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Erdogan Fights Back as Challenges Loom From Former Allies

Dorian Jones

   ISTANBUL - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is tightening his
   grip on his ruling party, expelling rivals amid weakening public
   support and challenges from former allies.

   "Mischief makers," Erdogan called once-close allies at a recent rally
   of his supporters in the central provincial city of Sivas."If we keep
   our brotherhood strong, then seeds of unrest can't grow," he said.

   For the past couple of weeks, Erdogan has been touring his electoral
   strongholds in what is considered anattempt to thwart efforts to split
   his ruling AKP.

   Last week, the AKP expelled former Prime Ministers Ahmet Davutoglu and
   Abdullah Basci, and two other close allies. Davutoglu is reportedly
   close to setting up a rival party.

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