Bush administration officials said a virulently anti-American movie has the potential to
spark a backlash against U.S. troops in Turkey.
The Turkish movie, "The
Valley of the Wolves — Iraq," depicts U.S. soldiers as
indiscriminate killers of Iraqis.
Officials said U.S. soldiers throughout Europe were advised to avoid
movie theaters that screened the Turkish movie, Middle East Newsline reported. The plot of the movie, a box
office smash in Turkey, was based on an incident in July 2003, when U.S.
soldiers arrested and reportedly abused 11 Turkish special forces officers
in northern Iraq.
"The level of anti-American sentiment is growing higher and we are
concerned," an official said. Several thousand
troops and Defense Department personnel are stationed in Turkey.
Over the last year, Turkey and the United States have claimed success in
restoring military relations which have been strained by the election of an Islamist-leaning government in Ankara which resisted U.S. efforts to use Turkish bases to mount its offensive on Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Now, the Bush administration has renewed efforts to use
Turkey as a base for reconnaissance operations against Iran.
"We've been working together with [Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen.
Hilmi] Ozkok for three years," U.S. Gen. James Jones, commander
of U.S. forces in Europe, said. "I attach value to his
friendship, leadership and wisdom. I'm very pleased about the level of our
military ties."
"What is important is to separate truth from fiction and to help people
base their opinions on truths and facts," Jones said. "What is important is not inciting feelings
in a certain direction."
[In Ankara, a Syrian national was charged with planning suicide bombings
that killed 58 people in Istanbul in 2003. The national, Luay Saqa, was said
to have received orders from Osama Bin Laden to attack the NATO member.]
"Regional U.S. commanders can make decisions that they consider
appropriate for the sake of their troops," Jones said. "But the command of
the U.S. forces did not make a common decision urging U.S. soldiers in
Europe to avoid movie theaters showing the Turkish film."
