Turkey cools to joining war effort after nationwide demonstrations
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SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Monday, October 15, 2001
ANKARA Ñ Turkey is having second thoughts about assisting the U.S. offensive against states sponsoring or harboring terrorists.
Over the weekend, huge demonstrations erupted in several Turkish cities
against the U.S.-led attack on Afghanistan. The demonstrations began after
mosque prayers on Friday, Middle East Newsline reported.
Last week, Turkey's parliament approved a government order to dispatch
Turkish troops overseas, which paves the way for deployment in support of
U.S. forces.
But the government is now being urged by officials and former military
leaders to be wary of involvement in any U.S.-led military offensive against
Afghanistan and Iraq.
The concern raised by officials and former military leaders is that
Turkey's military participation against Islamic terrorism will engulf the
nation in new unrest and make Ankara a target for insurgency attacks.
"It would be better for us all if we were to keep Turkey out of this,"
former Turkish Chief of Staff Gen. Cevik Bir said. "It would be better this
way for our children and our grandchildren. We should keep Turkey out of a
war environment. Turkey should not be drawn into a war."
Turkish officials have expressed concern over reports that the Bush
administration is considering targeting Iraq in Washington's war against
terrorism. Government sources said Turkey might seize the autonomous
zone of Kurdistan in any U.S. attack on Baghdad.
"We are very sensitive on this matter and our allies are aware of our
sensitivity," State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel. "A man who has burnt his
mouth with hot milk blows on his yoghurt," State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel
said.
Gurel employed a Turkish proverb meant to express Ankara's hesitancy.
"We don't expect or anticipate such a development and frankly we
certainly don't desire it," Gurel said regarding a U.S. attack on Baghdad.
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