Submitted by G Singh(United States), Apr 18, 2004 at 04:21
Let me say that this is the best url I have found yet. Daniel, this is a great forum.
I do not know how much experience you have had in dealing with middle-east and people of Indian sub-continent (this is where I came from).
Turkey has a govt. with Islamist overtones but Turkish army is the main reason for Turkey being as secular as they are. But the islamists are on the rise there too.
So I think USA should spend more money in creating more "Atatürkists" in the armies of these islamic nations. These islamic nations need a "Atatürkists HEADMASTER" with a cane (remember the saying "Spare the rod and spoil the child") who can somehow 'tell' these people how to behave until it becomes a habit.
Pakistani General Musharaf could turn into an Atatürkists" with proper nurturing, but then its army since 1980s has it share of islamists in its ranks.
Unlike the people of western nations (I may have to exclude 1st & 2nd generation immigrants, including myself) they have had 300-50 years experience that things can be solved with a dialogue, or use voting right to correct the problem.
Conclusion: Atatürkists needed but intial Atatürks will have to carry a big (I mean a BIG) stick to guide these folks
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