They point to other Muslim countries where Islamic parties have advanced their goals with an incrementalism that belies their radicalism…
Incrementalism is the right word in describing the main tactic.
…but I would have thought that the opening of higher education up to all women, regardless of how devout they are, is the last thing reactionary Islamists want…
As I recall, Prime Minister Erdogan (and his wife) have been somewhat subtle promoters of a change in Turkey’s status (from secular to Islamic republic) and the current President seems simply more overt or up front about that same agenda.
Whereas (some) women in Turkey have been agitating for quite awhile to wear the headscarf in venues (e.g. university) where it has been prohibited, I don’t think the agitation for the headscarf has as much to do with opening up higher education for women as it has to do with imposing an agenda.
Women agitating for this hugely symbolic form of garb should be wary of incrementalism. First they get the headscarf back, then the second prong of the agenda is executed, slapping those very same women into burkas and confining them to the home.
