This thread reads like a mob in the street. Yes, we (the U.S.) were depending on this approval, but a reading of what took place is that the measure did recieve a majority of votes and the support of Gul. The measure did not gain effect due to parliamentary rules. I don't see this as Turkey jumping ship as an alley (as I see France), I see it as the playing out of politics due to the party in power. It is an inexperienced party in terms of foreign affairs and is not looking at the benefits that participation would bring in terms of its own interests.
I, for one, will not be so quick to write off Turkey as an alley, or to denigrate their military. Turkey did not participate in GWI, but continued to be an alley of the U.S. When 94% of the public is against participation in a war right on its border, that voice must have its say. It isn't to say that that voice is an informed voice; there will be a lost opportunity to participate in the restructuring of post-war Northern Iraq. But people who misread this situation as anti-American in the same vein as France I believe (I hope) are wrong. We would never had had even a chance of assistance from such purported NATO allies as Greece, for example.
There' been a lot of demagogory on this thread Turk, and I apologize for it. Turkey and the U.S. will continue to be allies; those lacking political finesse on both sides will learn their lesson, I hope.