Bargaining Over Iraq

SABAH- Columnist Sedat Sertoglu writes on the pros and cons of a planned military operation in Iraq. A summary of his column is as follows:
Let's write about the pros and cons of participating in a military operation against Iraq, and see what will emerge. Some time ago I mentioned a possibility of military operation being launched against Iraq and I asked if we were ready. At the time, officials had said that I was right in my sensitivity and I could rest assured that plans had been made for all contingencies in Iraq. I had said that if we were left out of this operation, we could not sit at the table and would not have a say in the arrangements to emerge in the region... The argument was that we had to participate in the operation but bargain skillfully with the US beforehand. US Deputy Defense Secretary Wolfowitz met with Chief of General Staff Gen. Kivrikoglu and his friends for over three hours. If Turkey had rejected the proposal, this meeting would surely not have lasted that long. Turkey's control in northern Iraq during this military operation will help us to eradicate both the PKK terrorists and radical elements affiliated with Al Qaeda trying to get a hold in the region. The financial dimension of the issue is as important as its military dimension. This should be discussed with the US at the bargaining table. The situation of Musul and Kerkuk and that of Turkmens is another issue to discuss. Turkey's membership in the EU could be another point which can be taken up at the bargaining table. We believe that standing by a military operation will cost us dearly rather than providing any gains. Here, the key role will be played by the chief of General Staff, right now politicians are more concerned with keeping their seats in Parliament.

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