BY ERHAN BASYURT
ZAMAN- Columnist Erhan Basyurt writes on Turkey’s debate on whether or not to deploy troops in Iraq. A summary of his column is as follows:
For days Turkey has been discussing whether or not to deploy its troops in Iraq. As a matter of fact, in the past we’ve sent our troops outside our borders to contribute to various peacekeeping forces. The reason we’re hesitating now is that the US presence in Iraq is considered illegitimate. Most regard US intervention in the region not as an action paved with good intentions but as a ‘self-seeking occupation.’ Furthermore, after toppling Saddam Hussein, Washington has failed to gain the Iraqi peoples’ confidence The ranks of those resisting the American presence in Iraq are swelling every day. The US has even failed to provide the Iraqis with such basic services as food and water. What’s more is the hostile attitude of US soldiers towards Iraqi civilians. Another sign showing that the US has failed to initiate a ‘democratization process’ in Iraq is that most of the members of its transitional government are opponents who before the war hadn’t set foot in the country for years.
The number of US casualties is mounting with each passing day. Turkish soldiers are very likely to be considered by Iraqis as collaborators with these ‘occupying’ US and British forces. As a result, they might find themselves the target of future attacks.
Our government should find a way to show the Iraqi people that our soldiers have nothing to do with this occupation. This seems possible only with a United Nations resolution or a NATO decision. If we send our troops there, our government must first stipulate that it won’t be the only Muslim country to take part. ‘Never without an Arab country!’ we should tell Washington. Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan or some Arab country should also participate in this peacekeeping force. Egypt, I believe, is the best candidate.
There are three issues that Ankara should make Washington understand: 1) The terrorist PKK/KADEK militants in northern Iraq must be completely eliminated. 2) Iraq’s ethnic Turkmen groups should have the right of representation at the Iraqi administration. 3) Turkish soldiers should have the right to enter all Iraqi territories, including the north. These must be our conditions to deploy our troops there. If we can’t keep ourselves out of the chaos, we should find at least ways to minimize our possible losses!