The following is an archived copy of a message sent to a Discussion List run by the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
Views expressed in this archived message are those of the author, not of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
[Main archive index/search] [List information] [Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq Homepage]
- From: Hevallo@DELETETHISaol.com
- Subject: Kurds wary of Turkish troop movements.
- Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 06:26:19 -0500 (EST)
Kurds wary of Turkish troop movements Duhok, Iraq Press, Dec. 11 - Iraqi Kurds who have carved out a semi
independent enclave in northern Iraq view latest Turkish troop movements
with alarm. They fear that Ankara will use its military weight and close relations with the
United States to give itself a role in the drawing up of a map for future Iraq. Kurdish and Turkish sources confirm that Turkish armed forces are massing
close to the border and their numbers and hardware have aroused concern in
Iraqi Kurdish ranks. So far Ankara has used its troops in forays inside Iraqi territories to hunt down
guerrillas of the Turkish Kurdistan Workers Party or PKK who use the
mountainous terrain as a refuge. The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Turkish armed forces
have started fresh redeployments, moving tanks, armored personnel carriers,
pieces of artillery and other equipment close to Iraqi borders. PKK fighters have so far avoided clashing with the Turks. Their leaders prefer
a wait-and-see attitude in the hope
a new war in the region will lead to changes in their favor. At least ostensibly, Ankara is voicing opposition to military attacks against
Iraq. But it is not clear whether it can resist pressure from its major ally the
United States to come on board in a military coalition against Iraq. Washington has not rule out attacking Iraq once its campaign against international terrorism ends in Afghanistan. Pressure from hardliners in Washington is mounting on the administration of U.S. President George Bush to topple the regime of President Saddam Hussein.
Your Groups: See What's New.
Groups Guidelines: Read these tips.