Not Just a Christian Club

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned European Union leaders that violence from Islamic extremists could escalate if the EU rejects Turkey as a member. Speaking before the opening of Istanbul’s first modern art museum Erdogan said, according to the Times: "There is nothing we can do if the EU feels that it can live with being simply a Christian club . . . but if these countries burn their bridges with the rest of the world, history will not forgive them." Turkey first applied for EU membership in 1963 and it is expected that a two-day EU summit this week will finally decide to begin formal membership talks, probably in the second half of next year. If the summit gives the green light to start negotiations, Turkey is still not likely to get into the EU this side 2014. (EUobserver.com)