BY SAMI KOHEN
MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen writes on two retired generals’ views on Turkish troop deployment in Iraq. A summary of his column is as follows:
In the wake of Parliament’s go-ahead for the deployment of Turkish troops in Iraq, Ankara’s real work has just begun. New negotiations with Washington are underway to settle a number of important points such as where our troops are to be sent and their path for deployment. This preparation period will probably continue for a couple of weeks.
Which chief points must Turkey take into account ÝN preparing to send its troops?
Yesterday I discussed this issue with two retired generals, Gen. Cevik Bir, who led the Turkish peacekeeping force in Somali in 1993-94, and Gen. Necdet Timur, the former chief of the Land Forces Staff. These two prominent veterans believe that Turkey might have an important strategic opportunity in the region. Gen. Bir stated that Turkey should be allowed to choose where to deploy its troops. In his opinion, our government should choose its location very carefully, taking into consideration all the strategic, security and political factors.
Both commanders stressed that the troops should be moved to their areas of duty by passing through northern Iraq. Despite Kurdish opposition, Ankara and Washington should agree that the Turkish troops use this path to ensure the region’s security firsthand. Gen. Timur added that a ‘buffer corridor’ should be established in northern Iraq for sending our troops, and that a Turkish brigade should assume the responsibility of ensuring their safety. In this mission, American forces and Kurdish peshmerga should work alongside each other.
Both commanders also underlined that the troops’ mission in Iraq in will be to help American forces establish peace and stability in the region. Our soldiers will help the Iraqi people’s efforts to rebuild their war-devastated country. Gens. Bir and Timur believe that our government should work to create an image of ‘saviors’ instead of the notorious ‘new invaders.’ According to Cevik Pasha, Red Crescent (Kizilay) and civilian education and health personnel should accompany our troops to win over the Iraqi hearts. He also believes that an Ankara coordination center for civilian services should be established immediately.
What will happen if Turkish troops suffer causalities? Our commanders stated that every war carries such risks. However, they said they hoped the Turkish people could keep up their spirits, always keeping in mind that the soldiers are serving in Iraq to protect Turkey’s national interests.