MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen writes on sending Turkish troops to Afghanistan and taking over the command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). A summary of his column is as follows:
If a poll had been taken on sending troops to Afghanistan and Turkey’s taking command of the international force when the military operation began, clearly a great majority of the population would have supported the idea. If such a poll were taken today, the results are anybody’s guess. However, it is certain that support for the idea of taking military responsibility has weakened and the numbers of those opposed to it are growing with each passing day. The reason for this is clear: the Turkish people know the situation in Afghanistan better now and understand the risks involved in sending Turkish troops and taking over the command of the international force. That is why the Turkish government, who knew the situation even better, has been hesitant and insistent on the conditions it put forth. The picture in Afghanistan where the international community is trying to establish peace is a cause for grave concern. Although the Taleban has been overthrown, many al-Qaida forces got through the operation’s net, and Kabul is still far from controlling the country. The warlords are all based in their own territories. Ethnic and religious clashes are continuing. The country is far from being a nation-state. There is no national army or police force to establish peace and security in the country. The situation in Afghanistan where the Turkish troops and, if it comes to pass, the Turkish commander who will take command of the ISAF will serve is this complicated. The government is expected to announce its final decision this week. Certainly, it will be a very hard decision. The argument in favor of taking over the command of the international forces and increasing the number of the Turkish troops serving there is that it will increase Turkey’s credibility and influence all over the world, strengthen Turkey’s presence in Central Asia, and provide the opportunity to get more active support from the West. On the other hand, the risks involved are great. First of all the lives of Turkish troops are in question. No one wants a Turkish soldier to lose his life in Afghanistan. Some diplomats are warning Turkey not to get bogged down in Afghanistan and saying that the Turkish Parliament’s approval should be gotten before sending troops there.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION