Why are you surprised at Erdogan's behavior?

Thanks to Iron V for the link!

via CBS.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has come under criticism for telling a small girl dressed in a military uniform that she would be honored if she were "martyred" for Turkey.

Erdogan spotted the weeping-and-saluting 6-year-old Amine Tiras while delivering a speech at his ruling party's congress in the city of Kahramanmaras on Saturday, and had her brought on stage.

After trying to comfort the girl by kissing her on both cheeks, Erdogan told the crowd: "She has the Turkish flag in her pocket. If she becomes a martyr, God willing, this flag will be draped on her."

Some people were appalled and took to Twitter to criticize the president.

Story here.

After making a run this morning I've been back reviewing comments and this came up repeatedly.

My question is why are you surprised?

We saw similar type behavior all over the Middle East.  The former ruler of Iraq did it.  We've seen something similar in Iran.  Ditto in Syria.

It's part and parcel of the region.

Additionally while the Turkish people might have a Western view of protecting their children, how can we expect the same of a guy that wants to rebuild the Turkish empire?

If he is to achieve his goals then many children will probably have to die.

We should be past being shocked and surprised by evil.

We need to look it in the eye and confront it when necessary.  The time for playing games and patience has long passed.  Both at home and overseas.