Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Zone 1- Asia Summary, Week # 84; Dated 5th-16th Sept, 09'.

South Asia
Political Front:
Bangladesh, AL has finally announced its central working committee where many have been replaced by new faces. A formal invitation from the al leader, inviting the BNP leader to attend their council meeting was well received. The ruling party has urged the Bangladeshi nation to maintain a united front. Apart from all that cabinet has recently approved the vested property return (amendment) act 2009 on Wednesday, for passage in parliament intended to redress the long disputed act which gives the state power to deprive a Bangladeshi citizen of his/her property. In Sri Lanka, defence secretary has asked foreign countries to hand over Tamil tiger rebels and their assets worth millions of dollars. All the while Sri Lankan government has assured not to curb media independence. Nepali PM has reiterated commitment to the peace process. Maoists have approved the revised version of their leader's dossier which stresses the need to draft a new “people’s oriented” constitution in order to establish “people’s republic” and a need to enhance collaboration with like minded democratic parties. Meanwhile Nepali PM has declared leftist extremism to be the major threat to the country. Government of Maldives has expressed serious concerns regarding the challenging issue of climate change. The main opposition, Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP) has expressed confidence that India will not interfere in any internal matters of Maldives despite conflicting media stories regarding the defense cooperation agreement to be signed between both countries. Military junta in Myanmar has asked western countries to lift sanctions. In the meantime a court in Myanmar heard final arguments on Monday in a case involving opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who faces five years in prison if found guilty of breaching a draconian security law. At the national level in India the BJP leadership crisis continues PM Manmohan Singh has voiced his concerns for party stability while the new RSS leader, Bhagwat Singh has disaffiliated his party from any specific political entity claiming that Hindutva ideology is all about tolerance and harmony among different identities. Moving towards anti-government movements Maoist insurgency remains at the top where the central armed forces have been facing problem against Maoist rebels in Lalgarh despite a two and a half months’ long operation. At the regional level BJP’s members from Jharkand assembly have resigned as the party lost many seats in by-polls. All the while alliance talks between BJP and Haryana Janhit congress in Haryana ended with out any result due to disagreement on the distribution of seats. The BJP will now contest polls alone. Likewise NCP and congress party have announced to contest state elections separately as NCP was not willing for any pre-poll alliance. BJP declared conflicts between BJP and NSP in Pune a permanent trend as Pune is one of the worst hit districts in India. Meanwhile Orissa’s police have expressed satisfaction over their performance for controlling riots in Kandhamal after the death of RSS’ leader. Lastly, an estimated 58 to 62 per cent of voters gave votes in the by-elections in seven state assembly constituencies in Gujarat in a peaceful atmosphere.
Geo-Strategic Front:
In Bangladesh protests have gained weight against Indian plan to construct Tipai dam at River Barak in Manipur. Bangladesh has also raised concerns about Indian and Burmese efforts to get hold of its maritime territories. India on the other hand has assured to take care of Bangladeshi interest. Representatives of both countries have started talks to enhance collaboration and to resolve conflicting issues. Meanwhile the US has asked Bangladesh to extend recognition to Kosovo. UN has expressed regret over Sri Lankan decision to expel UNICEF spokesman. Meanwhile India has asked Sri Lanka to protect Tamils’ rights. Apart from that the Canadian Tamils for peace and democracy has insisted Sri Lanka’s president Mahinda Rajapaksa implement the 13th amendment in full and find an amicable solution to the minority issues within the framework of a united Sri Lanka. Nepali PM has recently paid a visit to India to enhance cooperation. Meanwhile Sino-Nepali ties also seem to be quite smooth. Due to severe financial crisis it has become difficult for Maldivian president to attend the climate change talks due to be held in Copenhagen. Various donors however have made contributions to facilitate his visit. The US president renewed a ban on import of ruby and jade from Myanmar. All the while Nagaland CM has requested Myanmar to provide resident Nagas with basic necessities of life. Pakistan has accused India for using delaying tactics in resuming dialogue process. India in response accused Pakistan for slow action against Mumbai attacks’ planners. In the meantime Indian president has recently paid visit to Russia and then Tajikistan in order to re-strengthen their existing ties. Indian president claimed that her country’s relations with any other country would never affect Indo-Russian ties. As a result Russia has strongly opposed any restriction on India regarding nuclear technology transfer.
Social Front:
Bangladesh has started putting efforts to establish disaster management cells. Meanwhile mega project to tackle climate change impact. Efforts are also being made to administer medication. Monsoon rains have badly affected Tamil refugees residing in Sri Lankan refugee camps. As far as health issues are concerned hundreds have fallen prey to diarrhea. In the meantime heavy floods also seem to be serious source of concern for the government of Nepal, while the first case of swine flu has been detected in Maldives. In India BJP intends to take strong action against supporters of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. In case of Dalits; their leaders have expressed certain level of satisfaction over the scheduled casts’ reforms. Islamic courts in India have been authorized to act as councilors in order to strengthen family system and prevent increasing divorce rates. Fewer monsoons and growing number of swine flu victims are grave concerns for India. Lastly unrest has been observed in some areas due to fake police encounters.
Economic Front:
Sri Lanka has assured safe guarantees for US investment. In the meantime IMF board has approved loan of $us 700 million to Sri Lanka. Nepal has asked India to increase investment while the Maldives suffered from a budget deficit nearly triple to 14 percent of GDP last year. Myanmar is making efforts to expand its gems market, by introducing several domestic gems emporiums and joining occasional international gem shows. The ruling regime has expressed positive hope for Indian economic revival while the US has promised furthering economic ties.

East Asia
Political Front:

Foremost challenges for the Indonesian president seem to be terrorist threats and integrity of the democratic system. Recent terrorist attacks have created a difficult position for the ruling regime that had extended ties with the US in combating terrorism. In the meantime convergence of the ruling party with the opposition by offering ministerial positions has invited criticism from analysts as to the credibility of Yodhoyono in strengthening the democratic process. Meanwhile the emergence of strong opposition groups in latest elections in Malaysia has raised hopes regarding credible democratic institutions. Unrest and growing dissatisfaction within public in Thailand has prompted a healthy public debate. Lastly, presence of US troops in Philippines is expected to affect upcoming elections since the country is clearly divided on the issue.
Geo-Strategic Front:
Indonesia's
defense industry has been ranked 46th in the world - 12 places behind Singapore and just three places ahead of Iraq.
Social Front:
Malaysian
prime minister has urged Muslims not to insult people of other faiths, after residents of a Muslim-majority area, protesting re-location of a Hindu temple, carried cow heads in a rally. About 2,000 villagers rallied in Thailand to demand the industry ministry suspend permits for new investment projects, including petrochemical plants, until the pollution reduction plan takes effect. In the meantime a torrential storm and flash floods killed at least eight people, including six children in Cambodia.
Economic Front:
Foreign investors have showed greater interest in the Indonesian market. Business remained at lowest ebb in Malaysia during the holy month of Ramadan. At this critical moment Malaysian PM has urged to bring rapid economic reforms in order to get integrated with countries like China and India. Singapore has maintained its top ranking in the World Bank’s survey on ease of doing business for the fourth straight year, and yet it stated that the country lags behind in areas such as property registration and enforcing contracts. Laos is expected to grow by 8% in the next five years where the Asian development bank has pledged to help in the sectors of health, education, infrastructure and agriculture, aimed at reducing poverty.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Political Front:
In Kuwait one of the MP has asked prime minister and his cabinet to face grilling with confidence in order to avoid political crisis.
Geo-Strategic Front:
As part of a regional initiative to step up war on drugs, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has announced plans to set up a major center to combat drug trafficking. Qatar offered to host further inter-Lebanese talks after prime minister-designate Saad al Hariri gave up on forming a government that could have ended a longstanding political stalemate. In the meantime growing cooperation between Qatar and Iran; mainly in the field of tourism, also remained significant. Qatari minister of state for foreign affairs also held meeting with UN/AU joint chief mediator and discussed possible solution to the Darfur crisis. All the while Iran and Uzbekistan are on the way to enhance their bilateral ties.
Social Front:
The growing number of desalination plants along the coast has made gulf waters highly saline and, if continued, may render it unsuitable for desalination; this is a grave situation that demands the development of alternative technology to cater to potable water demand. Meanwhile in Kuwait, a recent study has indicated that the life expectancy for Kuwaiti women has reached 80.9 years while that for men remains at 73.6 years.
Economic Front:
Finance ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have discussed ways to remove hurdles in realizing the much talked about customs union and establishment of a unified investment bank. All the while the world bank’s annual “doing business” report has ranked the kingdom of Saudi Arabia top most in the Middle East and Arab world and 13th most competitive in the world ahead of Bahrain (20th), the UAE (33rd) and Qatar (39th). In the meantime the World Economic Forum's report has declared Bahrain as the fourth easiest country to acquire a bank loan in. As far as economic growth is concerned the International Monetary Fund has forecasted Bahrain’s economic growth to be 2.6 percent this year, compared to a 2008 outlook of 6.1pc, primarily because of banking sector losses and stagnant oil output. Lastly, the Qatar exchange index scaled up by 126 points or 1.83 percent and closed above the 7,000 point mark.

Turkey
Political Front:
Turkish
PM is to further ease restrictions on Kurdish-language radio and television, to facilitate resolution of the Kurdish issue. Prominent Kurdish leaders and experts have expressed optimism regarding the democratic initiatives being taken. Turkish foreign minister has put great emphasis on the importance of EU’s support for the democratic initiative, yet another step towards addressing EU concerns regarding Turkish membership. The Turkish government has also entered in the second phase of talks with Greek Cypriot leaders. In the meantime the fm has launched a round of talks aimed at winning the opposition's support for the government's plans to normalize relations with neighboring Armenia. Apart from this the leadership has reinforced the importance of completing a judicial reform package declaring it to be crucial to democracy. Lastly, eight Turkish soldiers have been killed in two terrorist attacks in the southeastern turkey.
Geo-Strategic Front:
Turkey seems interested in enhancing ties with Lebanon, Algeria, Britain, France, India, Georgia, Greece, Iraq and Iran in economic, tourism and defence sector. As far as Iran is concerned Turkey has expressed desire to help in convincing various states to lift sanctions from her as Iran has agreed to hold nuke talks.
Social Front:
Headscarves for women in Turkey have become a symbol that invites discrimination. Many security forces have been mobilized in various Istanbul districts to prevent any act of looting. All the while heavy floods have appeared to be another potent challenge being faced by the Turkish people and government.
Economic Front:
Despite the fact that Turkish economy has shrunk by 7% and its industrial production as well as exports remain at their lowest ebb yet finance minister has expressed positive hope regarding Turkish economic recovery.
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Business and Politics in the Muslim World (BPM)refers to the project entitled, "Globalized Business and Politics: A View from the Muslim World.' The blog development project has been undertaken and developed jointly by the Gilani Research Foundation and BPM as a free resource and social discussion tool.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Zone 1- Asia. Telescopic Analysis: Human Rights Situation in the Central Asian Republics. Week # 83, Dated 30th Aug- 5th Sept.

Human Rights situation in the Central Asian republics remains at the forefront of international Human Rights Watch and continues to project a negative facet of the former soviet republics. Last week’s reports too included headlines that depict the dismal situation in the region.

Kazakhstan- Human Rights Activist sentenced to four years for allegedly trumped up charges:
A court in Kazakhstan has sentenced a prominent Human Rights activist, Yevgeny Zhovtis, to four years in jail for man slaughter amidst allegations of politically trumped up charges. The accused struck and killed a pedestrian with his car, however initial tests showed no alcohol in Zhovtis's blood and technical experts concluded there was no way to avoid the collision. Additional forensics tests conducted by the Kazakh authorities later over ruled the initial results.
The nature of the trial has been widely criticized as politically motivated. The human rights situation in Kazakhstan has come under increasing scrutiny as the country is poised to take over the rotating chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2010. Earlier Zhovtis, when invited by the OSCE to analyze the countries readiness had expressed the view that Kazakhstan was yet to meet its human rights obligations.

Turkmenistan- Turkmen Banned From Foreign Private Education:
Turkmenistan has banned its citizens from attending foreign private universities, Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated, urging the isolated Central Asian state to reverse the move. Maria Lisitsyna of HRW was quoted as saying "these arbitrary travel restrictions are disturbing new proof of how repressive Turkmenistan's government is."
Turkmenistan became notorious for various restrictions and isolationist policies under late leader Saparmurat Niyazov who had run the country for 21 years as a personal fiefdom, banning gold teeth and renaming months in the year after his family. Though his successor has reversed some of his policies, but HRW claims with little genuine change.
According to the Turkmen Initiative of Human Rights, a Vienna-based NGO, Turkmen authorities are mostly concerned with non-state universities, such as American University in Central Asia (AUCA) with a large number of students receiving financial support from the US state department and other donors. The HRW has also criticized the west for engaging with the country because of its oil reserves.
Human Rights groups continue to rally against the national government while also pressurizing international bodies, hence far with little results.

Uzbekistan- State Sponsored Religious Persecution; followers’ of late Turkish Muslim theologian Said Nursi sentenced to prison terms:
The Uzbek authorities launched a huge clampdown on Muslims promoting Nursi's teachings in late 2008 and this year has already seen heavy sentences handed down on dozens of adherents. Two mass trials which ended in July have brought to 47 the number of followers of the late Turkish Muslim theologian Said Nursi, sentenced to prison terms totaling some 380 years under various articles of the Criminal Code in Uzbekistan in 2009.
Human Rights activists have reported brutal beatings of the detainees in pre trial detention. While two human rights groups noted that the cases of extremism against the accused were not proven and they were basically sentenced for practicing religion outside the framework of the traditional state propagated Islam.
Uzbekistan's Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations, passed in May 1998, severely restricts the exercise of religious freedom, through regulations that are often arbitrarily applied. The Human Rights situation at present remains dismal.
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Discussion Questions:

· It seems that the Human Rights debate is not very public in the Central Asian Republics with most media and Human Rights Reports originating in foreign media. Does this depict a) a lack of political will in the region or b) is it simply a consequence of state oppression?

· To what extent do you think embedded international interests in the region complicate the situation and provide some semblance of immunity from international pressures?

· Is the parochial and paranoid state action a consequence of nascent political systems and weak institutions in the region?
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Business and Politics in the Muslim World (BPM)refers to the project entitled, "Globalized Business and Politics: A View from the Muslim World.' This project has been undertaken and developed by the Gilani Research Foundation as a free resource and social discussion tool.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Asia Micro Analysis - Indonesian Democracy Under Threat?- Week # 84, Dated 6th-12th sept, 2009

Is the Indonesian democracy under threat?


The election that took place in Indonesia on July 8 is being lauded as a remarkable political experiment unfolding in the world's fourth most populous nation. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was picked for a second term by roughly 60% of the voting populace, according to unofficial results, outpacing rivals Megawati Sukarnoputri and Jusuf Kalla, who garnered around 27% and 13% respectively.[1] The race is on to build alliances for the September 20 run-off.[2]

About a decade ago, Indonesians joined together in a people-power overthrow of dictator Suharto, who had ruled for 32 years. Since then, the country has had four Presidents, with peaceful transitions of power between each leader. A vastly diverse nation, skeptics concede that compared to countries such as Malaysia and Thailand, where democratic institutions are stagnating if not backsliding, Indonesia has cemented its status as Southeast Asia's political role model.

However a new debate has started to brew on this political front where experts have raised fears regarding the functional integrity of a democratic parliament where opposition has effectively been co-opted with the ruling faction. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has been trying to gain parliamentary support from all parties, especially the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), by tempting them with ministerial posts, Bonni Hargens, a political expert from the University of Indonesia opined.[3]

Over the last five years, the PDI-P has positioned itself as an opposition party in the parliament. However, the Democratic Party, established by Yudhoyono, recently supported Taufik Kiemas’ candidacy — the husband of Megawati Soekarnoputri, patron of the Democratic Party — for the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) speaker post, a move expected to sway the opposition’s stance. In such an event the composition of parliament may garner a monopolistic element.

Debate regarding the efficacy of such a situation has gained vigor; where many fear the possible slippery slope that may undermine Indonesia's democratic credentials others seem to consider it as an unlikely eventuality.


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Discussion Questions:

· In your opinion how grave is the political situation in Indonesia, in light of the prophesized threat against democracy in the absence of effective opposition?

· Do the political parties seem to be on a convergent path in terms of political stance?

· Is it too early to laud Indonesia as a democratic success story?
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Business and Politics in the Muslim World (BPM)refers to the project entitled, "Globalized Business and Politics: A View from the Muslim World.' This project has been undertaken and developed by the Gilani Research Foundation as a free resource and social discussion tool.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Microscopic Analysis- Malaysia- a Model State? Week # 83; Dated 29th Aug-4th Sept.


Malaysian Projection of a Moderate Muslim State- a complicated relationship between religion and politics:

Recently a relatively isolated event where a Malaysian woman was found guilty of drinking alcohol and sentenced to six strokes of the cane, made international headlines. Many at the domestic Islamist front fail to understand the disquieting international reaction. But in the wider context of international politics Malaysia is looking more and more like an isolated, parochial state, raising a dilemma for the state that aims at projecting it self as a moderate model Muslim nation.

Muslims account for nearly 60% of Malaysia's 27 million people and they are barred from consuming alcohol under Islamic laws. The problem, one analyst[1] notes is manifold: for one the ruling, handled by the Shariah court of Pahang now raises the question of whether the Federal government can intervene to save face internationally. Federal-state relations in legal matters will therefore be the crux of the legal side of the debate.

Adding to the confusion is the problematic and complicated relationship between religion and politics in the country, where the borderline between Islam and politics has grown increasingly blurred after three decades of ‘state-driven Islamisation’.

Yet another incident was the recent ban levied at a concert in Kuala Lumpur because it was being sponsored by an Irish Beer Company. Though the decision was later revoked in order to boost tourism, it projects a basic predicament for the state in Malaysia. As a nation economically banking on a boosting tourist industry, the situation is made all the more complicated.

The dilemma lies in the balancing act of projecting moderation while not offending the conservative Islamic community. Malaysia has long been trying to cultivate its image as a moderate model state able to act as a cultural bridge between the west and the Muslim world. Though Malaysia’s ruling UMNO party is trying its best to defend its own Islamic credentials in the face of the opposition Islamic party PAS. The Islamic party in turn is split in its conscience, between moderates who wish to push the democratization agenda and conservatives who wish to lay the foundations for more Islamisation.



Discussion Questions:

· Has the ‘state driven Islamisation’ in Malaysia irrevocably damaged the nation’s international image?

· Does the degree of influence from international elements depict an erosion of state sovereignty?

· In a predominantly Muslim nation, with established democratic institutions, is the goal to keep religion and politics separate too ambitious?


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Business and Politics in the Muslim World (BPM)refers to the project entitled, "Globalized Business and Politics: A View from the Muslim World.' This project has been undertaken and developed by the Gilani Research Foundation as a free resource and social discussion tool.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Micro Analysis - Naxalism in India- Week # 82, Dated 22nd-28th Aug, 2009

Naxalism in India; "single biggest internal security challenge" ever faced by the country?

According to this week’s reports on the Indian domestic front, Naxal insurgents continued their violent activities and destroyed government and civilian property in Jharkand and Orissa. Mnamohan Singh has termed the menace as the "single biggest internal security challenge" ever faced by the country. Recent reports by the Times of India quoted central security officials as having said that Naxalism, though it started as a people’s movement, has now evolved into an extortion business. The system with its multiple rifts has lost its original ideological drivers and functions more along feudalistic lines.

It traces its origins to a 1967 incident in the remote village of Naxalbari where a tribal youth was killed by local landlords over a land dispute. The incident triggered a great uprising which enjoyed great visibility and tremendous support from cross sections of Communist revolutionaries across different states in India.

The All India Coordination Committee of Communist Revolutionaries (AICCCR) was formed as a result in 1968, touting its two cardinal principles as allegiance to the armed struggle and non-participation in the elections. An ideological rift however distributed its leadership in two parties, the Communist Party of India (Marxist- Leninist) and the Maoist Communist Centre (MCC).

Eventually Charu Mazumdar, elected general secretary of CPI (M-L), became the undisputed Naxalite guru. However, with his death in 1972, the central leadership of CPI (M-L) virtually collapsed. The history of the Naxal movement post- Charu Mazumdar, is characterized by a number of splits, brought about by personalized and narrow perceptions about the Maoist revolutionary line and attempts at course-correction by some of the major groups; where some even joined the democratic process. The splinter CPI (M-L) Liberation in 1974, and in 1976, during the Emergency, adopted a new line that called for the continuation of armed guerilla struggles along with efforts to form a broad anti- Congress democratic front.

Further splits there on produced CPI (M-L) (Unity Organization) and the People's War Group (PWG) in 1980. Since then, the principal division within the Naxalite movement has been between the two lines of thought and action, as advanced by the CPI (ML) Liberation and the PWG. At the same time the growth of MCC as a major armed group in the same areas, created the scope for multifarious organizational conflicts among the Naxal groups.

Dr. Rajat Kumar in an ICPS[1] report notes that despite the large-scale inner conflicts, there were always ongoing efforts at various levels to strive for unity. Also 1990 onwards there was a considerable increase in the number of violent incidents and at the same time, a considerable change in the policy approach of the government was also witnessed. He further noted that while the Naxal movement has experienced innumerable splits, successive governments were never able to follow a uniform approach to deal with the problem of Naxalism, thus, leading to a marked impact in the growth of the Naxal movement.
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Discussion Questions:
· Hence far has the Naxalite movement been a success to some degree or a complete failure?

· Do you think it would gather greater strength in the future or dwindle away?

· What in your view is the basic reason behind Naxalism a) the communist ideology, or b) a convenient outlet under socio-economic deprivation?


[1] The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, New Delhi, India



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Business and Politics in the Muslim World (BPM)refers to the project entitled, "Globalized Business and Politics: A View from the Muslim World.' This project has been undertaken and developed by the Gilani Research Foundation as a free resource and social discussion tool.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Zone 1-Asia. Microscopic Analysis: ‘Ergenekon', Turkey’s Ultra- nationalist Faction. Week #81, Dated 16th-22nd Aug, 09

More details on the ultra-nationalist group known as Ergenekon surfaced when 33 of its alleged members were seized in a police raid last year. Deemed as a clandestine organization reflective of a ‘Deep state’, media reports highlighted last week continue to speculate on alleged Ergenekon plans to attack the NATO base in Izmir, Turkey. Suspected involvement of a retired General in attacks against a police chief and a state minister, under the aegis of the covert organization were also reported.


The concept of ‘Deep state’ is believed to be a group of influential anti-democratic coalitions within the Turkish political system, composed of high-level elements within the intelligence services, Turkish military, security, judiciary, and mafia. The notion of deep state is similar to that of a "state within the state" and in the Turkish case seems to be a social phenomenon, seemingly based on a confluence of fact and conspiracy theories. It is a term widely used to describe renegade members of the security forces said to act outside the law in what they judge to be Turkey's best interests.


The phenomenon, much-discussed but never proven, is said to stretch back to Cold War times, when illicit paramilitary gangs were supposedly set up in collaboration with Western intelligence agencies to prevent the spread of communism.


Primarily issues of importance for the ultra-nationalists, in what they perceive as threats to Turkey include EU accession, Armenian genocide allegations and any talk of a peace deal to end the 25-year-old Kurdish insurgency.


One possibility voiced regarding the crackdown on the covert operations is perhaps a continuing power struggle between a government led by devout Muslims and a staunchly secular military, essentially the state and anti state elements. After years of "deep state" rumors, many see the Ergenekon case as a real test of the government's will to dig deep and expose any ties between allegedly illicit gangs and the state.

Discussion Questions:

·
Is ‘deep state’ and the activities of the group known as ‘Ergenekon’ a conspiracy theory to malign the secular elite of Turkey by Islamists, or does it reflect a real problem of Turkish polity?

· Are there any cases of ‘deep state’ adventures in your state that you wish to discuss?

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Business and Politics in the Muslim World (BPM)refers to the project entitled, "Globalized Business and Politics: A View from the Muslim World.' This project has been undertaken and developed by the Gilani Research Foundation as a free resource and social discussion tool.