Turkish ruling party AKP wins court case

The ruling party in Turkey, AKP, have won the court case against them for not being “secular enough”. Secular nationalists brought them court over trying to lift the ban against head scarfs in universities. They claimed it went against their secular constitution.

The AKP won 46.76% of the vote in the last general election. They members of European Peoples Party which is the biggest party in the EU and the only European party that has members outside of the EU. The AKP consider themselves to be conservative, center-right, pro-western and European. They have been trying to join the EU for the past few years.

European leaders have expressed their relief over the AKPs victory. EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said, “This is a good day for Turkey and for Europe.”

I’m personally against banning the head scarfs in schools, but banning head scarfs in a university is ridiculous. Adults should be able to chose what ever religion or even clothes they want to wear. I think a proper secular society should allow religious freedom not restrict it. History has thought us that more restrictions you put on a religion, the stronger it gets. Just think of the anti-Catholic laws in past Ireland and Poland.

I also like the idea of Turkey joining the EU. Having an Islamic commissioner and ninety six MEPs(assuming EU parliament comes in), would be could for Europe’s image as a peaceful, multicultural and accepting force in the world. Also as a conservative country, Turkey would be a good ally when it comes to the EU over stepping in social affairs.

Turkish influence in EU foreign affairs could help us with peace resolutions in the middle east, especially with Israel and Iran, whom Turkey is allies with both.

Plus Turkey’s economy is doing well and they have access to cheaper oil. This would make Europe’s common energy and economic policies stronger, and more efficient.

As soon as Turkey sorts out a peaceful way to the Kurdish conflict and do a deal to resolve possible immigration problems that might occur if the join, I’ll happy to help out in a campaign for them to join.