I was reading the NY Times today and I came across something interesting: the power of the Pope. Months ago, the international patriarch of the orthodox Christian church (based in Istanbul, Turkey) invited the Pope for a visit to Turkey. The Turkish government rebuffed this invitation under the guise that "only state heads can invite a state head for a state visit." Later, the Pope makes a speech in Germany about the inherently violent culture of Islam--or he quotes a medieval scholar.
What is the result of this speech? It empowered the conservatives and allowed them to say "I told you so; those westerners want to destroy Islam." Additionally, Islamic conservatism is growing in Turkey.
That is, the Pope with a minor line was able to cause intense controversy. Imagine what damage and destabilization he can cause with an entire speech.
The Pope is in Turkey today. I guess Turkey thought twice about blocking a visit from the Pope this time.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
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