Turkey’s former president is keeping his cards close to his chest
An appearance by Abdullah Gül anywhere will always draw capacity crowds right now. Turkey’s former president is the only credible rival to his all-dominating successor, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and a gentler, more even-tempered politician. He hasn’t announced what he plans to do next but, at the age of 64, he isn’t about to retire from public life yet.
So it was little surprise that the largish room in the basement of Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, was packed to burst to hear Mr Gül speak.
Disappointingly, most of what he had to say was about foreign affairs, and not a lot of that was particularly remarkable.
He said the Pandora’s box turmoil unleashed in the Middle East – IS, the Arab spring, civil wars – could be traced to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the world’s inability to solve it.
An independent Kurdistan borne out of Iraq would cause a different kind of instability in the region, he said, adding that he had understood the fear of Iraq being divided expressed to him by politicians in Baghdad.
Gül was asked ‘should the powers of the presidency be reformed?’ He was reluctant to answer.
On Syria, Gül insisted his country was “never close to Assad regime” and had tried to engage with it purely because they were Turkey’s neighbours. Russia is a neighbour and trading partner, he said, but “we do not forget that Turkey was an important wing of the NATO alliance for many years”.
The bulk of his commentary was on Islamic State – which he said should be regarded as an extremist political movement, not a religious one – and the West’s lack of appreciation, as he saw it, of Turkey’s role in hosting Syrian refugees. Two million of them, by his count.
Chatham House members put only one question to Gül on Turkish domestic policy: “do you believe the powers of the presidency should be reformed?”
It was a clear reference to Mr Erdoğan’s ambitions of reforming his job into a French or US-style executive presidency that essentially returns to him the powers he had as prime minister.
“I have already expressed my views on this subject previously,” Mr Gül said in reply, reluctant to expand further.
But he was pressed by Chatham House director Robin Niblett, who was chairing the event.
“It is well known I prefer a parliamentary system for Turkey,” Mr Gül finally conceded. But a presidential system could also work “with the correct checks and balances”.
Everyone had a question for Mr Gül and I didn’t get to ask mine: has he become a member of the AK Party again? Is he running for parliament in next year’s elections? The answer to both is probably yes, but Turkish politics is a fickle thing. You can never be sure.
Thanks a lot for the article.Really thank you! Want more.
Fantastic blog article.Really thank you! Great.
d7ztj3 Muchos Gracias for your article post.Thanks Again. Awesome.
Wow, great blog.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
I am so grateful for your article.Thanks Again.
Thanks again for the blog article.Really thank you! Great.
There is visibly a bunch to identify about this. I assume you made various nice points in features also.
I value the article post.Thanks Again. Really Great.
Superb post but I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Thank you!
Major thankies for the article post. Want more.
Thanks so much for the blog post.Thanks Again. Really Great.
I am so grateful for your post.
Thanks again for the post.Thanks Again. Cool.
I really liked your blog article.Thanks Again. Really Great.
“Muchos Gracias for your post. Cool.”
I loved your blog post.Really thank you! Keep writing.
Thank you ever so for you blog.Much thanks again. Cool.
Fantastic blog post. Great.
You have observed very interesting details! ps nice internet site.
“Fantastic website. Plenty of helpful information here.”
I precisely desired to thank you so much again. I’m not certain the things I would’ve worked on without the entire recommendations discussed by you regarding such a subject. This was a very troublesome matter for me, but seeing this skilled tactic you solved it took me to jump for contentment. I am happier for the information and expect you are aware of a powerful job that you are undertaking teaching most people via a web site. Most likely you haven’t met all of us.
A round of applause for your blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.
Major thankies for the blog.Really thank you! Fantastic.
Thank you ever so for you article post.Much thanks again. Keep writing.
will be checking back soon. Please check out
Really appreciate you sharing this post.
Fantastic blog post.Much thanks again. Keep writing.
I think this is a real great blog.Really looking forward to read more. Great.
Thanks so much for the blog.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…
Appreciate you sharing, great blog post.Much thanks again.
“Hi there, I check your blog like every week. Your writing style is witty, keep up the good work!”
Hi my loved one! I wish to say that this article is awesome, nice written and come with approximately all important infos. I’d like to look extra posts like this.
As a Newbie, I am permanently exploring online for articles that can help me. Thank you
I appreciate you sharing this article.Much thanks again. Fantastic.
Hey, thanks for the article post.Much thanks again. Want more.
Thanks-a-mundo for the blog article.Much thanks again. Keep writing.
Thanks-a-mundo for the blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.
Wow, great blog post. Great.
“Muchos Gracias for your blog article.Really thank you!”
Amazing blog! Do you have any helpful hints for
aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m
a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for
a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m
completely confused .. Any suggestions? Thanks!
These are in fact impressive ideas in concerning blogging. You have touched some fastidious points
here. Any way keep up wrinting.
Hi, after reading this amazing paragraph i am as well cheerful to share my experience here with mates.
Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely fantastic.
I actually like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say
it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it
smart. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is actually a wonderful website.
I was very happy to find this website. I need to to thank you for ones time for this
wonderful read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it and i also have you saved as a
favorite to check out new stuff on your web site.
Great post.
Nice post. I used to be checking continuously this blog and I
am inspired! Very useful information specifically the final part :
) I take care of such information a lot. I was seeking this certain info
for a long time. Thanks and best of luck.
Hi, I do think your site could be having browser compatibility
problems. Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening
in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted
to provide you with a quick heads up! Other than that, excellent
site!
This blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I
have found something that helped me. Thanks a
lot!
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.
I don’t know who you are but definitely you are
going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
Stunning quest there. What occurred after?
Good luck!
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do think that you need to write more on this topic, it may not be a taboo subject but typically people do not speak about such issues. To the next! All the best.
When I originally commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify mewhen new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added Iget 4 emails with the same comment. Is there a way you can remove mefrom that service? Thank you!
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say great blog!
how quickly does ivermectin work ivermectin for cats fleas
Hi there I am so happy I found your weblog, I really
found you by mistake, while I was browsing on Yahoo for something else, Anyhow I am here now and
would just like to say thank you for a incredible post and a all round
enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have
time to read it all at the minute but I have saved it and
also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more,
Please do keep up the great jo.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.
Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a completely different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Superb choice of colors!
Excellent way of describing, and nice article to obtain information regardingmy presentation focus, which i am going to present in academy.
side effects of plaquenil chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine
What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & aid different customers like its aided me. Good job.
dapoxetine and sildenafil combination in india
Physical exercise watches have lots of models, fake Rolex has become the timeless company.
Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed!Very helpful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot.I was seeking this particular info for a very long time.Thank you and good luck.
chloroquine diphosphate chloroquine quinine
Xoilac Tv Thẳng Bóng Đá ae888Đội tuyển chọn Việt Nam chỉ muốn một kết quả hòa có bàn thắng nhằm lần loại hai góp mặt trên World Cup futsal. Nhưng, để thực hiện được điều này
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my difficulty.You’re wonderful! Thanks!
Hi there, its fastidious article concerning media print, we all know media is a enormous source of information.
When someone writes an post he/she keeps the idea of a user in his/her mind that how a user can know it. Thus that’s why this post is amazing. Thanks!
Actually no matter if someone doesn’t be aware of afterward its up toother visitors that they will help, so here it happens.
I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this blog. I really hope to view the same high-grade content by you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own blog now 😉
prednisone cramps order prednisone how does prednisone help asthmawhich client demonstrates the clearest indication for treatment with prednisone?
Thanks a lot for the blog article.Thanks Again. Much obliged.
Some genuinely great info , Gladiola I observed this.
Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Thanks
healthier hair is of course mainly due to genetics but food supplementation can also help you get it;
Your style is unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this blog.
As for Morgan Freeman, he was hardly there in the film.
ivermectin for heartworms in dogs ivermectin reviews
Pretty! This has been an incredibly wonderful post.
Thank you for supplying these details.
I was very pleased to uncover this website. I want to to thank you for ones
time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely appreciated every part of
it and I have you bookmarked to look at new things in your blog.
Hi. Interesting material! I’m really appreciate it. It will be great if you’ll read my first article on AP!)
india ivermectin ivermectina bula Loading…
Normally I do not read post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice post.
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do think that you should write more on this subject, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people don’t talk about such topics. To the next! Cheers!!
Thanks a lot for the article post.Really thank you! Really Great.
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped me outa lot. I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.
There is certainly a lot to know about this subject. I like all the points you’ve made.
constantly i used to read smaller articles that as well clear theirmotive, and that is also happening with this paragraphwhich I am reading at this place.
Your mode of telling everything in this piece of writing is in fact fastidious, all can simply be aware of it, Thanks a lot.
I love it when people come together and share views. Great blog, stick with it!
What a man of capacity! You have the capacity to publish good items that you can’t find at any place. to envy
Interaction Amoxicillin Celebrex Methocarbam
JD Purity Most wanted Joomla design now available for Drupal
Hi there! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone!Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to allyour posts! Keep up the outstanding work!My blog: mugen hentai futa cammy vs 안드로이드 18
What’s up mates, how is all, and what you would liketo say regarding this piece of writing, in my view itsgenuinely remarkable in favor of me.
Heya i’m for the primary time here. I found this board and I in finding It truly helpful & it helped me out a lot. I am hoping to give one thing again and help others like you aided me.
Asking questions are truly nice thing if you are not understanding something entirely, except this articleoffers fastidious understanding yet.
Hey! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
Hi there, yes this piece of writing is really pleasant and I have learnedlot of things from it regarding blogging. thanks.
I do agree with all the ideas you’ve presented for your post. They are really convincing and can definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are too quick for newbies. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
Hello, its good piece of writing about media print, we all understand media is a great source of facts.
I¦ll immediately take hold of your rss as I can’t in finding your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly let me realize in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.
northwest pharmacy canada india pharmacy mail order – canada online pharmacycanadianpharmacymeds com
Really a good deal of valuable facts! Staph And Bactrim And Urine
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular post! It is the little changes which will make the most important changes. Thanks for sharing!
Is anyone here in a position to recommend KY Products? Thanks xx
Revisión de LG G1 OLED TV: establezca la barra de precisión de la fotografía en un pequeño superior
I really like your writing style, superb info , regards for posting : D.
hello!,I love your writing very a lot! percentage we keep in touch more about your article on AOL? I need an expert in this area to resolve my problem. Maybe that is you! Looking forward to peer you.
Robwox – writing a proposal essay for a research paper Drfuop meisqo
When I initially commented I clicked the « Notify me when new comments are added » checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thank you!
I sit and do not stumble as the author came to this himself
As a Newbie, I am permanently searching online for articles that can help me. Thank you
Wow! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a totallydifferent topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Outstanding choice of colors!
ขณะนี้บางทีก็อาจจะไม่มีผู้ใดไม่รุ้จะสล็อตออนไลน์ เพราะว่าเป็นเกมที่ใครๆชอบอกชอบใจเพราะเป็นเกมที่สร้างกำไรได้เป็นอย่างมาก UFABET เว็บสล็อตออนไลน์ยักษ์ใหญ่ จ่ายจริง จัดหนัก โบนัสมากไม่น้อยเลยทีเดียว คิดจะเล่นสล็อตจำเป็นที่จะต้องไม่พลาด UFABET ขอรับ
Clifton Steel’s is a Hadfield Grade Manganese Steel made to solidify with effect. Just The Best Manganese Wear Plate
affordable essay writing – best writing essay essay helper online
scoliosisHello, after reading this awesome article i am toodelighted to share my knowledge here with friends. scoliosis
I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for fantastic info I was looking for this info for my mission.
A very good portal, but I would like to see a version for mobile phones.
whoah this weblog is great i love studying your posts. Keep up the good work!
You realize, lots of people are hunting around for this info, you could aid them greatly.
Thanks for some other wonderful article. The place else may anybody get that type of information in such an ideal approach of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the search for such info.
I genuinely prize your work, Great post.Here is my blog … tysensforum.com
An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment. I think that you need to write more on this issue, it may not be a taboo matter but usually people do not talk about such issues. To the next! Cheers.
online slot games online slot games vegas slots online
Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are
you using for this site? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking
at options for another platform. I would be awesome if you
could point me in the direction of a good platform.
I savor, result in I found exactly what I was taking a look for.You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.Bye
Your style is so unique in comparison to other folks I’ve read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this blog.
Very good info. Lucky me I ran across your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I’ve saved it for later!
Very good info. Lucky me I discovered your blog by accident (stumbleupon).I’ve saved it for later!
There is apparently a bunch to identify about this. I believe you made various good points in features also.
It’s difficult to find knowledgeable people for this topic, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about!Thanks
I wanted to thank you for this fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it. I’ve got you book-marked to look at new stuff you postÖ
Thank you for any other magnificent article. The place else may anybody get that type ofinformation in such an ideal approach of writing? I’vea presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the look for such info.
Hi, I do think this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may return yet again since i have bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.
I really like your writing style, fantastic info, thanks for posting :D. “Every moment of one’s existence one is growing into more or retreating into less.” by Norman Mailer.
I needed to thank you for this very good read!! I absolutely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked to look at new stuff you postÖ
Great post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Bless you!
That is a really good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate infoÖ Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read article!
Hi excellent website! Does running a blog similar to this require
a massive amount work? I’ve very little understanding
of coding however I was hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
Anyhow, if you have any recommendations or tips for new blog
owners please share. I know this is off subject but I simply wanted to ask.
Thanks a lot!
academic writing support – help writing papers help writing a research paper
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
Everyone loves what you guys are usually up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve included you guys to my own blogroll.
Very informative blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
These are actually enormous ideas in regarding blogging.You have touched some pleasant things here.Any way keep up wrinting.
If you are going for finest contents like me, just go to
see this web page every day because it provides feature
contents, thanks
If some one wishes expert view concerning running a blog afterward i
suggest him/her to visit this weblog, Keep up the pleasant job.
Rolex also has good workmanship as well as the methods.
Hi there, after reading this amazing piece of writing iam also glad to share my experience here with colleagues.
I am truly happy to glance at this website posts which includes plenty of valuable information, thanks for providing these kinds of statistics.
Have you ever thought about publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other sites?
I have a blog centered on the same subjects you
discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would appreciate your work.
If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot
me an email.
It as hard to find well-informed people for this topic, but you seem like you know what you are talking about! Thanks
What a stuff of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable knowledgeregarding unpredicted emotions.
Thank you for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting foryour next post thank you once again.
It is really a great and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your blog article.Really thank you! Great.
The Iowa Legislature last gave really serious consideration to legal online poker in 2011.
I’d like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I’m hoping to check out the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own, personal blog now 😉
Hi there, I would like to subscribe for this blog to get hottest updates, thereforewhere can i do it please assist.
ivermectin order online – stromectol stromectol ivermectin brand
Good day! I know this is kinda off topic however
, I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or
maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa?
My blog covers a lot of the same topics as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other.
If you are interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
I look forward to hearing from you! Excellent blog by the
way!
Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board
and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot.
I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.