Turkey cools to war effort after nationwide demonstrations

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM Sunday, October 14, 2001

ANKARA — 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.

-- Anonymous, October 14, 2001