'Main conflict is in the East, not between East and West' 

The author argues that the myth of irreconcilable differences between the East and West has been nurtured by portrayals of Islam that followed terrorist attacks worldwide. He cites countries such as Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine, where internal conflicts have been raging, to show that instability originates in the East.

Gül goes on to demonstrate that the shift towards extremism is a growing trend and warns that "if this trend towards self-destruction is allowed to go unchecked, today’s somewhat limited clashes may well end up creating a colossal black hole with enough power to suck others in". In his view, the only way of restoring security is through "urgent and concerted action from within and without", citing Iraq as an example.

It is further argued that the internal problems within the region have set the ground for a mainstream to be "pushed towards the extremes for want of good governance and true civic engagement". 

Gül draws the conclusion that this is why today "only extreme voices from the region are being heard, misrepresenting their cultures and societies as they seek to justify extremist action of all kinds".

• Financial Times: The East’s problem is internal, not a clash with the West (16 January 2007)
• Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Abdullah Gül