Meanwhile, in Turkey - Via Gateway: "First Islamist elected to Turkey"

Sad to say, but the concern is that a free election which installs an Islamist is usually the last. But I don't think there's much to fear, and possibly much to be gained, in an Islamist government in Turkey which still maintains a militant secularism and a fanatical devotion to democracy. The election of Abdullah Gul may set an example to the world of a freely-elected politician who just happens to be a Muslim and does not wish to install Sharia. I'm cautiously optimistic.