September 17, 2006
Tariq Ali: A Bavarian Provocation
Sabah is too happy to announce that Reuters praises the Turkish belly dance competition in ATV TV channels that belongs to the same media conglomeration with Sabah.
Pope seeks to calm storm over 'evil Islam' comment but Turkish PM Erdogan Says the Pope did not Speak Like a Religion Man and Muslims all over the world protest at 'Crusades' mentality as Pope fails to apologise. In this context, Western press declares Pope’s visit to Turkey in danger but Ankara sources say Pope's remarks "won't affect Turkish visit". Mehmet Ali Birand starts his column as Pope's unfortunate comments. What makes Turks even angrier is a recent Vatican report that claims There is no secularism in Turkey!. Well, Turkish secularism is not in worse shape than many other EU members right now.
Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis gestures as she is interviewed in New York, Saturday Sept. 16, 2006. Greece wants Turkey to become a full-fledged European democracy, but says Ankara must recognize a reunified Cyprus if it wants to become a member of the European Union, Bakoyannis said. (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg) But No concession on Cyprus without easing isolation, says Erdogan and Lagendijk wants Turkish, Greek Cyprus Santions Should End Simultaneously
Tariq Ali writes in CounterPunch:
Was Benedict's most recent provocation accidental or deliberate? The Bavarian is a razor-sharp reactionary cleric. A man who organises his own succession to the Papacy with a ruthless purge of potential dissidents and supervises the selection of Cardinals with great care leaves little to chance.
I think he knew what he was saying and why.
Choosing a quote from Manuel II Paleologos, not the most intelligent of the Byzantine rulers, was somewhat disingenuous, especially on the eve of a visit to Turkey. He could have found more effective quotes and closer to home. Perhaps it was his unique tribute to Oriana Fallaci.
Both sides feel threats in Pope-Islam row By Tom Heneghan
Posted by erkan at September 17, 2006 07:40 PM | TrackBackPosted to Commentaries | News | Pope/Pope's Speech