By Yusuf Kanli
TDN- With Allawi's 'blessings,' US forces are storming into the western districts of Fallujah in a bid to bring an end to the insurgency. The size of the American force used in the attack prove correct the comment that this is indeed the second Iraq war. Let's hope that this time the US has a plan for the day after
The second term of U.S. President George W. Bush started with speedy developments on some outstanding issues. The first decision of the administration immediately after Bush's re-election was assured was to recognize Macedonia with its official name -- a move that appalled the Greeks.
The U.S. recognition of Macedonia with its constitutional name was a bold declaration that the reinvigorated Bush administration could defy even the very effective Greek lobby. Greece and the Greek Cypriots are now rightly suffering from the prospect of Bush making a similar bold decision on the Cyprus issue -- at least ordering direct flights to and from Turkish Cypriot Ercan and Gecitkale airports -- in exchange for some "understanding" from Ankara regarding Washington's overall Iraq scenario.
According to some Greek newspapers, there could be a tit-for-tat between Ankara and Washington as regards Turkey remaining silent in the face of the establishment of a federal Iraq with Kurds enjoying enhanced autonomy in the north in exchange for American recognition of the Turkish Cypriot state. Such scenarios appear farfetched at the moment in view of the established policies of both countries, but nothing is impossible in diplomacy. Still, it's been known for some time that Ankara would not object to federalism in Iraq provided the territorial integrity of the country is adequately safeguarded and a strong central government is established in Baghdad.
The stability of Iraq is of vital importance for Turkey, not only because of a possible spillover of the chaotic atmosphere in that country -- an atmosphere allowing the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) to consolidate its presence in the Kandil Mountains of northern Iraq -- but also because of Ankara's trade relations in this region with and beyond Baghdad.
For some time a major American offensive on Fallujah was considered -- not only in Turkey but throughout the world -- a fait accompli except for its timing. Now, with interim Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's "blessings," U.S. forces are storming into the western districts of Fallujah in a bid to bring an end to the insurgency. The size of the American force used in the attack prove correct the comment that this is indeed the second Iraq war. Let's hope that this time the United States has a plan for the day after.
The consolidation of the interim Allawi government, the creation of an atmosphere conducive to general elections -- at least in most parts of the country -- and the creation of a new government with a better representation of the will of the Iraqi people are the targets to be attained.