The cleric blamed by Turkey leads a global movement from the Poconos

[DonViejo]

Fethullah Gulen, the reclusive Muslim cleric accused of inspiring Turkey’s failed coup attempt, lives in exile in a gated compound in the Pocono Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania. The 74-year-old is said to be in fragile health. His popular movement embracing moderate Islam has bred a global network of organizations, publications, think tanks and schools, among them dozens of charter schools in the United States.

Before Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded that the U.S. extradite Gulen to Turkey because of his alleged role in the coup plot, the charismatic preacher and the conservative leader were staunch allies.

-snip-

Gulen has long advocated tolerance, peace and “acceptance of religious and cultural diversity,” his movement’s website says, drawing on the traditions of Sufism, a mystical strain of Islam that is generally viewed as moderate.

In a 2015 op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, he denounced the Islamic State, calling for an end to violent extremism and advocating equal rights for men and women and education for Muslims. “The international community would do well to realize that Muslims are the primary victims of terrorism — both literally and symbolically — and they can help marginalize terrorists and prevent recruitment,” he wrote.

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more
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/the-cleric-blamed-by-turkey-leads-a-global-movement-from-the-poconos/2016/07/16/037886a6-4b88-11e6-bdb9-701687974517_story.html

[bemildred]

1. Boy, he sounds like a threat to the entire political structure of the Middle East.

Gulen has long advocated tolerance, peace and “acceptance of religious and cultural diversity,” his movement’s website says, drawing on the traditions of Sufism, a mystical strain of Islam that is generally viewed as moderate

[Duckhunter935]

2. Indeed so

[HereSince1628]

3. Strongmen need an opponent, better an enemy, if they don't have one they'll create one

Politically speaking, having an enemy is a tremendous advantage

Which is why it's so great that Trump presents not only as the worst prepared candidate in the history of the Republican party but also as a most suitable enemy.