Erdogan’s Sinking International Prestige
The more Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashes out at “international conspirators” as the cause of his troubles, the more his international reputation suffers.
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.
