SABAH- Retired Ambassador Sukru Elekdag writes on Turkish-Iraqi relations and what may be done in case of an operation against Iraq. A summary of his column is as follows:
Even as Turkey’s strategy towards Iraq should be focused on the post-Saddam period, we see that it is benig bogged down in dealing with issues saving the day. With this near-sighted approach, it is impossible for Turkey to defend its national interests in the post-Saddam period when the cards will be dealt anew. In fact, just like the other states in the region, Turkey has also pointed out to the US the dangers of a military operation and asked Bush to solve the feud between him and Saddam within the framework of the UN. However, if despite all warnings, the US insists on toppling Saddam, Turkey has three alternatives to choose from. First, it may decline participate in any way in a military operation. Second, it may open up Incirlik and other bases for the use of the US and help in supplying logistical support. Third, it may not limit its contributions to the operation to bases and logistical support but actually participate in the military operation. Reportedly, both civilian and military officials are both a taking realpolitik appproach in not dwelling on the first option, but instead are in favor of limiting Turkey’s contribution in line with the second. I believe that such a line of action would create serious threats for Turkey’s national interests as a war against Saddam will lead to a natural alliance between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) led by Barzani, the Kurdistan Patriotic Union (KPU) led by Talabani and the United States. Thus, when new political restructuring and arrangements are taken up, Barzani and Talabani will have a say on the matter, and opportunities will be created for the establishment of a Kurdish state. That is why Turkey has to take its place in the operation against Iraq to protect its vital interests and not leave the field in northern Iraq to Barzani, Talabani or other opposition leaders. However, if Turkey actively participates in an operation against Iraq, it has to reach an accord with the US on the following issues apart from the compensation of the financial losses it may suffer: In the post-Saddam period, Ankara must have a say in the new Iraqi political restructuring on constitutional arrangements and all doors for the establishment of a Kurdish state should be closed. Musul and Kirkuk, where Turkmens live, should be left in an autonomous Turkmen region and the rights and security of Turkmens should be constitutionally guaranteed on an equal basis with Arabs and Kurds. In addition, the US must be able to end Israel’s stance regarding Palestine and gather the sides around a negotiation table. Thus it will soften the opposition in the Arab world against a military operation and reduce the tension in the region. In such a climate some Arab states may participate in the operation and the problems which could emerge on Turkey’s participation as the only Muslim state will be averted.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION