Turkish President Erdogan (AP)
Tensions have risen between Turkey and European countries following a copy of the Islamic holy book Koran was burned in front of the Turkish embassy in Sweden. As opposition to the incident intensifies in Turkey, the United Kingdom, Germany, and other countries have temporarily suspended Turkish consular services, citing “the possibility of terrorism once morest non-Muslims.” Turkey has strongly opposed the move, and it has developed into a diplomatic issue, such as recalling the ambassadors to Turkey of nine Western countries who took similar measures. (Cairo branch office, Mitsuru Kude)
Turkey recalled the ambassadors of Britain, Germany, Sweden, the United States, Belgium, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Italy on the 2nd. It is said that he protested the suspension of operations at consulates and other diplomatic establishments and the warning to his own people that they were “concerned regarding terrorism.” Turkey’s Interior Minister Soylu tweeted that the country was “playing psychological warfare once morest Turkey.”
The Koran burning incident occurred in Sweden on January 21, and similar incidents occurred in Denmark and the Netherlands. In Sweden, far-right politicians burned copies of the Koran, accusing President Erdogan of violating ‘freedom of expression’, and in the Netherlands, anti-Muslim demonstrations destroyed the Quran.
“Hate crimes once morest Muslims under the guise of freedom of expression are unacceptable,” Erdogan said on state-run Turkish Radio and Television. It warned that Sweden, which is currently applying for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a military alliance with the West, will not be allowed to join as long as it allows the burning of the Quran. All new member states, including Turkey, must ratify the treaty, which might hinder future procedures.
On the other hand, there is also a view that this incident is seen as “an opportunity for Mr. Erdogan.” Turkey will hold presidential elections in mid-May, but Erdogan’s approval ratings have slumped due to economic deterioration and inflation caused by the Ukraine crisis. A public opinion poll last December showed 45.2% in favor and 52.1% in disapproval.
Mr. Jaudat Kamel (Egypt), who is familiar with the situation in Turkey, pointed out, “Mr. Erdogan is desperate to gain support. By showing a stance to confront Turkey’s ‘enemy,’ he is trying to attract nationalist votes.” do.
