BY SAMI KOHEN
MILLIYET- The important thing about the Iraq conference in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt is that it’s the first large international meeting on Iraq’s future. Turkey, Iraq’s other neighbors, the G-8 countries, China, the UN, the EU, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and Arab League representatives, that is, nearly 20 countries and institutions altogether are attending the meeting. Considering that the US ignored everybody and followed its Iraq policy as it wanted, it’s important that this time it agreed to take part in such a broad platform. However, how much will this influence the US’ Iraq policy? Will Washington listen to the voice of Sharm al-Sheikh? Even if US President George W. Bush says that he doesn’t want to change strategy, this conference can spotlight the international community’s feelings and put some pressure on Washington. Highlights of the declaration to be issued at the end of the conference have already been set. The declaration mostly concerns the process of political transition and supporting steps for its success. Elections ware scheduled for Jan. 30, so the new government and Parliament will shape Iraq’s new constitution. The declaration argues that participation in the elections should be broad so they are democratic. Of course everybody wants this. However, will the people who live in areas marred by violence be able to go to the ballot box? Will Sunni leaders abandon their election boycott? What can the international community do to ensure the elections are legal and enjoy broad participation?
The declaration will also address the US. It wants the US military presence not to be open-ended. France also wants the US to draw up a definite timetable. However, Bush doesn’t want to give a date for withdrawal. For Turkey, the conference has a special meaning. Turkish diplomacy succeeded in bringing Turkey’s neighbors together before the war began. The aim of this was to make the US feel the pressure of the region. Unfortunately it didn’t work. Following the war, Ankara has used its initiative, and neighboring countries have spoken out on the new situation. Today Turkey will address developments particularly concerning northern Iraq, the Turkmen, Kirkuk and PKK terrorists. This is an important opportunity. Hopefully, US and Iraqi officials will both consider it an opportunity to direct their strategies.