Myers gets Green Light from Turks [My Excerpted Translation]

Aksam (Turkish Daily) ^ | 1/21/2003 | N/A

[a_Turk]

According to the Turkish daily Aksam, Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff formally asked the Republic of Turkey for 8 airbases, 3 ports and transit rights for 80,000 US soldiers. 60,000 of these soldiers would cross into Irak, while 20,000 would remain in Turkey. Turkish officials, however, granted a visa for 4 airbases, 2 ports and 40,000 soldiers, 30,000 of which would cross into Irak and 10,000 of which would stay in Turkey.

[Torie]

Logistics. What is your take as to all the chat emanating from Turkey? Is it just for public consumption, represents a real policy issue, or is just posturing by Turkey to extract the best deal it can in recompense?

[EternalVigilance]

I think the Kurds got one h*ll of a short stick after Gulf War I, and historically have gotten screwed as well.

Personally, I think they need special attention and consideration in the aftermath of Gulf War II, with only partial consideration for what the Turks think or want.

[Howlin]

Fox is reporting that Saddam suggested today that he would agree to the U2 flights over Iraq -- if an Iraqi fighter could fly along with it.

[a_Turk]

I was raised in Turkey and am currently living in the States. I am a bad Muslim who will eat smoked ham and I also drinks a bit..

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Maybe we should just conquer Turkey and take for ourselves, weenie.

[a_Turk]

All of the above.

[MarMema]

Why move 80000 soldiers to Turkey and only move 60000 of those into Irak

So the rest of them can sightsee in Istanbul, of course. Sigh.

[a_Turk]

Try it.

[EternalVigilance]

As a Christian, your eating habits are of no consequence to me.

I just thought there were folks here getting the wrong idea---that you were in Turkey.

How long have you been here? Most conservatives don't go in much for the whole hyphenated-American thing, or for those who still bear allegiance to their mother country, rather than to the U.S.A.

[Shermy]

My feeling is that the new govt. in Turkey decided to bargain for more on the short run, and seem strong to the people, etc., in an international discussion dominated (unfairly) about the US and what some Western Europeans think about the US> But a "deal" was always done. Why shouldn't Turkey want Saddam gone? I'd imagine Turk energy companies will be rushing in there for gas pipelines to Europe, and to turn the Ceyhan oil pipeline back on to full.

[EternalVigilance]

Fox is reporting that Saddam suggested today that he would agree to the U2 flights over Iraq -- if an Iraqi fighter could fly along with it.

Sure, Sadaam, bring it along...we'll keep an eye on it for you! Hehehehe.... ;-)

But seriously, I don't think fighters, Iraqi or otherwise, can fly at the altitudes of the U2...although I'm sure they have SAM's that would easily blot one from the sky, given the opportunity.

What is the point of U2 flights anyhow? I see pretty clear aerial shots of Iraq posted here on FR...obtained from U.S. government and even commercial sources, I think.

[a_Turk]

I've been here too long. Don't get me wrong, you're all (well, most all) great to have as friends and neighbors.

I am not an American, and never will be. I was born a Turk and will die as one. I am still here for reasons of hormone induced stupidity, and will bid you all farewell as soon as my boys are of legal age and their American mother can no longer restrain them. They live with me and see her two days a week. I could leave here with them permanently now, but that would not be fair to them.

I am not a hyphenated anything. Call me an expatriate.

[Torie]

Chill out. Turk just reflects his background, as do we all. He is hopelessly pro Western, per my observations, among other things. Each should be treated as an individual. All deserve that.

[Howlin]

LOL....well, I was wondering about that myself, but didn't want to show MY ignorance in yet another category.

But now that YOU brought it up, today when I heard them say that OUR planes would be in danger, I was, like, "From what?"

They don't have anything to shoot it down with, do they?

[a_Turk]

>>Why shouldn't Turkey want Saddam gone?

The majority of the Turkish public wants Saddam gone, but opposes a war. Pretty level headed.. Also the stated preference of the US administration.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

All we have to do is withold your incoming supply of coffee, and you'll surrender.

[EternalVigilance]

I am not a hyphenated anything. Call me an expatriate.

Well, you are certainly more honest than many who partake of America's freedom and hospitality.

However, you should expect a certain amount of latent hostility here, considering the obvious fact that, because of your admitted allegiences, you put the interests of Turkey ahead of those of the United States.

If I was living in Turkey, and posting on a Turkish website, I would expect no different, and in fact would expect quite a bit of suspicion to be cast my way under those circumstances.

[a_Turk]

Have it your way :)

[RedBloodedAmerican]

He's a Turkey-American. Kinda like African-American, or Canadien-American, or French-Socialist, or Democratic-Idiots. Hard to find plain 'ol Americans anymore, these days. Maybe once Bush wipes out affirmative handouts action, the hyphens will go away.

[LurkerNoMore!]

heheh