BY FIKRET BILA
MILLIYET- Following last week's terrorist PKK attack on a military outpost which took 17 soldiers' lives, the government has reached a crossroads over measures to fight terrorism.
Besides the government, other political parties in Parliament also have to take a stance on this issue soon.
Our politicians have two alternatives:
1) To meet the military requests by changing anti-terrorism laws
2) To continue the current laws without any change
Both alternatives carry a political price, but you can't fight terrorism without paying this price.
If our politicians go with the first option, and change anti-terrorism laws in line with Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) requests, they will face criticisms over democracy and human rights, as well as European Union law and standards.
If, on the other hand, no change is made, then critics will say that the government has failed to take necessary measures and so hindered success in the fight against terrorism. Such criticisms, as we have seen recently, can especially be heard at the funerals of victims of terrorism.
This political decision rests largely on the government's leanings.
We learned about the military's requests from Justice Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin. They include the authority to search suspects and vehicles; giving soldiers police powers; the right to search houses, workshops and closed areas not open to the public without warrants, in exigent circumstances; and extending the duration of custody.
Some of these requests will be criticized by people who favor freedom in the security-freedom balance. But the government is leaning towards meeting them. In addition, the political parties in Parliament, excepting the Democratic Society Party (DTP), are likely to support this.
Following last week's attack, a series of meetings on terrorism was held, and tomorrow Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan will chair another meeting alongside military commanders. During this gathering, the military's requests, non-military measures, and TSK proposals are expected to be discussed.
Opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli has proposed a large cross-border operation and establishing a buffer zone in Iraqi territory. Deputy Premier Cemil Cicek said that they could evaluate this proposal. But approving and implementing it seems problematic. Iraq and the US would have to back the idea, and the TSK would have to judge it useful.
Speaking about a possible buffer zone, Deputy Chief of General Staff Gen. Hasan Igsiz showed some hesitation, citing the number of military units, vehicles and equipment that would be needed, as well as the cost. He said it would be better to strengthen our current positions and step up other measures. Of course, he didn't announce any decision.
Soon we'll see which way the government chooses and what measures it proposes to Parliament.