The future of Islam in Turkey - and what it means for Europe

Jul 07

The Moscow-based magazine Vlast says: "Islam does not recognize the concept of a nation ...

Last but not least, by admitting Turkey to the EU, Europe would throw open its door to the Muslim world. Explosive social, religious and political forces may come in Ankara's wake. Upheavals may follow that would make the recent riots in Paris look like child's play ...

The European Union is at a loss, meanwhile, on what to do about the radical Muslims already firmly settled in Europe, citizens as well as legal and illegal immigrants. Indicatively, the recent spate of terrorist attacks have mostly been masterminded and perpetrated by Europeanized people. As we see, they have adapted to European life and values only outwardly.

Prime Minister Erdogan appears to be responsible and circumspect about politics-but Turkish Islam will certainly outlive his premiership, and who can tell what turn it might take under another leader?

A religious party in office under a democratic system is an absurdity that promises no end of unpleasant surprises. Therefore, an election that results in an Islamist landslide is cause for concern about, not admiration for, the democracy that makes it possible ...

So the Turkish issue takes some pondering, and the European Union has every right not to hurry. It is the proprietor of a condominium in which a new lodger could make trouble. Europe might pay dearly for its hospitality.