"I bet she decided not to come because she didn’t want to be involved with our headscarved crowd"

[Jackeens]

Interesting article on the battle between secular and 'traditional' Turkey.....


Disappointment as Michelle Obama skips trip to Turkey

Michelle Obama may have been the star of the US President’s European show, but Turks were deprived of the chance to see her when she chose to return to her children instead of accompanying her husband to Ankara and Istanbul.

......“My daughter was really looking forward to seeing her,” said Ayse Tastan, a cleaning lady. “She particularly liked the little ones. It's a real shame she didn’t come here. It’s only two more days.”

A White House spokesman said that Mrs Obama had always planned to go home to see her children, who went back to school last week after spring break. “She wanted to be back home on Sunday night ahead of the kids' school,” he said.

The Turkish media have been following Michelle Obama’s European visit with interest, carrying stories of her dress and exploits, including her protocol-breaching hug of the Queen. A picture of her at the G20 summit in London, standing next to Emine Erdogan, the wife of the Prime Minister, Tayyip Erdogan, attracted mixed emotions, however, since Mrs Erdogan’s Muslim headscarf is viewed with distaste by secular Turkey’s establishment, which fears that she creates a negative, over-conservative view of the nation seeking membership of the EU.

"I bet she decided not to come because she didn’t want to be involved with our headscarved crowd," said Cigdem, 39, an accountant. “Who would? I'm glad we don't have to watch her posing side by side with them here."

....Members of Turkey’s establishment, including the military, which is the self-appointed defender of secularism, still often boycott receptions and dinners if there is the danger they may have to consort with women in headscarves. The Muslim headscarf is generally not allowed in Turkish universities, parliament and public offices.

“They make a very interesting couple in the White House, and when Obama came alone everyone felt there was something missing,” said writer Ipek Calislar....


Full article here: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article6046656.ece

[Schema Thing]

1. Her husband prolly told her it was a risk too far, considering the kids.

[Beacool]

2. That makes no sense

since Hillary was also in Turkey and did not wear a headscarf. Why would they think that Michelle wouldn't want to go there?

:o

[hileeopnyn8d]

4. To be fair...

if you read the article, it was only one woman who said that. I see it more as that woman wanting to make a statement about her own distaste for what she called "the headscarved crowd".

[Beacool]

5. Oh. OK.

;-)

[asphalt.jungle]

6. that's just the pro-secular crowd trying to use that

as an excuse to throw scorn on the headscarves set. they may see it as "just 2 more days", but mrs obama most likely sees it as 8 days away from her girls.

[FrenchieCat]

3. Michelle wanted to get back to her girls before the weekend was out.

Why would anyone even blame her for that?

How selfish can folks be? :shrug:

[Cha]

7. I think it's all about

Sasha and Malia from having learned about the Obamas for the last 2 years.

They only are young and growing up once.

[Hamlette]

8. Refreshing in a way. When was the last time anyone complained that Laura didn't visit?

not to trash Laura, in many ways I feel sorry for her, but I don't remember any articles about how ppl were disappointed she didn't go someplace.

[Clio the Leo]

9. And what *I* also think it had to do with was.....

... Rahm was flying in, so there was a plane that could take her back.

The kids were def. a factor, add to that increased security issues.

But I think the head scarf issue may have been a factor. I had actually considered posting something along those lines BEFORE we thought she was headed to Turkey "Will she or won't she."

American/Muslim relations are so HUGELY important to the President and that would have been one of those "damned if she did, damned if she didn't" kinda things.

I dont think it was the only factor ... but it may have been one of them.

[WI_DEM]

10. Obama still won major points with his visit to Turkey

As far as Michelle is concerned I will never judge what she decides to do as a mother.

[firedupdem]

11. She's a mom first. Sorry they didn't get a chance to see her. n/t

[LynnTheDem]

12. Sigh... " protocol-breaching hug of the Queen". NO. It was NOT.

the Palace itself has issued the definitive statement; NO PROTOCOL WAS BREACHED when Mrs. Obama RETURNED the hug from the Queen.

HELLO reporters!!! Wakey Wakey! :eyes: