In Turkey, the Islamists are moving toward control over the courts

Turkey's parliament has approved all but one of 27 controversial changes to the constitution, which critics say could undermine the secular courts.

The main secular opposition accuses the ruling AK Party of trying to seize control of state institutions. The AKP's roots are in political Islam.

The AKP did not get a two-thirds majority, so the amendments will still have to go to a referendum.

The AKP says the reforms will help the country's application to join the EU.

The package was passed after a marathon four-day session.

But the AKP's attempt to make banning political parties more difficult was unexpectedly defeated on Tuesday.

The current constitution dates back to 1982, and was drafted after a military coup.

TURKEY IS NOW CLOSER TO SYRIA AND IRAN THAN THE WEST. TURKEY SHOULD BE THROWN OUT OF NATO.