Erdogan chosen world's number five leader by British magazine

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan came in fifth in a new ranking of world leaders by British foreign affairs, business, culture and design magazine Monocle. In its September issue, the magazine ranked leaders according to their popularity and performance, while deducting points for "bad behavior." Monocle ranked Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva number one, followed by US President Barack Obama. Erdogan placed fifth, especially on the basis of his popularity at home. Hailing the success of Turkey's economy, the magazine said forecasters predict a 6.8 percent increase in gross domestic product this year – "exemplary growth" in a world where advanced industrialized economies are rapidly shrinking. But tough challenges lay ahead for Erdogan, said the magazine, as Turkey is planning to become a powerhouse and central state in its region.