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Turkey: Secular, Islamic or both?

We're listening to Muge in Ankara, she's no fan of Gul: "They're using democracy as a name."

Volkan is in Istanbul, he's cool with Gul: "I don't see a problem. His party has the most votes."

We've got Mevlut Katik, Turkish affairs analyst, in the studio here in London. He';s got questions for Muge.

Muge: "Democracy is good as long as you don't hurt freedom of expression of others. We could become like Iran."

Volkan: "There's a sociological transformation in Turkey."

Masood is in the UK but is originally from Afghanistan: "Mixing up religion will lead to a threat to human rights. Reformation is the only answer within Islam. We still have religious radicals in power in Afghanistan."

Melvut: "As long as these issues are resolved within the democratic process it's ok."
some texts are coming in from Africa:

"Abdulah Gul is the best canditate for the presidency as he will probaly be the only 1 to represent the thousants wishing for an Islamic Turkey."
MUHAMMED

"Why don't somebody ask the Turks, say in a referendum, whether or not there should be a separation of state and religion? "
B.M. in Nigeria.

"Suspicion cannot determine guilt.the people of Turkey can remove the man if violates the secular constitution.this be democracy."
Maishanu, Nigeria

We're breaking for the news . . back soon . . .

some texts are in:

"Religion is a private matter and wouldn'n be allowed to play any rules in politics!"
Frank

"Turkey is desperately trying to prove itself to Europe. I wonder if they would react the same way for a lets say christian candidate?"
Anon

We're joined by Lori Lipman Brown, director of the Secular Coalition for America: "For us the question is will that person try and impose their theology on civil law. JFK said 'Yes I'm a catholic that's what I believe but I won't make my religion the law of the land'."

Siggy is a blogger in N. Carolina: "Turkey is a world unto itself. It's down to behaviour. Are they treating everyone else equitably? That's the bottom line. The supremacy of Islam in Pakistan works great if everyone is a muslim."

It's time to remember our colleague Alan Johnston. We're now hearing from Mohammad Abu Haseera, baraber to the journos of Gaza. Now if you've seen a pic of Alan, you'll know he is a very regular Mohammad Abu Haseera customer! Here's an anonymous text:

"Hi Ross and James and all whys staff,i heard Allan Johnston barber in your show today,i almost cried after hearing him,may Allah bless you guys and Allan also."

I LOVE ALLEN JOHNSTON A PLAY WRITER I BEG HIS CAPTIVES TO RELEASE HIM.
FROM MANSOUR OF MONROVIA.

Ros' mentioning of Paul Wolfowitz at the top of the programme has got you e-Mailing in:

Reed in Portland has mailed in:

it seems that wolfowitz totally blew it by giving his girlfriend such a nice raise and while him and his lawyer are trying to point the finger at the paper trail the documents don't seem to really be in their favor. Wolfowitz's order to the HR department at the World Bank seems pretty decisively against him. I get the sense that the board at the bank is none too impressed by Wolfowitz "lawyering up" as a means of dealing with his situation as well.

Winograd Report

Judge Eliyahu Winograd said today:

We lay the main responsibility for these failures on the prime minister, the defence minister and the former chief of staff, these three were responsible for these decisions and the way they were taken.

Michel: "Olmert frightens me!"

Michael is in Tel Aviv: "The report is bad. The leaders were not stupid. They just made a mistake."

Shahr: "I hope this government will not step down. It will be handing a victory to a very dangerous enemy."

I think Shahar may well get his wish, this news item came in as Shahar was sepaking:

Olmert say he will not resign in wake of Lebanon inquiry
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told
his nation Monday that he will not resign in the wake of
the harsh report on his government's failures in last
summer's war in Lebanon.
«It would not be correct to resign,» he said in a brief
televised statement from his office, «and I have no
intention of resigning.» Instead, he said, he would work
to implement the conclusions of the inquiry report, calling
a special Cabinet session for Wednesday to begin the work.

We're getting several texts from Africa on Israel . . .

Anon: "Olmert report- Dont jews feel proud dying f their so called democracy?"

Onu from Nigeria."Nemesis de of slained Palastainian is catching up with Isreal.They should all resign."

Anon: "A rule that may hinder people's power to choose in any matter ought be stopped."

"It is a wake up call for Isreal to start negotiating with Palestians. A clear sign that military might is not the answer. The way to peace and securityfor Isreal is through talking, not bullets and bombs."
Mwananyanda in Zambia.

Well, that's all for tonight folks, I hope you enjoyed that disucssion. Good night and Sleep tight.