[giorgosts]

Kemalist Turkey was authoritarian from its infancy, with the military establishment in a central political role. Throughout its history, any attempt for liberalization / democratization, respect for human / minority rights etc. was quashed. This domestic and international behavior of Turkey was tolerated by its western allies (namely US and UK) because of its friendly orientation towards these powers. See for example the various coups and juntas, jailing of opposition and journalists, banning of the minority rights (e.g. language) of Kurds, the invasion and continuous occupation of Cyprus, etc.

The unknown factor from a western perspective is how this new Turkey will align itself (or not) with western interests, not a sudden sympathy for fellow Turks.

[cm2187]

The sad reality of the muslim world today is that if you let the people vote freely, it votes for the islamists. So you kind of have to choose between islamists elected democratically or a secular dictatorship. I am not sure which I prefer.

[kakaorka]

I'm not sure that would be true in Egypt anymore.