[MadIvan]

Game, set, match, the Allies.

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[dirtboy]

Nikolai Svinarov, the Bulgarian Defence Minister, announced after a visit to Washington that his country might provide four or five bases for relocated US troops.

Ain't that sweet. Rewards a new friend, hoses the Germans, provokes an angina attack in any unreformed Stalinists still alive AND gets our troops much closer to the Middle East where we're going to need them in the future. Home run.

[Lando Lincoln]

When will they learn?? This is serious - and we know how to play ball!

[daviddennis]

I'm sure the leftist press will trumpet this as US unfairness, while ignoring Saddam's equally blatant manipulations of oil trading in favour of its allies, including France.

In terms of blatant manipulations, we're even with Iraq, nothing more.

D

[prairiebreeze]

Another marvelous article. No word in this country about US Representatives removing Turkey from the trade bill---at least none that I've heard on news or read here on FReep.

And while I've heard plenty of speculation about moving German bases, I can't recall actually seeing it in print. However don't quote me on that--I could have missed it.

Nonetheless, there's simply tons of information here.

thanks, Prairie

[Republic of Texas]

It's about freakin' time we played hardball with these countries. Tony Blair, a leftist no less, is carrying all the water overseas, and we need to "convince" some countries that it will be in their best interests to help. Of course, after we win, and the truth about Iraq comes out, both Blair and Bush will be at 80% in their respective polls.

We give billions to the stupid countries of the world that can't figure out that SOCIALISM ALWAYS FAILS, and it's about time those markers come due. (I can't believe I'm actually saying nice things about Tony Blair. These are strange times)

[PoisedWoman]

Down with Turkish rugs! I rolled mine up and put them in storage--can't stand the sight of them one more day.

I also wrote a letter to editor of Turkish newspaper saying that I've always been a supporter of their country, enjoyed my visit, spent thousands of American dollars on merchandise, and recommended that my friends go there. From now on, however, not one more dime will go to Turkey or her products, and I'm telling my friends to stay away. "Americans are the kindest and most generous people in the world -- until we're not."

[CyberAnt]

It's about time we started playing hardball.

[Feiny]

I am not happy that we have to spend so much tax payer money to bribe countries for a vote. But, I do like to read about the punishment for not voting with us. Personally, I think they should pull the resolution & go in anyway.

We don't need their stinkin vote!

[jiggyboy]

All this talk of "hardball", "pulling the rug out", "penalties", et al, is a bit dramatic. Turkey and the U.S. couldn't come to an agreement, so we stopped trying to make a deal.

The U.S. isn't obligated to be the banker / mentor / buyer / seller / protector of last resort -- it's just that it usually assumes that role by default. This is simply a government pursuing its goals as an entity free to walk away from a bad deal or an undesirable partner/customer.

[FairOpinion]

"Cameroon and Guinea are both eligible for preferential access to US markets through the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, but only if they refrain from engaging in “activities that undermine US national security or foreign policy interests”."

----

Way to go! It's high time that friends get rewarded, and enemies punished, learning that friendship means give and take on both sides.
Bush was right to divide the world in two: there are only two kinds of countries/people: those who are with us, and those who are against us.

Some countries are getting the message, those who aren't, well, it's too bad, for THEM.

[lainie]

Without ceremony, Turkey was removed from the list of beneficiaries in a trade Bill before it was passed on Wednesday

Outstanding.

[gitmo]

I, for one, am sad to see this aid-cut to Turkey. I was quietly hoping that Turkey's refusal to allow US troops to stage on their soil was just a ruse. If Iraq thought their Turkish border was safe, our secretly bivouaced troops could roll across the border without resistance.

[deport]

And the beat goes on............

---

U.S. halts base modernization program in Turkey

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COMThursday, March 6, 2003

ANKARA — The United States has suspended work at several Turkish air bases and sea ports that were part of a $300 million modernization project. Turkey's chief of staff for the first time warned that Turkey could be hurt by not assisting the U.S. in the war against Iraq.

[doug from upland]

I've been to Germany. No more. Bulgaria sounds interesting. We must reward our friends.

[Milwaukee_Guy]

Good posting Ivan. I've panned the British press often, but here is a good example of an article our biased and/or clueless media won't touch.

Lots of public support here to reduce our foreign aid. There will be little opposition to being more selective with that money.

[Neuromancer]

I love it when you talk that way Ivan....

[Tennessean4Bush]

This was all inevitable. I wonder what goodies France can pass around. Hmmm...Well, they could promise 350M in aid to Pakistan, but they probably don't have it to spare. They could promise bases in Bulgaria, but they have no soldiers to put on them... Hmmm... Hold on, I know it will come to me...

[Bulldogs22]

Payback time. Let's rock the kasbaa.

[FirstTomato]

I fully realize now why my ancestors left Europe. They wanted to get away from those idiots, and were willing to leave most everything behind to get here to America.

I just want to thank all my immigrant ancestors for making that journey, and getting my future DNA out of there!