[Lessismore]

I thought that Ecevit had lost control and that a new election was being called.

The only way I can see Turkey particpating in an Iraq invasion is if there is a military coup before the elections and the generals take over running the country. If the election goes ahead, there are substantial possibilities that the pro-EU or pro-Islamic factions (or both) will win at the expense of the pro-US factions.

Since democracy in Turkey would appear to be an impediment to invading Iraq to install democracy there, perhaps Wolfowitz was laying the groudwork for a coup, or at least communicating support for it and letting the Turkish military know that they would be supported politically and economically if they were successful.

[Lessismore]

In an apparent U-turn, Turkey's Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit Saturday said he wanted to delay elections until at least next year, once more throwing his country into political crisis.

"Our preference is that polls are not held this year but next year. And even the best (choice) is to leave elections to (their scheduled time in) April 2004," he said after meeting members of his Democratic Left Party (DSP), according to AFP.

However, his two coalition partners, the far-right Nationalist Action Party (MHP) and the center-right Motherland Party (ANAP) immediately shot down the prime minister's proposal and said they backed the early vote. (Albawaba.com)

[a_Turk]

Everyone in Turkey is aware of US intentions, and would opt for a spot at the table, instead of being a bystander, or worse, on the menu.

I don't think a coup is in the best interest of Turkey. Anyway, there are no grounds for a coup, and the Turkish Army does not enjoy the support and confidence of 90% of the public for toppling governments for the hell of it.

There was a coup once by Enver, Cemal, and Talat - the Young Turks. We all know what happened then.