Turkey's highest court decided not to impose a ban on the governing Justice and Development Party, which was facing charges of steering the secular nation towards Islamic rule.

ECONOMIST: Politics this week

Similarly in Tunisia, Deputy Speaker Mehrezia Labidi pledged to lead the effort for women's rights and secular law in her nation.

CNN: We cannot fail the women of Arab Spring

Turkey's geography and its unique status as a functioning, secular democracy in an Islamic nation make it a truly indispensable ally for the United States.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation but it is also secular.

BBC: Indonesia attack: Catholic shrine vandalised in Java

Americans support Israel for lots of secular reasons too, including sympathy for a nation of settlers and the strength of the pro-Israel lobby in Washington.

ECONOMIST: Foreign policy

Obama chose Turkey, a more secular state, as the site of his first presidential speech to a Muslim majority nation, on April 6.

CNN: Obama to address Muslim relations in Egypt speech

And given Turkey's history as a secular democratic state that respects the rule of law, but is also a majority Muslim nation, it plays a critical role I think in helping to shape mutual understanding and stability and peace not only in its neighborhood but around the world.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Meets with Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan