STAR- Columnist Zeynep Gurcanli writes on Turkey’s Iraq policy. A summary of her column is as follows:
Once upon a time, we used to call Turkey’s Iraq policy a ‘neighborhood initiative.’ However it’s now known as ‘active peace diplomacy.’ In fact, no matter its name, the policy that Turkey pursues whenever a military operation is looming against Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has long been the same: to act in concert with our Arab neighbors in order to sustain peace and stability in the region.
There’s actually only one reason behind Prime Minister Abdullah Gul’s visit to Arab countries including Syria, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia: Everybody is now well aware that the US is planning to overthrow Saddam Hussein at all costs. Though its level of support is still unknown, Turkey is likely to take part in a possible US operation in Iraq. That’s why Gul is currently paying visits to Arab countries. Turkey is now pursuing active peace diplomacy in order to minimize the possible devastating results of such an operation. Ankara is discussing what is likely to happen in northern Iraq in a postwar period. Our government wants to control the region since possible turmoil in Turkey’s neighborhood might threaten our territorial integrity. Arab countries will probably oppose Turkey’s entrance into northern Iraq, which is why we’re trying to persuade them that the Turkish Army needs to enter northern Iraq to protect our territories. Despite possible and probably strong Arab opposition, Turkish Army’s entering the region is not in doubt. Turkey and Arab countries are currently discussing ways to protect Iraq’s territorial integrity during a postwar period.
Turkey’s active peace diplomacy should also be seen as an effort to gain support from Arab countries, since we can never fully trust the US’ ulterior plans for the region. Turkey wants to establish strong cooperation between Muslim countries in case of a possible US betrayal. Since we recently improved our bilateral relations with Syria, Gul chose to begin his tour there. Maybe an Iraq war might provide our country with new opportunities. Turkey has once again realized that among its neighbors, it has a ‘superpower’ status. Our country might be a model country for the Muslim world, but what sort of Iraq policy the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) will pursue is of paramount importance. If the AKP manages to develop a successful policy, Turkey might gain a great deal under these circumstances.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION