BY RAHIM ER
TURKIYE- The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government is facing a smear campaign which says the following: `The military wants to enter northern Iraq; if it does, the terror will end. But the government doesn't favor a cross-border operation, and by blocking the military, it supports terror."
The pressure of this campaign is growing. Tuesday's terror summit in Ankara was held in the face of this campaign as well as an escalation in anti-government provocations at soldiers' funerals. The prime minister himself asked for a summit to discuss the issue with fellow top officials and military commanders. The statement made after the gathering signaled unity and cooperation. The people who had expected a date for a military operation ended up disappointed. Instead, it stated that there is no disagreement between the country's institutions. The statement doesn't mean that was all that was discussed during their talks. We believe that during the meeting, a plan for a military operation as well as its size and date were discussed and dealt with.
We expect a limited military operation. Despite a great many risks, under great pressure and smears, the government has agreed to an operation.
A limited operation means:
We have three stages before us: the PKK, Kurdish and US forces.
The Turkish military will exclusively target PKK militants, their camps and positions, and work just to clear them out. But it will work on two sides. While carrying out this cross-border operation, the military will also work within Turkey. We should expect sharp crackdowns. The main target across the border is Mt. Kandil. Utmost care will be taken to make sure the operations don't affect the July 22 elections. In addition, great attention will be paid to the two other stages. If Kurdish security forces don't try to protect PKK militants or engage Turkish forces, they won't be touched. Above all, Turkish troops don't favor any clashes with occupation forces.
But frictions could be sparked.
We don't expect any clashes between US troops and our forces, as we won't penetrate the region that far. Washington can't afford to sacrifice Turkey. Besides, the Turkish public's anti-US stance is at a height. People believe that the US is seeking revenge for Parliament's rejection of the March 1, 2003 motion on the eve of the Iraq invasion.
The ruling government can't resist taking a cross-border operation.
The smear campaign is being fed, and it could result in a loss of more votes.
The US will keep its mouth shut, as it sees the signs at fallen soldiers' funerals saying `US Murderer.'
On the other hand, what if the operation begins as limited, but grows to be unlimited?
This is part of the military's responsibility. The military should know where to stop.
However, we expect the use of diplomatic means to the end.
But the government is under great psychological pressure.
A government facing an election campaign can't bear that burden.