Turkey Differs From The U.S. On Iraq

MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen writes on US Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz's visit to Turkey and US views on the Iraq issue. A summary of his column is as follows:
US Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz repeated during his visit to Turkey that the US wanted to learn Turkish views on Iraq. When asked how much the views of Turkish politicians and military leaders would influence a decision by President Bush on a military operation against Iraq, he said that he came to Turkey to learn the views of Turkey and to convey them to President Bush. He added that Turkey's views were important for the US and that they had no aim other than learning these views. 'Notwithstanding certain differences of opinion, there is a broad agreement that the foundation of a democratic Iraq would be in Turkey's best interests. Certainly, if a decision is taken or when it is taken, Turkey will determine its own stand.' We can derive these conclusions from Wolfowitz's words: The US sincerely believes in the benefit of learning its strategic ally Turkey's views on Iraq in great detail. The deputy defense secretary has fulfilled his mission and gathered information on the issue. Secondly, the Bush admanistration does not have a definite plan of attack. There are various reports and drafts on the issue covering various options. However, it is also certain that Bush is resolved to resort to military option to end Saddam's regime. While doing this, the US wants the support and cooperation of countries like Turkey. In fact, Wolfowitz who has come to listen to these views, also had the mission of explaining and even convincing us about what the US wants to do on the issue. He does not deny the fact. It is interesting for him to speak of differences of opinion, which in plain language means that Turkey does not favor a military option. Wolfowitz will relay these ideas and concerns to Washington. However, if Bush is really decided to strike in Iraq, these will not change his mind. What is more, the reservations of the Western European allies and Russia on the issue won't alter the final decision either. That is, the US will carry out its war plan even without any foreign support. Wolfowitz reiterated a reason the US has put forth for an intervention in Iraq: With his policies, Saddam was threatening the US, the region and Turkey. Today Iraq has dangerous weapons of mass destruction. Saddam, who supports terrorism without batting an eye, can use them with no hesitation and let them be used by others. Therefore, in order to prevent this, everything possible should be done now. According to this argument, if Saddam is gotten rid of one way or other, a new Iraq will emerge. On the issue of Iraqi territorial integrity, Wolfowitz stated that the US was opposed to the founding of a Kurdish state and was in favor of the recognition of Iraqi Turkmens' rights. Wolfowitz voiced these views to the military and political officials he met in Ankara as a guarantee. The main concern of the deputy secretary has to do with a Kurdish formation. Turkey is quite sensitive on this issue. Officials will expect the promises made by Wolfowitz to be kept. Another concern expressed by the Turkish side is the destructive economic affect of a military military operation. It is expected that Wolfowitz will begin to work the necessary mechanisms on the issue upon his return to the US. In brief, our elections talk should not make us forget the possibility of a military intervention.

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION