[Shermy]

We invoked the NATO defense provision requiring all (even France-not) to assist a NATO member that has been attacked.

Note the reference to "interests" in Central Asia. Turkey has a tradition of Pan-Turkism and identification with Uzekistan, Turkmenistan, northern Afghans, etc. Plus, they want in on the oil. We, especially Cheney by coincidence, have been working to open up the central asia oil fields--mostly a problem due to pipleline building. I'm a hydrogen man myself, but I'm going to be real glad when we open up this oil reserves and decrease Arab control. It's already in the works--note our deal with Putin to develop and import oil from Russia. I'm sure the Turks want in on the construction, drilling, etc. contracts. And they are perfectly situated, by language and culture, to participate.

[Shermy]

May I add, I would love to see a joint Turkish-Gurkha attack on the Taliban! Oh, the humanity! What will the multiculturalists say?

[a_Turk]

note our deal with Putin to develop and import oil from Russia. I'm sure the Turks want in on the construction, drilling, etc. contracts. And they are perfectly situated, by language and culture, to participate

That's right, but the hell with Russia. We're not letting 50000 tankers a year through our straits.