BY CUNEYT ULSEVER
HURRIYET- The second term of Bush II has begun. In his second-term inauguration speech, Bush vowed for world peace, democracy and freedom. He swore the presidential oath for a second term last week, issuing a sweeping pledge to spread liberty and freedom to the world. However, the majority of the world did not believe in his words and sincerity.
In line with the principles of practical politics, I had argued that Turkey must actively participate into the US’ inevitable attack on Iraq. I still believe that Turkey must have approved the bill permitting the US troops’ deployment in the Incirlik base. I had stated that pursuing a passive policy in this war would be more harmful to our country than being an active party. As a matter of fact, the number of Turkish casualties in this war is more than the British ones, because we don’t have our soldiers there to protect our citizens.
Turkey’s already in Iraq but its hands are tied.
I believe that the second term of Bush II will be more aggressive than ever. The US is aware of the fact that the European Union, Russia, China and even India are capable of turning the world’s balances upside down in the 21st century. Therefore, Washington is expected to attempt to monitor the energy resources directly.
Clinton had also been aware of these facts but he preferred to pursue a gracious imperialist state policy. However, Bush chose to adopt an aggressive imperialist state policy and he managed to get it approved for the second time!
The US won’t stop until it manages to establish administrations obeying its demands in our neighbors like Syria. This situation bothers me because we’ve chosen to watch the war!