WASHINGTON — The Bush administration has been urged to move quickly
to improve military and diplomatic relations with Turkey.
The Council on Foreign Relations has warned that Turkey and the United
States must cooperate on strategic issues in the Middle East. In a report
entitled Generating Momentum for a New Era in U.S.-Turkey Relations," the
council cited the fate of Iran and Iraq.
"Both countries will face a series of tough foreign policy questions
concerning Iraq, Iran, the Middle East and Cyprus just as politicians in
both capitals are entering election cycles," the report said.
The most pressing issue, the report said, was the future of the Kurdish
autonomous zone of northern Iraq. Turkey has opposed independence or Kurdish
control of Kirkuk, the center of oil in northern Iraq.
"The reality of the situation in Iraq strongly suggests that the Kurds
are poised to gain at least significant autonomy in Iraq and control of the
oil-rich region surrounding the city of Kirkuk," the report said.
The council warned against U.S. approval for a Turkish attack on Kurdish
insurgency strongholds in northern Iraq. The report said this would
destabilize the only relatively quiet area of Iraq.
Instead, the report called for a two-track approach that would focus on
the future of Kurdistan and Cyprus. The second track should establish a
strategic dialogue between Ankara and Washington.
