Islam On The Move Again

By Semperpapa

The power of Islam is on the move again, this time in Turkey.

That country has just had a national referendum organized by the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyid Erdogan and his Party, the Justice and Redevelopment Party.
The referendum, which was aimed at changing the Turkish Constitution, saw an overwhelming majority of Turkish people, 58%, side with the pro-Islamic Ergodan in drastically reduce the power of the military that has maintained the country on a secular path.

Since his election in 2003, Ergodan has worked to weaken the secular forces of the military under the precept of a greater democratic political environment for the Turkish people, by reducing the power of the Kamalist secular leadership of the country, which had succeeded for some time to keep Islamic fanaticism out of the political discourse.

It is known that the methodology of the Kamalist supporters has frequently been, putting it mildly, dubious and reprehensible, including coups against the government when the tendency has been to turn the country over to Islamic radicals, but nevertheless, the goal of keeping Turkey out of the hands of Islamists has been successful, to the benefit of Turkey and the West.

Via the referendum, the power of the military has been greatly reduced, and in the name of democracy, the country has given Erdogan increased power and probably a sure road to re-election.
It is hard to imagine the connection between increase Islamic influence in the political events of a nation and the concept of democracy, but ultimately it was a decision that the people of Turkey took.

What I find interesting is the overboard praise that the results of the referendum and the political victory of Erdogan have generated from the White House, with President Obama welcoming the modification of the Turkish constitution in a clear move from its secular guidelines.

The Obama administration has supported Erdogan’s position, praising his move toward removing the influence of the military establishment over governmental and civilian life, calling it a model for “Islamic democracy.”
Now there is an oxymoron if there ever was one.

The State Department made a statement reflecting the sentiments of the President via its spokesman Phillip Crowley

"We hope that through these reforms, it will further enhance Turkey's democratic processes and human rights protection, This (the referendum) was a choice for the Turkish people, and there was a very strong, decisive vote to move towards greater civilian oversight of these democratic institutions."

What is getting President Obama and his administration so excited about this?
Turkey has been a long time ally of the United States, one of great importance in the region. The history of Turkey is surely not one of exemplary actions toward human rights, but as a predominantly Islamic nation, it has worked as a buffer in a very dangerous area of the world.

But, in my opinion, the recent events in Turkey have excited President Obama about the concepts of reducing the power of the military and changing the constitution, two goals that he has been chasing since he got into office. Actually, more than wanting to change our Constitution, Mr. Obama has been active in trying to circumvent it.

And there is the issue of separation of Church and State. While adamantly opposed to any interference of religion into American public discourse, especially Christianity, the President appears to be more that accepting and understanding about interference of Islam in the life of the people.
He speaks of one side of his mouth when it comes to his support for the building of a mosque near Ground Zero, championing the tolerance that America has for all religious practices, but is real quick in condemning an idiotic pastor in Florida for his stunt of the Quran burning.
I was opposed to the action of the lunatic, not on religious grounds, because his histrionics are protected by our Constitution, but on grounds of safety for our troops.
Obama’s refusal to select a church, his approach of “not wearing his religion on his sleeve” is not the problem, none of my concerns, as a matter of fact it may be even considered a positive trait for a President, but it is inconsistent with the principles of our country, to so enthusiastically praise another nation’s move toward allowing a greater influence of religion in its political affairs. Especially Islam.

Just my thoughts!