MILLIYET- Columnist Fikret Bila comments about recent developments on the Iraq issue. A summary of his column is as follows:
The clock is ticking for Turkey to make its mind up on the Iraq issue. Washington has recently stepped up pressure on Turkey to decide its level of support for a possible US operation against Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. It’s very difficult for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government to decide whether or not to join such an operation. Within the AKP itself and the Parliament, there are certain circles which are strongly opposed to war, groups which will make it more difficult for the AKP-led government to come to a final decision. Although some believe that the Turkish Army should also participate in these discussions, the army thinks that this time the political leadership should have the final say.
According to domestic political circles, the decisions to be made at today’s National Security Council (NSC) meeting on the Iraq issue will be pivotal in the government finalizing its official stance. The NSC is expected to issue an advisory decision which takes into consideration Turkey’s national interests. This decision is expected to recommend that the government take part in an Iraq war while keeping a watchful eye on the nation’s short and long-term interests. After today’s NSC meeting, it will probably be easier for the Parliament to make its final decision. Both the Foreign Ministry and the Office of the Chief of General Staff have separately prepared their own reports on the issue to present to the NSC today.
Ankara is still trying to find the least harmful solution to the problem. The government doesn’t want to assume any role in a possible US war that would engender hostility towards Turkey at its borders. However, neither does it want to lose the strategic partnership of the United States. The government is fearful of a strong opposition, but believes that it will be easier for Parliament to make a decision after the NSC issues its advisory decision.
In fact, there are signs that Turkey is planning to permit the US to deploy troops at its bases and to use its airspace. However, the Turkish Army wants only a limited number of American soldiers to be deployed at Turkey’s bases, and of course not for a long time. That’s why Turkey might permit the US Army to use its bases for transit.
Not only Turkey’s response to the US’ demands but also the US’ response to Turkey’s own demands are extremely important at this point. Turkish and US military officials are still holding meetings on these issues. I expect that we’ll see even more meetings, and more frequently, after the New Year.
In addition, Iraqi opposition groups are also still hashing out arrangements for the postwar period. This week Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (IPUK) leader Jalal Talabani and Iraqi Turkmen Front leader Sanan Ahmet Aga visited Turkey to hold consultations with Turkish officials. Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (IKDP) leader Massoud Barzani, however, cancelled his visit to Turkey. The Iraqi opposition leaders with the exception of Barzani are trying to find a way to help the US and Turkey. In brief, as anyone can see, the war has already started within our minds.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION