In These Times piece: Turkey, the US, and the PKK

My latest column for ITT went up yesterday. With all the controversy about the Armenian genocide resolution, it's easy to lose sight of the real cause of the strain between Turkey and the US--the Iraq war.

The sad fact is that the occupation of Iraq has made us beholden to Turkey in a number of ways. If the US hadn't pressured a reluctant Turkey for assistance in this imperial adventure, our leaders wouldn't have to tiptoe so carefully around Turkey's poor human rights record.

If the US weren't so dependent on the cooperation of the Iraqi Kurds to keep peace in Northern Iraq, we could do more to protect our NATO ally against terrorist attacks by the PKK.

As expected, the Turkish parliament authorized attacks on Northern Iraq yesterday. This authorization doesn't necessarily mean that Turkey will use cross-border force against the PKK guerillas holed up in Northern Iraq. Similar authorizations have been granted in the past, but not acted upon.

Comments

[Dave]

Considering the land slide vote for force and the resolution that was just passed, I think it is safe to say that Turkey will be sending in larger amounts of troops in future operations.

[Count Zero]

I can't wait for the accidental combat deaths associated with either the US targeting the Turkish Army or visa versa. It's bound to happen..

[The Phantom]

Yeah, isn't that something to look forward to!

[Julian Elson]

It's true that the War in Iraq has generally left us with a weaker diplomatic hand... pretty much everywhere. However, I'm not sure that the genocide resolution would have passed if it hadn't been for the Iraq War. In 2000, Clinton managed to stop an Armenian genocide resolution in its tracks, and that was before OIF.

[Milorad]

I just read LB's column in ITT. It is essentially a rewrite of the more comprehensive NYT article, or perhaps a rewrite of the wire reports with a slight dash of commentary on the obvious: that Iraq is part of the equation. Jeepers, why have a blog if you have nothing original to say? (oh, because you people like the sound of your own voice.ugh)

As for those of you who attack my intelligence, I will merely say, my 770 gmat only faintly reflects my real genius.

[B-Money]

The GMAT??? Isn't that the test "challenged" college seniors take because they can't hack the LSAT? I kid, I kid!! Your 770 is a fine score. Now go brag about it to your friends, oh wait, you are bragging about it here, I guess they don't want to hear it either!

[cfrost]

770 GMAT! Very impressive indeed! Now let's hear about your phenomenal sexual prowess. A "Sixty Minute Man" no doubt.

Thanks Milo. It's always good to start the day off with a laugh. Best wishes.

[Uncle Kvetch]

Now let's hear about your phenomenal sexual prowess. A "Sixty Minute Man" no doubt.

"I always thought these letters in Penthouse had to be fake. Until last Thursday, when I had the most incredible...."

[Doyle Saylor]

I think you make a fine point about the inability of the U.S. to serve it's needs well in this case. Perhaps that is a common issue in international relations. It is often thought that a wider war could easily emerge in this area, with Turkey being a key element responding to an independent Kurdish enclave. What is not explained but I've seen hints of is the history behind this. For example why would this threaten Turkish sovereignty? Etc. I would think if Turkey gets drawn into a border war, not major incursions it will escalate the tensions around a wider war. Testing U.S. committments to Kurdish independence.

[Count Zero]

"Testing U.S. committments to Kurdish independence."

I think it's safe to say the fact: the US has units in northern Iraq after Al Queda, the Turkish military has units in Iraq after Kurds, Al Queda/Iraqi rebels have units targeting all the above (why wouldn't they); makes the whole situation in Iraq that much more dangerous both militarily and politically for the 3 groups involved. Each has a convienient opponent to blame.