It's been a busy year for Turkey on the diplomatic scene: the country has shifted from its “zero problem” policy with its immediate neighbours, such as Syria. And Turkey’s Islamic-yet-secular AKP government has risen as a possible model for emerging Arab democracies. Yet some Turks argue that human rights are in fact being eroded in Turkey. A large number of opposition members, journalists, Kurdish militants and left-wing students are in detention. Jasper Mortimer and Assia Shihab reports.
In Turkey, Kurdish rebels have recently stepped up attacks. Last week they targeted several police stations in the largely Kurdish south-east of the country. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said Ankara is running out of patience with the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, which has been waging a violent campaign for autonomy in the south-east since 1984.
As thousands of refugees flock to is border, Turkey has been watching the ongoing crisis in neighbouring Syria closely. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erodogan has even taken in upon himself to speak to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, urging him to end the repression of his own people. But for the moment, there's not much more that Ankara can do.
Relations between Turkey and Syria have historically been strained, but the two neighbours have become a lot closer in recent years. Syrians no longer need visas to enter Turkey and many have taken refuge across the border following the unrest at home. Ankara has put some pressure on Damascus in light of recent events, but it's reluctant to ruin the fledgling friendship.
What comes after Ben Ali and Mubarak? Some observers are worried that the future Tunisian and Egyptian governments could be more Islamist and less pro-Western than in previous years. Enter Turkey. This largely Muslim country is run by a government with Islamist roots. Yet it is secular, pro-Western and has pinned its hopes on joining the EU. Can Ankara be a leading light for the new Tunis and Cairo?
For the past two weeks, some in Turkey have expressed concern at new regulations on the sale of alcohol. They've sparked a row between conservative Muslims and pro-secular movements; the ruling AKP party, which has Islamic roots, has introduced a number of measures aimed at discouraging people from drinking. Critics fear this is an attempt to force a more Muslim way of life on what's always been a fiercely secular country.
A trial has opened in Turkey this week over the so-called 'Operation Sledgehammer'. 200 members of the military, including some senior commanders, are accused of plotting to overthrow the AKP government in 2003. The AKP has mildly Islamist roots, though Turkey itself and the military are secular. The government's critics say the trial's politically motivated, but there's no doubt it's bringing deep divisions within the country to the fore.
For decades, Istanbul University, the largest in Turkey, has been a stronghold of secularism, banning students wearing headscarves from entering the campus. But, this year, for the first time, the Islamic veil is no longer prohibited within its walls.
This year marks the 26th anniversary of separatist Kurdish struggles in Turkey. Violence in the country, instigated by the extremist group PKK, has increased during the past few months. Tensions between the majority and the Kurdish minority continue to escalate.
Presidential elections in Northern Cyprus will pit a ruling 'pro-solution' president against a hard-liner candidate who seeks closer ties to Turkey. What affect, if any, could the result have on Turkey's chances of joining the European Union, as well as reunification efforts?
