Erdogan calls for a secular Egypt

[Toramana]

Erdogan calls for a secular Egypt

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday called on Egyptians to adopt a secular constitution, noting that secularism does not mean renouncing religion.

A secular state respects all religions, Erdogan said in an interview with the private satellite TV channel Dream before heading to Egypt for a two-day visit.

"Do not be wary of secularism. I hope there will be a secular state in Egypt," Erdogan said.

He stressed that people have the right to choose whether or not to be religious, adding that he is a Muslim prime minister for a secular state.

Erdogan said Egypt needs to meet some requirements for establishing a modern state, including better management of human resources, more attention to education, improved management of financial resources and eliminating corruption.

The idea of adopting a secular system for Egypt has fueled controversy between the country's liberal and Islamist powers since the 25 January revolution.

Liberal and secular groups fear an Islamist takeover of the parliament through the upcoming elections scheduled for November. They fear such a takeover would give Islamists control over the drafting of the constitution.

Egypt’s largest political group, the Muslim Brotherhood, has been touting a secular state with Islamic law as a primary source of legislation. But some liberal powers suggest using international human rights conventions as a source.

http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/erdogan-calls-secular-egypt

[RevolutionThroughReason]

I would argue that Erdogan is just trying to silence his critics; the guy is a rabid Islamist and it shows in many of his past interviews, although it is possible that he has modified his views, he belongs to an Islamist party which means that is unlikely.

[Friend]

It is better not to meddle in other country's affairs. The people of Egypt have chosen an Islamic party through a democratic process then what is the problem with others.
Too much hypocrisy

[Toramana]

I would argue that Erdogan is just trying to silence his critics; the guy is a rabid Islamist and it shows in many of his past interviews, although it is possible that he has modified his views, he belongs to an Islamist party which means that is unlikely.

I think he is genuine in that statement. Theoretically, political parties may target ideal and extreme goals but when they assume power, they come to realize realities on the ground and become more pragmatic. The guy seems to have grasped that for durable social and political stability and economic development in Middle Eastern societies, a diluted and indigenized form of secularism is needed.

Revolutions and counter-revolutions of the extreme left or the right and rabid sectarian conflicts/tensions have long derailed democratic development and civilian rule in a part of the world. Colonialist powers have typically worked through an alliance of military and civilian bureaucracies, feudal lords, and religious orthodoxy, forces which prosper in non-democratic and non-secular environment. I have heard the guy also advised political parties in Pakistan to be flexible towards each other for the civilian rule to strengthen.

Brotherhood aiming at a secular system albeit some religious color gives a hope that democracy in Egypt will be consolidated.