Turkish Claws on Northern Iraq

Hurriyet ^ | 8/8/2002 | N/A

[a_Turk]

The countdown is on for the US attack on Iraq. Turkey has taken position in Northern Iraq in a blitz.

As concerns of an imminent US attack on Iraq grow day by day, Turkey has secured the Critical Bamerni airport in Northern Iraq.

Operational

Turkey has sent heavy machinery and electronic support equipment to the airport along with military and civil personnel who have made the airport available for military use in short order. Ankara, thereby, made it impossible for any other to strategically control the oil rich regions of Mosul and Kirkuk. Turkey has, additionally, established a umber of security checkpoints in northern Iraq.

Talabani explains

This surprize development was reported by PUK leader Celal Talabani, who had been in Ankara on 8/7.

Reports of 5000 Soldiers

The security apparatus inside Iraq was expanded to include a number of forward bases. According to unofficial sources, Turkey has about 5000 soldiers in the region.

Another unofficial report suggests that there are a few Americans who come and go to the Airport.

[gcraig]

Very cool. I appreciate the 'positive thinking' rant on your homepage. Conservatives need to be more openly positive. It would go a long way.

[Jim Noble]

>> I'm pretty sure the turks controlled the region between the tigris and the euphrates.<<

The Turks controlled Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, and most of what is now "Saudi" Arabia. They did not control Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, or Yemen.

[mamelukesabre]

We have air, navy, special forces, technologyh, and technicians. We no longer have as much need for plain old GI joes. At least that's what they keep saying.

[mamelukesabre]

I didn't say we are.

I'm saying our infantry NUMBERS aren't what they used to be. We rely on ever increasing air support to protect our ever decreasing ground troops.

[a_Turk]

The Ottomans never ruled the Persian heartland, however, did include Tabriz, Hemedan, etc in the 1500s. Draw the shortest line from the southern shore of the Caspian to Basra, and you have an approximate border... Preceding Turkish formations did occcupy Iran, particularly the Seljuk empire (1040-1157), and the Gazne Turks(963-1183). Prior to that the Turks were in Asia proper, living in a swath extending from the Caspian to the Pacific, north of Iran and Tibet, and south of Siberia.

[Yasotay]

Turkey has been operating in this region for 10 years with the full knowledge of Iraq, but not their permission. This region has effectively become non-Iraqi territory....

AND the current Director of Operations at the Joint Chiefs of Staff led that invasion during Operation "Provide Comfort". We know and own that part of Iraq like the back of our hand. There ARE many stories about Turks and the US Army Rangers...during Korea many Rangers were attached to Turkish infantry companies and when the Turks would run out of ammo they were known to fix bayonets and face NORTH.

Also legend as it that one Turkish soldier failed Ranger School and so to ask for "forgiveness" the Turks beheaded the soldier and sent his head back to Ranger School (hence one reason Hooah school is easier on foreign students). With Saddam's speech happening shortly we will see if he declares war on Turkey (let's hope so...then Germany and NATO has to Fight!!!).

[Vince Ferrer]

Kurd/Turkoman autonomous zone

Wouldn't this be Kurdish independent state, which Turkey always claims they are against? What is the difference?

[Scott from the Left Coast]

With Saddam's speech happening shortly we will see if he declares war on Turkey (let's hope so...then Germany and NATO has to Fight!!!).

As craven as they have become, one wonders if even that will get Germany and France to "agree" to hostilities with Iraq.

[a_Turk]

ask for "forgiveness" the Turks beheaded the soldier

That would be utter bullsh!t..

[arthurus]

If the Turks are leading this thing I don't mind following the Turks.

[Woodman]

Most legends are BS. Maybe it's a language thing. BTW a_Turk thanks for the translation. I hope this s what it seems to be.

[steve-b]

I tire of my nation having to deal with extremists.

Which meaning of "deal with" are you using?

[a_Turk]

I hope this s what it seems to be.

This is Turkey securing it's interest and border in northern Iraq ahead of a US move. We have just made northern Iraq our sandbox. You guys go ahead and do what you want with the rest..

[Yasotay]

Whether or not Saddam declares war .... I am only making a SWAG ... but it is clear that Turkey is going to push really hard .... and maybe force a war with Iraq

[B-Cause]

Bump

Way to go Yasotay!

[Yasotay]

Please note I did say "legend" BUT when I was in the Rangers and also at Ranger School RIs and ex RIs did talk about that story .... Turks are ROUGH ... VERY ROUGH ... in Berlin I remember Turks stabbing our soldiers in the butt and then stealing our soldiers' money (1989-92) .... for the Turks it was just a game.

[a_Turk]

Can't get charged with attempted homicide for stabbing the gluteus maximus :^D

[Kryptonite]

Go get 'em Turks, but don't stop at the friggin' airport! Slide on down through Syria too while you're at it. :)

[kinghorse]

"The Turks controlled Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, and most of what is now "Saudi" Arabia. They did not control Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, or Yemen."

I find this very interesting in light of the current alignments.