I have lived all my life in the UK, I have visited almost all major European countries, I am a firm supporter of left wing liberal views. As a non Turkish person, but who has great regard and affection for Turkey, I find it difficult to understand why so much animosity is displayed by a certain section of the Turkish 'vatandaşlar' to wards the AKP? Some of my Turkish friends, realising that I am a non-Turk, speak to me rather candidly. Their general view seems to be that democracy is OK, but only if people agree with us and support our 'elitist' lifestyle. The rest of the Turks are actually peasants 'çiftlikler' who do not deserve or merit entery into 'real' politics.

I listen and keep quiet. But in actual fact, I find this 'enlightened' view both arrogant and dagerous and one that only serves the interest of foreign powers ... not that of an independent, ordinary, average Turk.

I witnessed and experienced the Ciller [& that idiot Necmitten Erbakan] period and the instability before that. I moved around in the 'enlightened' circles too ... and I think these politicians were very corrupt and self seekers who paid lip service to Turkey while they lined their own pockets. It did not seem to matter to them if the 'Multinational Corporations' [or whoever] stripped Turkey bare ... as long as these politicians received their 30 pieces of silver! To us, outside Turkey, the Lira was a joke and governing Turkey only the right of the few army generals, the rich and mighty, and the corrupt politicians. Under AKP, the YTL has been very stable. [2005=> £1=2.65; 2008=> £1=2.53]!!

Since 2005, I have personally witnessed a change in the whole atmosphere ... and a change for the better, might I add. I was amazed and very impressed by the Health care programs, the refurbishment of infra structure, transport and communications, the effecient functioning of civil service, even at the 'Belediye' level, where corruption seemed rife a few years back. Being a teacher of Maths and English [in England], I have personally felt a significant and palpable improvement in the educational standards in Turkey [I know because when in Turkey, I usually teach my neighbours' children, free of course]. And finally, I have seen a new glint of self respect and self confidence in the eyes of the 'Ordinary' people on the street, going hand in hand with the economic and social prosperity.

Compared with conditions that I saw a decade ago, Turkey has come a long way. People should be celebrating not complaining of imaginary phobias that do not exist. There is no cure for paranoia generated by the Military generals, in league with forein elements. As a great American president once said, "You have nothing to fear, but fear itself", my friend. I truly wish and hope that the resentment and hatred of the AKP, felt by the 'select' few will not be able to thwart the wishes of the 'elect' majority.

Hoscakalin. Tazx1