Charlie Rose Talks to Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Tell me how you see this extraordinary event in your region, this Arab Spring?
With these recent developments in Tunisia and which went on to Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen, and all, democracy and freedom demands are affecting us whether we like it or not. At this point in time in Tunisia, there is tranquility. In Egypt, there is also some tranquility ... and activities going on to set up a government.

And then we have Syria. Our attitude toward Syria is different ... because we share a common border of 800 kilometers. Our relations with Syria are much more meaningful. It's like a domestic affair to us. Just a short while ago, about 300 Syrians sought refuge in our country because of the recent developments in theirs. In the meantime, I had some contact. In Libya, I had a meeting with Mr. Qaddafi. In Syria, I met with Mr. Assad. The people want freedom. People want independence. And they see these as their right—like water, like bread.