people of Syria and Egypt. Whether this current government is or not, it’s indeed true that Turks are generous and compassionate people. On a day like this that brings together families and loved ones in religious celebration, Erdogan was right to refer to those values that all segments of Turkish society cherish and honor. Yet there are so many domestic challenges that one can’t help questioning whether the deeds match the words — especially concerning the Kurdish issue.

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