MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen comments on a possible operation by the US against Iraq. A summary of his column is as follows:
Speaking this week to columnist Fikret Bila, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit complained about the Bush administration’s indecisiveness on the Iraqi issue. ‘On the one hand, President Bush states that the US might carry out a military operation at any moment,’ he told Bila. ‘On the other, he says that according to the United Nations, an operation will be the last alternative.’ Ecevit then called on Washington to make a decision. US Army Gen. Tommy Franks, who came to Ankara on Monday, reiterated that the Bush administration hadn’t yet made a decision concerning a military operation. The flood of contradictory statements coming out of Washington for weeks now shows this as well. As a matter of fact, it’s clear that the US has been pursuing two different tracks, that is, not only is it accelerating its military preparations, but it’s also intensifying its diplomatic efforts with a new proposal to the UN.
Does the US’ behavior come from indecisiveness and confusion, or might it have another reason? For example, could it be hoping to end Saddam’s regime through pressure, effectively wearing him down? This might be the hidden agenda, but gaining the necessary time for war preparations might be another. Let’s not forget that even as the US is turning the wheels of diplomacy, it’s continuing its military preparations in the region. It’s clear that Gen. Franks’ tour of the Middle East, including Turkey, is directed towards the latter aim. Another factor playing a role in Bush’s apparent indecision must be the reaction of the US’ allies and friends. Everybody had thought that Bush would strike at Iraq without even trying diplomatic methods, that is, through a ‘unilateralist policy.’ However, now we see that the US administration is trying to solve the weapons inspection-centered issues by consulting with other countries and pushing for a tough UN Security Council resolution. Of course this will take time. Maybe the US has no intention of carrying out a too-hasty military operation and so won’t start one this year.
As the thinking behind the Bush administration’s moves remain unclear, various ‘scenario exercises’ are continuing. Gen. Franks’ contacts in Ankara should be seen as part of this. In other words, at this stage, what’s being discussed is what Turkey can do in case of an US operation. These contacts will continue during an upcoming visit to the US of Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok. However, in this respect, the important thing is how Ankara will project its political will until the day the US makes its decision on an operation. It’s unfortunate that this situation is coinciding with our election campaign season. The tripartite coalition is about to make its exit, and it’s unclear what sort of a government will replace it after the elections. However, a strong government, one capable of reflecting our political will, is needed at this juncture. Former diplomat Onur Oymen’s observations are apt here: ‘A prime minister who will hold meetings with the US and other concerned countries, and visit their capitals and hold the highest-ranking contacts, this is an absolute necessity right now. It won’t be enough for the prime minister or foreign minister to send messages or make calls through the media.’ Therefore a government should be established immediately after Nov. 3 so that Turkey’s voice can be heard loud and clear. Meanwhile, perhaps it would be better for Bush not to act hastily on launching an Iraq operation.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION