Muslim Democracy-Turkey

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9407EFDD133CF937A15754C0A9619C8B63&scp=4&sq=%22muslim%20democracy%22&st=cse

This article in the NY Times talks about the recent elections in Turkey that solidified the popularity of the AKP as the ruling party. The article lists several reasons why the AKP, what he considers a Muslim Democratic party, has become so powerful and well liked in Turkey. The first of these the reasons is the fact that the government that the AKP has run has been the most competent and successful government that they have had in years. Also the AKP has caused the countries economy to grow significantly over the past couple years and for the first time inflation has been brought under control. Finally the AKP has improved human's rights and made the government more compliant with the standards of the European Union. Unlike the other Islam parties that exist around the world, the AKP has actually become more liberal once they have been in power. This has all happened despite the constant oversight and threat of the military who has been very powerful in Turkey.

The journal article in the Journal of Democracy by Vali Nasr describes multiple Muslim Democratic parties including the AKP in Turkey. Nasr also describes the AKP as a Muslim Democracy but also emphasizes that the AKP does not use the term Islam or Muslim in their description. They refer to themselves as a "conservative democracy" which makes them much more likable in the secular government that they exist in. In addition to becoming more liberal once in power, the AKP in Turkey has also been able to tap into the large Muslim population that previously has been held down by the military. They have been able to do this by staying away from using terms like Islamists or shari'a law and instead concentrating on ideals that the Muslim people would agree with.

Both articles highlight the AKP and the reasons it has come to power and the stuff it has done in power. They have been able to stay away from the terms such as Muslim and Islam in favor of conservative. Despite the constant threat of interference by the military the AKP has been able to pass many reforms that have made the country more democratic and enabled it to become closer to what the European Union wants from Turkey in order to join. Finally the AKP has also brought the economy of Turkey on the right track and this has enabled them to stay popular not only among the Muslim supporters of their country but just about everyone else. The key to all of this is the fact that despite the threat of the military, the AKP has grown and flourished since its been in power.