Snubbing Turkey--State Department missteps played a part in Saturday’s embarrassing vote.

National Review ^ | 3-3-03 | Joel Mowbray

[Salgak]

No, they'll be broke even WORSE. And since they didn't play along, no aid, no loan guarantees. . . and if they REALLY piss us off. . . support for an Independent Kurdistan. . .

[Thud]

Too late. Once Turkey proved itself to be an unreliable ally, it doesn't matter whose fault the final screwup was. Things shouldn't have gotten that far.

The area has become an American vital interest and the power disparity is just too great. Sure we have our share of incompetent idiots - it is still foolish to just stand there when the blind giant is stomping around. Turkey had its chance at controlling northern Iraq and blew it.

American forces will move into northern Iraq from the south. Turkish forces in Iraq will then either make themselves useful on American terms without compensation or face the consequences. The goodwill necessary to minimize unfortunate incidents won't exist.

Yes it will be tragic, and should have been avoided. But it will happen on Turkey's doorstep and not ours.

[Allan]

I have been unable to keep up
with the confusing developments
in Turkey
but I noticed on another thread
reports that the US is planning
to provide Stinger missiles to the Kurds.

Is this really true??

Can you provide a link to this story?

If the story is true
then someone in the US has gone mad.

[a_Turk]

It leaked out of the Turkish general staff last week. It would be a bonanza if I could find decent documentation.

I have seen articles where Kurds asked for heavy weapons, and that US officials were contemplating the proper timing.

According to Turkish news reports, the US delegation would not only not agree to not distribute these, but would not agree to collect them after the war, nor agree to even providing Turkey with an accounting of what had and would be distributed.

That's enough to vote no, IMO.

[a_Turk]

Too late. Once Turkey the USA proved itself to be an unreliable ally, it doesn't matter whose fault the final screwup was. Things shouldn't have gotten that far.

[Allan]

According to Turkish news reports

Do you have a link?
A Turkish paper is OK
in fact
I would prefer it.

[a_Turk]

Go to www.milliyet.com. The link will change to todays date. Then just go through older dates by changing the date in the link. Check through the editorials and headlines. Don't eat any popcorn. It's a barfer.

[Salgak]

Well, you talk the talk, but can you walk the walk ???

[a_Turk]

I liked that movie..

[Ranger]

Could you see Turkey instead granting air access for airborne forces to fly and land in N. Iraq so that they don't have to go from Kuwait across Iraq to get to N. Iraq?

[a_Turk]

Perhaps? Don't let the DoS know what you're thinking..

[a_Turk]

>> Not too late

You're right. I'm still being over-emotional over all the "bomb the Turks" sh!t.

[ggekko]

"I wonder how many Clinton holdovers still work there?"

There is a strong clique of Clintonistas at State and the CIA who do not want to see a successful regime change in Iraq. Part of this feeling stems from their own botched coup attempt against Hussein after the first Gulf War.

This same clique does not believe that democracy can work in Iraq. I have sensed a degree of passive resistance from State and the CIA ever since POTUS unvieled his Democratic vision for the Middle East.

I would love to see George Tenet's head on a pole after this is over (metaphorically speaking, that is).

[a_Turk]

They could call for a new vote right now, but the bill is seen as "the worst kind of dishonor" throughout the land because of the constant "blackmail" label, etc.

There is a crack in the ruling party. A second vote with an order to vote along party lines could split the ruling party and we'd have internal turmoil. I don't think a re-vote is being considered. I could be wrong..

[Destro]

Hmmm, so you think Rummy did it on purpose to cut thelegs from under Powell?