Age: 58
Occupation: Prime Minister of Turkey
Erdogan is the pivotal strategic player in a rapidly changing Middle East: the moderate Islamist has emerged as the most popular regional leader among the newly empowered Arab public and may hold the key to resolving many of the Middle East's toughest problems, including Syria and Iran. Recognized as a key U.S. ally despite his often independent line, he also faces several domestic challenges, including criticism over intolerance of media scrutiny and a growing Kurdish insurgency.