Mr Erdogan's first controversial target was rules that make it hard for graduates of religious training (imam hatip) schools to attend Turkish universities.

ECONOMIST: Turkey and the EU

Mr Erdogan, who is himself an imam hatip graduate and whose four children also attend such schools, feels strongly that he is in the right.

ECONOMIST: Turkey and the EU

Mr. Erdogan changed the system: By equating Imam Hatip degrees with high-school degrees, he enabled Islamist students to enter university and qualify for government jobs without ever mastering Western fundamentals.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: What, me worry?