Turks Want War---NOW. Interesting Pakistani News Article

Jang (Pakistan) ^ | October 21, 2001 | Nusrat Javeed

[Shermy]

F the French. If these reports are true, the Turks are great friends of the USA. They are itching for a fight. Use of the Moslem Turks would be brilliant for us

Please note, Turkey has stong ethnic affinities with the Northern Alliance and other central Asian ethnicities.

[Rubber Duckie]

I tend to agree. Turks are not only badassed fighters, but decent peacekeepers. They produced the major Islamic stateman in the last century who, so far, has produced the only long-term sucessful model from the Muslim world of how to turn a dictatorship into a civilized nation.

[LarryLied]

This is terrific.

[Free the USA]

bump

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Most interesting!!

So what does Turkey gain from this would seem to be a pertinent question!
And would they allow us to pursue Bin laden or do it themselves!

If so this could be a very good solution!

[Shermy]

I'll tell you, the Pakistani and Indian papers have been much better than the American Press on reporting the diplomatic manouevres that have been taking place.

I tried to find an English language newspaper via Yahoo's categories Link but can't find one.

[Phil V.]

I was in Korea in '65.
The Koreans told me that of all the UN forces engaged in combat during the Korean War, the North feared the Turks the most.

[Nogbad]

They produced the major Islamic stateman in the last century

Not quite true. Ataturk was an atheist who detested Islam and loathed Mohammed.

[goody2shooz]

Very fine post.

The Turks are great fighters. They were part of the UN Korea forces. Their official kill reports had been disbelieved at first so the Turkish troops began to cut off the ears of dead enemies and string the ears along the sides of their vehicles. The scoffs ceased.

Yes I'm sure Turkey will play a grand part in the Afghan theater of operations.

[Bogie]

#2

Ditto!!!

[Lawrence of Arabia]

I was in Istanbul on vacation about a week ago. The people on the streets were strongly Pro-USA. The local papers echoed the sentiment, prodding the government to get "involved" directly in the War against Terrorism. These guys are good friends, (even though everyone wants to sell you a carpet).

[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.

[Skibane]

But anxiously awaited "moderate Taliban" are not coming forward and time is fast running short. The US and its allies do not want to wage a war in Afghanistan in the holy month of Ramazan, which is to commence in another three weeks. Also important is the approaching winter and the snows it will bring to most of Afghanistan, incapacitating the grand military maneuvers. A viable 'exit strategy' is desperately needed.

Apparently, the writer is convinced that this will be a short war. I'm not sure our military planners would agree, nor would they be desperately looking for an "exit strategy" by winter!

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

I have been watching the Times of India they seem to be good!

Just found this:

US taking long-term aim at Pak nukes, ISI

[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?

[sourcery]

I see a bright future for Turkey...

[LarryLied]

So what does Turkey gain from this would seem to be a pertinent question!

They miss us. Honest. They were on the front lines with us during the Cold War and our bases there were humming. They want some stability back. Cities such as Istanbul have been flooded with peasants from Anatolia who vote fundamentalist. The lira has collapse despite a boom in business with the former Soviet Block.

[Ron C.]

Thanks for posting a MOST interesting development. I had heard a few rumors that this might take place at some point, but that the US did not want Turkish involvement for fear of breaking down the coalition in some fashion.

It would seem to be one of the quickest answers, but it may cause more trouble than help. Whatever the case, this will certainly be dealt with rather quickly I would think - one way or another.

(I can find out more from Turks 'on the street' there - maybe. If I do, I'll certainly share comments.)

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Article posted here:

US taking long-term aim at Pak nukes, ISI

[LarryLied]

I was in Istanbul on vacation about a week ago.

My favorite city on the planet. Wonderful people. Every car dealer in America should send their sales force to Istanbul to learn from the carpet men. Those guys know how to make the customer enjoy a hard sale pitch. I was buying wholesale in the Grand Bazaar and insisted on cutting through all the offers of apple tea, coffee and chit-chat. When we were done, the seller said..."Ok...we're finished. I will not show you one more thing. But you must have some apple tea with me. It is our custom and our culture." So we sat and BS for two more hours. Most of that time was spent looking at old pictures of him, his store at a USAF base which had closed and US servicemen. He was teary eyed recalling all the friends who had left.