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.

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

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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