IIRC, the Turks were pretty strong allies of ours as well, until recently. I seem to recall them agreeing to house U.S. strategic missiles over the strenuous objections of the USSR. Not to mention, they helped out in Korea and were staunch anti-Soviets (although they did get help from the Soviets in the years immediately following WWI). In terms of support, I believe that they receive far less than other allies who have done far less to further U.S. interests.
I’ll admit to having a soft spot for the Turks, but I see no problem with them cracking down on the PKK, a group that we all agree should be listed as a terrorist group.
We are right to complain about how Pakistan isn’t dealing with the jihadis on their border regions. Many on here have suggested that America take matters into her own hands and attack the jihadis in violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty. How is Turkey’s situation different? They have a “terrorist” enemy that probably is making use of the fairly porous Iraqi-Turkish border, and an Iraqi government that has said that they’ll deal with the problem but hasn’t done anything to address it. I know that the Iraqis are in no position to deal with the PKK, but from the Turkish viewpoint it must look like they’re doing nothing while Turks get blown up and ambushed at will.
Oh, by the way. IIRC, perhaps the cardinal reason that the Turks didn’t support us in Iraq is because of the situation we have now with a pretty much independent Kurdish norther which has increase Kurdish resolve in other countries notable Turkey and Iran (I don’t recall the ones in Syria doing anything).
I’m not saying they’re right or wrong to feel this way, but it serves as a good reminder that countries have interests, not friends. This holds true regardless of ally: the UK, FReeper favorite Israel, El Salvador, Poland, even Australia, which, IMHO, has been our staunchest ally. In this case, the Turkish government decided it was not in Turkey’s interest to let our troops topple Saddam.
I used to think well of the Turks, as well, but no longer. Screw'em.
I’ll admit to having a soft spot for the Turks, but I see no problem with them cracking down on the PKK, a group that we all agree should be listed as a terrorist group.
***Interesting. I’ll admit to having a soft spot for the Kurds, and having no problem see them assist the Turks to crack down on the PKK, a communist terrorist group. Of course, that’s a bit tough on the Kurds, having to betray other Kurds who are fighting for an independent homeland, so the Kurds better get THAT out of the deal.