The AKP and the very firsts…

It is a first…
The flag of democracy, liberties and human rights is not in the hands of the Justice and Development Party (AKP). It is not certain in which hands it is yet it is a sure thing that it is not in the hands of the AKP.
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It is a first…
Its opponents are not talking about “headscarf, religion, secularism, reactionism... Etc. etc.”
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It is a first…
It is facing the tough and acute opposition of a group of pious practicing people who pray, go to the mosque, say Allah…
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It is a first…
The international press is full of “criticisms of Erdoğan” rather than “eulogies for Erdoğan”
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It is a first…
The wind of the European Union does not flow for the AKP but against the AKP.
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It is a first…
The opposition Republican People’s Party, (CHP) has come up with municipal candidates in Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa and Hatay, that surprised the AKP.
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It is a first...
The moral upper hand is not with the AKP.
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It is a first…
The Middle Eastern policies starting with Syria are in shambles even to be seen by a kid in the street.
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It is a first…
AKP is not psychologically cornered, being victimized.
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It is a first…
The issue is just and only corruption.
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It is a first…
Optimist winds are not blowing in the economy.
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It is a first….
AKP has to fight a condescending symbol like the “shoebox.”
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It is a first…
Erdoğan who is famous for his luck… it seems he is not that lucky.
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It is a first…
Even the football world has risen up.
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It is a first….
Whatever effort is spared… the agenda cannot be changed.
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It is a first...
AKP has neglected so much the voters on the right wing.
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It is a first…
The AKP is devoid of important liberal names whose support made AKP feel good.
It is a first
Instead of “We know this, we know that…” they say “We were so naïve.”
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It is a first…
The agenda does not turn into “headscarf, religion, etc.”


Ahmet Hakan is a columnist for daily Hürriyet in which this abridged piece was published on Feb 24. It was translated into English by the Daily News staff.