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The Takeaway: Hagia Sofia makeover part of Erdogan’s regional strategy

Highlights: Cengiz Candar says Erdogan seeks leadership in Muslim world with move; Also: Islamic Jihad, Hamas warm up again to Iran; Why Netanyahu is backing off annexation; Gulf economic recovery likely to lag behind Asia.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - JULY 15: People perform in front of the Hagia Sophia Mosque on the fourth anniversary of the July 15, 2016 failed coup attempt on July 15, 2020 in Istanbul, Turkey. On the night of July 15, 2016, 249 people died when military personnel attempted to overthrow the government and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.  (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

The Lead: Turkey: Erdogan’s ‘reconquest’ of Hagia Sofia part of regional power play

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan forged ahead this week with his plan to recast the historic Hagia Sofia as a mosque, despite international outcry. Erdogan’s power play has been done with one eye on his constituency at home and the other on his ambitions for regional influence.

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