ARE RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES SAFE?

On the one hand, Turkey is often seen as offering the larger Muslim world a model for how to integrate a potent Islamist movement into the framework of a secular constitutional democracy-and indeed one that has been undertaking significant political reforms in connection with a drive for full European Union membership and the achievement of general improvements in democratic quality. With the exception of a few amendments-recognition of affirmative action for women, children, the elderly, and the disabled; a ban on secret state surveillance of personal data; and higher barriers to the Constitutional Court's ability to dissolve parties-most of the changes were concerned with structures and procedures rather than matters of individual liberties and civil rights.