MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen writes on the Turkish model and setting an example to the Islamic world. A summary of his column is as follows:
Recently, there has been much talk about the 'Turkish model'. American officials and newspapers made assessments in the light of the Sept. 11 incidents and stressed that as a democratic, secular, pro-Western and developing country, Turkey could be a role model for the Islamic world. Prime Minister Ecevit touched upon the issue in his various statements and said that as a country, which had reconciled Islam with democracy, secularism and modern life, Turkey was a role model for the Islamic world. Two parties are interested in the 'model' image of Turkey. The first is the Western world, which sees great benefits in selling this model to the Islamic world right now, and the second is the Islamic world, which it is hoped will buy into this model. In the West, the country, which talks most about the Turkish model and expends the greatest efforts to promote it is the US. In the eyes of the Americans, Turkey, with its democratic regime, liberal economic system, modern lifestyle, closeness to the West, and efforts towards integration with Europe, has all the traits necessary to become a model for the Muslim world. However, the shortcomings and insufficiencies of these traits pose a problem. These are discussed also in Turkey. For Turkey to become a role model these drawbacks should be eliminated. This duty is the responsibility of Ankara. Not many countries in the Islamic world are looking favorably towards accepting such a model. Most Islamic countries are ruled by religious laws and therefore don't favor the regime in Turkey. Some are ruled by dictators. Our regime would be in contradiction with their methods of government. There are others, especially in the Middle East, which don't have warm feelings towards Turkey due to either historical or political reasons. Although Afghanistan and Pakistan are viewed as countries which can take Turkey as an example, the chances of this actually happening are very slim.

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION