Book reveals Erdo?an-Gül conflicts in foreign policy

A much-awaited new book by Ahmet Sever, the 12-year ally of former president Abdullah Gül, leaves no doubt that tension between Gül and current President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an rose on several occasions, peaking after the corruption allegations arose against the latter?s former ministers in December 2013. 

The book by Sever, who served as the press advisor to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) founder during his time as prime minister and foreign minister, comes as the AKP discusses reasons for its vote erosion in the recent general election. It paints a portrait of Erdo?an and Gül - decades-long comrades - facing a serious split of opinion on a number of key issues, including the government?s Syria policy, the 2013 Gezi Park protests, and free speech.

In ?Abdullah Gül ile 12 Y?l? (12 Years with Abdullah Gül), which hit bookshelves on June 14, Sever writes that Gül told Erdo?an and AKP seniors after the spate of illegal wiretappings and corruption probes in 2013 that the accused ministers should either be dismissed or resign. 

?If they are sent via a censure motion, then you will be in a difficult position,? Sever quotes Gül as saying in the book, which he says was reviewed by the former president before publishing. 

Nevertheless, he maintained that the four former ministers - Egemen Ba???, Erdo?an Bayraktar, Zafer Ça?layan and Muammer Güler - should be kept out of the cabinet, the book concluded. 

The future of these former cabinet members, who were cleared in a parliamentary vote thanks to the AKP?s majority, remains a core issue in today?s coalition talks.

Following their resignations Erdo?an actually wanted to keep former European Union Minister Egemen Ba??? in a new cabinet, but Gül prevented such...