Erdogan’s Biggest Fear: The 'Concerned' Islamists

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is still resentful of Gezi protests because he fears losing the support of "concerned" Islamists.
Supporters of Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan (not pictured) cheer as he addresses the members of parliament from his ruling AK Party (AKP) during a meeting at Turkish parliament in Ankara June 25, 2013. Turkish anti-terrorism police detained 20 people in raids in the capital Ankara on Tuesday in connection with weeks of anti-government protests across the country, media reports said. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS) - RTX11029
Supporters of Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan cheer as he addresses parliament from his ruling AK Party (AKP) during a meeting at the Turkish parliament in Ankara, June 25, 2013. - REUTERS/Umit Bektas
pinartremblay-color.jpg
Pinar Tremblay
@pinartremblay
Read in 

On Aug. 14, following the release of a harsh statement against the Egyptian interim government from the office of the Turkish Prime Ministry, Ivan Watson of CNN tweeted: “Pot calling kettle black? Turkey's PM Erdogan condemns Egyptian security forces for using "force against peaceful protests." 

But the prompt reply to Watson’s tweet came from Ismail Cesur, one of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s advisors: “Sorry Ivan we do not consider vandals and provocateurs as 'peaceful protesters.' Try to watch objectively and see the difference.”

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.

Videos

See more