Posted on 01/25/2006 8:17:08 PM PST by STARWISE
Widespread curiosity over the recent visits to Turkey by senior officials of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Israeli Chief of Staff and the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is continuing with further visits planned by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace.
Rumors began to circulate about what exactly was being discussed behind closed doors. According to sources requesting anonymity, news reports suggesting that Ankara is a useful tool for any possible war with Iran and Syria, because Turkey shares borders with both countries, have attracted world’s attention.
Strangely, the German media first gave wide coverage to those Ankara meetings, and the first international news report was released by the German news agency (DDP).
Taken from a statement by a senior official of the German General Staff, news related to the reason of the visit by CIA Director Porter Goss was that he came to Turkey to request Ankara’s support for America’s plans to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Another newspaper, Der Tagesspiegel, adding to the DPP report, said some NATO sources disclosed Washington had official contacts with its allies to discuss what option was best with Iran. Der Spiegel, another German daily, also gave the issue wide coverage. Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul dismissed these reports, claiming that those official visits had nothing to do with Iran and Syria.
Just as the issue was disappearing from the front pages around the world, the Jerusalem Post (JP), Israel’s only English language daily, once again rehashed the subject.
In its reports based on the German media, JP argued the CIA chief requested the use of military bases in Turkey for possible military action against Iran. Since Zaman had previously published news coming from German sources and since there was no new fact in JP’s article, we did not consider it important enough to warrant another story.
However, when the report published in JP, same issue began to dominate front pages across the globe. This time, Cemil Cicek, Turkish justice minister and spokesman for the government, also denied the reports. Furthermore, Cicek even linked such reports to the attack on Turkish Ambassador to Baghdad Unal Cevikoz. Noting that high level trips made by senior security officials were “routine”, Cicek added, such reporting has made Turkey and Turkish representatives abroad vulnarable to terrorist attacks.
Inevitably, rumors will continue to circulate given the popularity of this subject, and we cannot expect the world to turn a blind eye to the recent developments. We need to avoid being caught up in the fight between allegations and confutations, and have to decide on our own approach rather than ponder over where to stand in terms of US and Israel policies on Iran. Such sentiments are necessary to win over public opinion and to prevent detrimental reports from determining our direction.
Rest at link
We don't need to know.
Loose lips sink ships.
True.
Unlike Iraq, this strike won't be telegraphed.
The nature of the mission precludes it: effective destruction of a widespread, well-protected weapons program.
We'll want surprise on our side. And we won't much care if the UN and the Democrats are there, too.
So true and Amen!
Uh, so does Iraq. Duh?
Maybe they're negotiating safe refueling for Israeli jets.
IMO the way the Iranians are talking , I wouldn't be surprised if they already have a nuke or 2.I wouldn't be surprised if they bought some of those suitcase nuke from the rooskies and plan to cut them loose with one of those nutjobs having one in a backpack or something to that effect.
"if they bought some of those suitcase nuke from the rooskies and plan to cut them loose with one of those nutjobs having one in a backpack or something to that effect."
They coulda been took with an intentional dud too.
I always figured that it would be too easy just to sell them something that didnt work.
ALLAH ACKBAR!!!!! ztttt poing.
?????
Yeah, OK the Germans, French and the Brits are freaking. BFD. Until the Turks freak, no thing. I still have yet to hear a compelling reason for our finest US forces to intervene in a European problem that was created and fostered by the EU and UN. Pardon my French, **ck them.
I try to put it in perspective...from an iranian's POV.
If the Chinese developed the mother of all weapons that they could control from outer space, as an American, wouldn't you resent them threatening us if we tried to obtain said technology?
Iranians are quick to tell you they are nothing like Arabs...that they're educated compared to the typical Middle Eastern whack job.
It's a shame they may be a glowing example of President Bush's determination to keep us safe and secure.
You have no clue with regards to a weapon program. It does not work that way with NBC.
Hmmmm?? Didn't Cheney just visit in the Middle East a week or so ago ..?? I don't recall hearing much about the trip - or much in the media as to why he even went there. Curious?
Yes .. he was in the MidEast ... very few interviews, just the perfunctory photo ops.
I wondered at the time if it was related to Iran.
Probably negotiating for the right to launch air strikes from their soil or to use their airspace. And reminding them that as a NATO ally they, too, would be targets for Dear Abby.
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