Sunday, September 09, 2007

Xenophobia on the rise among Turks, say experts

"A recent survey says Turks are going cold toward Europe, the United
States, NATO and Israel but the feelings have worsened toward Iran too,
a finding which beefs up the old Turkish saying ‘Turks have no friends
other than Turks’"

"
Kalaycıoğlu said religion also played a significant role in the
survey as it showed Turks were more benevolent toward Muslim countries
than other countries with different religions.

'Both Saudi
Arabia and Israel are extensions of the United States in the Middle
East but Turks are warmer toward Saudi Arabia. Religion seems to be a
reason for this,' he said. But Iran, a Muslim Shiite country, stands as
an exception in this case.

Sabri Sayarı of Sabancı University said the attitude of Turks toward Europe and the United States was understandable.

'But
the results about Iran are quite surprising because Iranians pursue
non-contradictory policies to Turkey on terrorism,' he added."

Xenophobia on the rise among Turks, say experts - Turkish Daily News Sep 08, 2007

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