Turkey: Seeking a Balance Between Secular and Sacred

Ankara told the European Union on Sept. 17 to refrain from interfering in Turkey's internal affairs. This move — along with attempts to introduce an anti-adultery law by the government, led by the Justice and Development Party (AKP) — suggests the ruling party is likely trying to appease its moderate Islamist core constituency. Given that Turkey's entry into the European Union and maintaining working relations with the military are both high on the AKP's priority list, the Erdogan administration appears to be trying to walk a precarious path and balance its religious and secular policies.