Turkish Politics
The Turks surprised themselves and the world by refusing to allow US forces to launch a second front from Turkey. As an American, I was glad to see it. While it would be easier to attack from multiple fronts from a military perspective, I think the price was too high. Not only would it cost American taxpayers about $15 billion dollars for the "privilege" of attacking via Turkey, I am suspicious of Turkish intentions toward the Kurds and the northern Iraqi oilfields. The Turks are truly allies in the important matters and I am confident the US will defend them if they should be attacked. However, I agree with the wit who said the Coalition of the Willing was morphing into the Coalition of the Billing. I don't want my hard-earned tax dollars being given to others when there is so much that needs to be done at home.
If it comes down to money vs. the lives of American soldiers, then spend the money. However, I don't think the Turkish agreement boils down to that. It was a way to simplify the fighting at a high price. I am glad they said no and hope they do not reconsider.
Hey Nico,
Caught me at a good time - just wrote my first post in a bit.
Guilty as charged - I may be a bit callous here. However, my opinion is formed based on input from my Turkish friends.
In their view, Turkish self-interest lies with squashing all hopes of Kurdish self-rule - they are afraid Kurdish freedom in Iraq will lead to more problems in Turkey (where they have a large number of Kurds).
At some time I'll write a post just on the Kurdish situation. Teaser - I almost got mobbed by a busload of Kurds in the Netherlands...
Man oh man! I was in Istanbul a year and a half ago. When I was trying to prove a point to a friend about Nato goofs, I got googled over to this old page.
I pretty much agree with most of what you are saying here, and on later posts, except one major issue: when you say you are "suspicious of Turkish intentions", it sounds just a bit callous coming from America.
The Turkish "intentions" include their own population and direct neighbors, whereas, please remind me, just why are American soldiers so far from home?