Collective schizophrenia in Turkey

If countries were human beings and could be put to a therapist?s chair, Turkey would probably be sent to a clinic instead of being prescribed regular sessions. Before one overcomes the shock from one absurdity, one would be showered by five more (often heavier) blows.

Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Ar?nç?s recent remarks that ?There is no racism in Turkey? and ?When we look at Europe and other countries we see how far behind us they are and we feel really sorry? sounded rather like a Saudi prince saying ?There is no gender discrimination in the Kingdom? or ?When we look at Europe and other countries we see how far behind us they are in gender equality and we feel sorry.?

In a country where Hitler is almost as popular and publicly praised as he used to be in Germany eight decades ago, (while minors get prosecuted for insulting the president), and polls reveal extremely xenophobic trends Mr. Ar?nç prefers not to see what has become a Turkish pastime.

True, in democracies individuals have a right to say whatever they want at the expense of sounding weird. But apparently there is a tendency in Turkey to abuse that right.

Why, otherwise, would the vice president of an NGO promoting women?s rights recommend that male children inherit more than their female siblings? That is precisely what Sümeyye Erdo?an, President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an?s daughter and the vice president of the Woman and Democracy Association (KADEM), said in a recent speech.

Ms. Erdo?an rejects any link between Islam and gender inequality in most Muslim countries. But how does she justify the inequality between the two sexes when it comes to inheritance, in light of the Muslim holy book that commands that ?God decrees a will for the benefit of your children;...