ANKARA Ñ A series of military exercises involving the Unites States, Israel and Turkey has fueled fears in Iran the United States will join an
Israeli-Turkish alliance against the Islamic republic.
Turkey, Israel, and the United States have agreed to stage air
exercises in April, June and October of this year. Called "Anatolian
Eagle," the exercises will include dozens of fighter-jets and be held in
central Turkey.
Turkish officials said the exercises will also include Germany and the
Netherlands. They said the maneuvers would take place in the central Konya
province.
Turkish strategists said that Iranian envoys have reiterated their
concern that Israel and Turkey will join in an
attack on Teheran, Middle East Newsline reported. The strategists said an emerging Iranian fear is that the
United States will encourage such an attack as part of the Washington-led
war against terrorism.
Recep Safarov, chairman of the Russia-Iran Coordination Program Center,
said strategic relations between Israel and Turkey continue to improve. This
includes joint exercises Ñ which often involve the United States Ñ as well
as intelligence exchange.
Safarov said Turkey and Israel could establish what he termed a
political and military alliance against Iran. Such an alliance could include
the Israeli use of Turkish airspace in any attack on Iran.
Israel, Safarov said, has cooperated with Turkey in developing relations
with the Muslim republics of the former Soviet Union. Ankara and Jerusalem
have also joined to offer military help and weapons sales to such countries
as Azerbaijan and Tajikistan.
In Washington, the House of Representatives is examining a bill that
calls for the United States to increase military relations with Ankara and
Jerusalem. The bill was sponsored by four House members.
