The two faces of Erdogan

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's biggest problem, first and foremost, is himself. While he has already been a mayor (of Istanbul) and has served three terms as prime minister, the man's style, to put it politely, does not coincide with his talents.

On Sunday evening, protesters descended on Taksim Square amid a carnival-like atmosphere. They weren't seeking violence, they wanted to protest. Erdogan, for reasons unknown, made two separate speeches in which he actually sought to make the situation worse. His words were like spilling oil on a fire. Erdogan wasn't trying to be the nice guy. It's possible he's unfamiliar with the concept. Regardless, the level of antipathy toward him is steadily rising.

It is reasonable to assume that the Turks know with whom they are dealing. For better or worse, "Dr. Tayyip" successfully invigorated his country's economy and often lifted his people's spirits; he made Turkey more prominent in the international arena; he was able to navigate Turkey along the thin line between East and West; and he displayed a model of Islamic democracy for the world.

Meanwhile, "Mr. Erdogan" almost simultaneously hounded journalists (more were arrested in Turkey than in Iran and China), passed laws detrimental to civil rights (on abortions and alcohol), and primarily treated his detractors with scorn, including from within his own camp.

In Israel, we have grown exceedingly familiar with Mr. Erdogan, ever since his maniacal outburst against President Shimon Peres on stage at the 2009 World Economic Forum in Davos. Since then we have grown accustomed to his acerbic comments at every opportunity, and no one can forget the "Love Boat" that was sent to Gaza in May 2010.

Now it's the world's turn to meet this less pleasant side of his personality. Actually, two European leaders have already come to know this side: former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The two representatives of the old Europe witnessed an unhappy Erdogan's reaction at the news of Turkey's exclusion from the European Union.

Today, too, Erdogan blames everyone but himself, including the opposition for egging on the protesters, who are harming Turkey's international image for no apparent reason, of course. He is even blaming the police for exerting too much force and using too much tear gas while confronting the protesters. But one word of criticism for himself? For his government? His movement? Toward the mayor of Istanbul? Against the district governor? God forbid. This is Erdogan. He can only be one of two things: prosecutor or victim. There is nothing in the middle, as far has he is concerned.

Erdogan cannot understand that almost half of Turkey, which did not vote for him, wants a different type of country from the one he is planning. Erdogan wants to repaint Turkey in colors that many find distasteful. He also does not understand that the people are sick and tired of one leader who decides on everything. Over the past two decades, the Turks have grown fond of the idea of democracy, and they are finding it very difficult to move backward, especially in the 21st century.

In one scornful speech recently, Erdogan reiterated that a mosque would be built over uprooted trees and a razed community center named after modern Turkey's founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. There is no doubt that half of Turkey likes what it is hearing. The man has his fair share of supporters. Could this declaration hint at a large counter-protest he has in the works-

In Washington, officials are probably clutching their heads. According to the plan, Turkey is supposed to be the regional policeman. Try explaining to the Americans that in this neck of the woods there are no cops, only robbers.

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