But Turkish politics being as fractious as it is, he emerged as the compromise candidate.

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Where this internal debate might lead is one of the uncertainties of Turkish politics.

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"You know that there is a word in Turkish politics, 'takiye', " he says.

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She feels perfectly equipped to operate in the male-dominated world of Turkish politics.

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For some Alawis and Alevis, Mr. Erdogan's rhetoric reflects a religious divide that runs below the surface of Turkish politics and society.

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Cakir sees that as adding a new dynamic to Turkish politics.

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Whatever his reasons, Mr Erdogan's decision will reshape Turkish politics.

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And then there is Turkish politics.

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Though Turkish presidents are meant, on paper, to be above politics, in practice they have wide powers.

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Kadhim Mohammed, an advisor in the ministry of trade, said the decision to stop registering companies - which will prevent any new Turkish firms opening in Iraq, but should not affect existing ones - had "nothing to do with politics".

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Mr Clerides, due to retire from politics when he steps down as president next February, wants to crown his career with reconciliation with the Turkish-Cypriots.

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