TURKEY and Iraq

Appearing before a congressional committee discussing the possible war with Iraq, Colin Powell was asked about Turkey and the Kurds. He waffled on Turkey, but said clearly that the US supported the present boundaries of Iraq, i.e. opposed a Kurdish homeland. In reality, Turkey is as negative as European countries about an attack on Iraq. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on September 25 that he was concerned by the harsh tone of US rhetoric towards Iraq and that Baghdad should be given a chance to prove its sincerity in allowing UN inspectors back. Turkey fears war on its borders could further damage the economy and fuel unrest among its own Kurdish population in the southeast, particularly if the Iraqi Kurds seek an independent state over the border.

Ronald Hilton - 9/27/02