Turkish PM Backs Egypt Protesters

Press around the world has urged democratic governments to take a position on protests in Egypt, and US ally Turkey has weighed in: Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak to “listen to the wishes of the people… to create security and stability.” He joined other world leaders in urging protesters not to rely on violence or risk losing the support for their cause. Iran’s government, while rejecting “freedom-seeking” encouraged by the West, extended support to protesters – despite its own notorious crackdown on post-election protests in June 2009 that questioned the victory of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Iranian officials anticipate “an Islamic Middle East,” but could be in for a nasty surprise. The message from protesters clearly mirrors those of Iranians from 2009 – with demands for reforms, free speech and participatory government. – YaleGlobal