MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen comments on protecting the status quo in Iraq. A summary of his column is as follows:
Turkey's view regarding Iraq as voiced by official circles is that any operation directed against overthrowing Saddam Hussein will upset the balances in the region. This may lead to the division of Iraq and the establishment of a Kurdish state in the north. If there is to be a military intervention, our attempted revival of trade with Iraq will come to a standstill and our losses incurred during recent years will be deepened. The current government policy in a way seems to protect the status quo in Iraq. The officials view the status quo as a lesser of two evils even if it isn't the ideal solution. In fact, how protecting the status quo in Iraq falls in line with Turkey's interests must be evaluated through objective criteria. It is known by everyone that today there is a de facto administrative Kurdish entity in northern Iraq. If the Gulf War had not taken place, this would not be the case. And if Saddam had not invaded Kuwait, there would not have been a Gulf War. If Saddam had formed normal relations with the international community and made peace with people from different origins living in his country, this entity in the north would not have formed. Today Baghdad has no sovereignty over this region. Even though they may be divided amongst themselves, Iraqi Kurds have established an autonomous administration in the region. This has moved the people of the region farther from Iraq each and with every passing day. For example, children in the north who start school today do not learn Arabic. To protect his own seat in Baghdad, Saddam Hussein seems to ignore these developments. At this stage, the status quo has not created a suitable climate for the territorial integrity of Iraq or a national union. The continuance of economic sanctions, which has lead to the suffering of the Iraqi people and inflicted losses on countries like Turkey, stems from Saddam Hussein's obstinacy. If he had complied with the UN resolutions, these sanctions would have been lifted long ago and he could have formed normal economic relations with Iraq's neighbors and the rest of the world. The main reason why this obstacle can't be overcome is the Iraqi government is refused to allow the international control of its weapons of mass destruction weapons. The US may use this as an excuse to strike Iraq, but if Saddam Hussein is clever enough he won't let such an opportunity fall into his enemy's hands. In short, the continuation of the status quo in Iraq cannot be regarded as being in line with Turkey's economic and strategic interests. In fact, Turkey must prefer a democratic Iraq which is at peace at peace with the world. Possible ways to achieve this should be discussed.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION