Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


France-Turkey Dispute Grows Over Cartoons and Influence in Africa

Dorian Jones

   ISTANBUL - The war of words between France and Turkey over cartoons
   portraying Islam's Prophet Muhammad, triggered by the recent beheading
   of a French teacher, continues to escalate. But behind the diplomatic
   storm over freedom of expression versus religious sensitivity is a
   bitter rivalry for influence in Africa.

   To rousing applause from parliamentary deputies of his party, Turkish
   President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Wednesday accused Western countries of
   seeking to re-launch the Crusades. Erdogan's latest salvo is over
   French President Emmanuel Macron's defense of the publication of
   cartoons of Islam's prophet Muhammad.

   Erdogan said it is an issue of honor for Turkey to stand against the
   attacks against the Prophet who honored Mecca, Medina, Africa, Asia,
   Europe, in the whole world, and at all times.

.