[TexKat]

An unidentified Iraqi Shiite Muslim cleric listens to a panel of experts and politicians from Turkey and Iraq who were discussing the current situation and the future of the oil-rich northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk in Ankara, Monday, Jan. 15, 2007. Turkey is warning that ethnic groups in Kirkuk must share power, amid growing fears that Iraq's Kurds will seize control of Kirkuk as part of a push for an independent Kurdish state on the Turkey-Iraq border. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

[Skywarner]

What does he have in his ears -- the first "Universal Translator?"

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Thanks....what a tangle.

[Marine_Uncle]

This is not new news. We have read about Turkey's intentions on securing a stable border for a number of years. They had in effect announce a few months back that they intended to start moving a lot of their ground troops to the border area.
On the other hand. Surely they are taking advantage of the IG as it prepares to have to rid Baghdad of terrorist of all forms.
I would be surprised if they actually where to start any major skirmish at this juncture in time. However, with their eyes on making big bucks with the Russians in setting up oil/gas pipelines one never can be sure how far they are prepared to go on the Kurdish issue.
Perhaps their denial into the EU, pissed them off enough to go their own way at this point.