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AKP base divided on Turkey's vote to join coalition

Pro-government commentators have raised questions over Turkey’s participation in a US-led coalition, while the latest polls show Turks are split on what their country's role should be in fighting the Islamic state.
Protesters demonstrate in front of the Turkish Parliament in Ankara October 2, 2014.  The protest was held hours before a debate for MPs to vote on a motion, which would allow the government to authorise cross-border military incursions against Islamic State fighters in Syria and Iraq, and allow coalition forces to use Turkish territory. The placard (in black) reads, "Occupiers always lose." The shirts read (from L-R), "We are demonstrating against barbarism" and "We are on a hunger strike for the safety of
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A public opinion survey by the Turkish Metropoll polling company reveals that although an overwhelming majority of Turks are opposed to the Islamic State (IS), 52% would still prefer Turkey not get actively involved in the US-led coalition against it.

Ankara, however, is poised to do just that after the government received the mandate it sought from parliament, on Oct. 2, which not only enables the Turkish military to enter Iraq or Syria — if and when it deems necessary — but also allows allied forces to enter Turkey to fight IS.

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