Monday, November 15, 2004

Fears Persist Year After Attack in Turkey

`The incidents had the opposite effects of those intended. ... It provided an opportunity to provide solidarity. The synagogues were repaired and were quickly reopened,'' said Ilter Turan, a political scientist at Istanbul Bilgi University. ``It demonstrated that Turkish society took a dim view of radicalism and terrorism.''

"The Turkish public was outraged by the bombings.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accused by secular critics of Islamist leanings, condemned the attacks and even made an unprecedented visit to the chief rabbi's office shortly after the bombings. Erdogan's stance, coupled with the public outrage and intense police raids, have helped to undercut support for radical Islamic groups in Turkey, analysts said. "

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Fears Persist Year After Attack in Turkey

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