Quote

It is beneficial for Turkish democracy that not all religious conservatives are united under one banner.

Turkey is immersed in a profound social and political conflict between secularists, who have been in power since the republic was founded, and an insurgent Islamic-based movement that seeks to increase the role of religion in public life.

There's been quite a clear upswing in nationalist sentiments. Everyone is talking about it, in Turkey as well.

There is much to justify Turkey's reverence for Ataturk. He is the force that allowed Turkey to rise from the ashes of defeat and emerge as a vibrant new nation.

I see Turkey's future as being in Europe, as one of many prosperous, tolerant, democratic countries.

Moreover, as the leadership of the House confirmed last year, the Administration remains opposed to a congressional resolution on the Armenian Genocide due to Turkish objections. This approach sends absolutely the wrong signal to Turkey and to the rest of the world.

Turkey wants a policy of engagement exactly like President Obama's new approach. Policy of engagement, less confrontation, less tense attitude, especially in the region.

As the United States shapes and carries out its policies toward Muslim countries, it should do so with Turkey at its side.

I have had it up to here with the prosecutions, the government's attitude, the judiciary, the media's stance and the majority of Turks who view the Kurdish people's justified cause through a nationalist lens.

Northern Iraq has become, economically, a natural extension of Turkey.