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Message From Turkey To The US: We Dont Want Your Mother Fucking War
ISTANBUL, Turkey -- About 3,000 protesters burned U.S., British and Israeli flags on Sunday during a demonstration against a possible U.S.-led war in neighboring Iraq.
NATO member Turkey is a close U.S. ally, but antiwar sentiment runs high among its people. Turkey is talking with U.S. military officials but has not committed to allowing the use of Turkish territory or air bases in a war against Iraq.
"Down with America! Killer America!," demonstrators chanted. Others held up banners reading, "No to war."
http://www.theolympian.com/home/news/20021230/frontpage/37718.shtml
"Down with America! Killer America!," demonstrators chanted. Others held up banners reading, "No to war."
http://www.theolympian.com/home/news/20021230/frontpage/37718.shtml
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Throughout the long Washington debate on extending the war against terrorism to Iraq, there has been an assumption on the part of advocates of military action that Turkey would side with the United States. Turkey's anticipated support helped bolster claims that the United States would not lack bases and support in the region and the wider Islamic world when the time came. However, as we edge closer to possible conflict, it is important to look more closely at Turkey and the frequently expressed concerns of Turkish civilian leaders and military commanders about the dangers of a post-war break up of Iraq and additional economic burdens.
Turkey has been consistent in its opposition to war and its current position is that support would be given to military action only if there was "an international consensus." Nevertheless, it is likely that Ankara would ultimately consent to the use of Turkish air space and bases in a conflict. Turkey provided such backing during the 1991 war with Iraq while drawing the line on the introduction of its troops into the conflict, and Turkish leaders will be understandably wary of opposing a direct request by Turkey's main ally. However, having suffered great financial losses during and after the last war - the Turkish Economy Minister said that the figure could be as high as $100 billion at a CSIS Turkey Project meeting last month - they will expect firm promises by the United States that assistance to the troubled Turkish economy will go far beyond Washington's indirect support through the IMF. Even more importantly, Turkey will also need assurances that its vital interests in northern Iraq will be protected.
The Turkish Foreign Minister publicly dismissed warnings by Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz during a recent visit to Ankara that a division of Iraq after military action would inevitably lead to the break up of Turkey. However, on October 11, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit bluntly warned that the situation in northern Iraq was "out of control." Declaring " a Kurdish state has been founded in northern Iraq," Ecevit said, " we need to talk in detail about this with the United States." Ecevit was clearly reflecting the grave displeasure in Ankara over the agreement between the two Iraqi Kurdish groups in control of northern Iraq and the announcement of a constitution for a federal Kurdish region with Kirkuk as the regional capital. Two days later, Ecevit charged that the United States was "not only encouraging the Kurdish groups in northern Iraq, but actually steering them." According to Ecevit, Turkey was "being dragged into a war against its will in Iraq."
Ecevit's comments underlined earlier Turkish declarations that the establishment of a Kurdish state and the expansion of Kurdish control to oil-rich Kirkuk were casus belli. They also highlighted a rift between Washington and Ankara on the fate of northern Iraq after Saddam that needs to be addressed urgently. Although the United States Ambassador to Turkey, Robert Pearson, publicly repeated private assurances by American officials on Washington's opposition to an independent Kurdish state, the Turks are apparently unconvinced. They see the statement of support by Secretary of State Colin Powell read out at the recent reopening of the Iraqi Kurdish parliament as tangible evidence of the potentially dangerous ambiguity in Washington's policies.
It is clear that the United States wants to mobilize the Iraqi Kurds, who constitute the only part of the Iraqi opposition with control over Iraqi territory, to help achieve regime change in Iraq. Knowing that the Kurds are wary of being let down again, the Bush Administration hopes to convince them that this time things will be different and that their condition will be permanently improved after a war. On October 18, Celal Talabani, the leader of one of the two main Iraqi Kurdish factions, went so far as to claim that the United States had given the Kurds "a guarantee" that it would "prevent the intervention of neighboring countries." At the same time, Washington recognizes that the prospect of imminent conflict threatens its decade-long delicate balancing act with Turkey and the Iraqi Kurds. In essence, Turkey tolerated the emergence of a de facto Kurdish entity under the protection of the no-fly zone enforced by American and British aircraft operating from Incirlik base in southern Turkey in deference to the strategic imperatives of the U.S.-Turkish relationship. However, having only recently emerged from a difficult and costly fifteen-year war against Kurdish separatism and terrorism within its own borders, Turkey is aiming to block the emergence of a greater Kurdish entity with nation state features after the planned decapitation of Saddam's authority. Turkey also intends to protect the interests of its ethnic brethren, the Turkmens.
His political opponents as well as numerous Turkish commentators have sought to downplay the importance of Ecevit's warnings as he leads a lame duck coalition government heading into crucial elections on November 3. However, there is little doubt that his views reflect the serious apprehensions of the powerful Turkish military establishment. According to Turkish press reports, a meeting last week of Turkey's political and military leaders chaired by the Turkish President, gave the military "clearance to protect Turkey's national interests in northern Iraq." The issue will be the main item on the agenda of the Turkish National Security Council on October 22. Clearly, the United States and Turkey will have a great deal to talk about during the upcoming visit to Ankara of General Tommy Franks, Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command, and even more when the new Turkish Chief of Staff General Hilmi Ozkok makes his first visit to Washington next month.
http://www.csis.org/turkey/TU021018.htm
Turkey has been consistent in its opposition to war and its current position is that support would be given to military action only if there was "an international consensus." Nevertheless, it is likely that Ankara would ultimately consent to the use of Turkish air space and bases in a conflict. Turkey provided such backing during the 1991 war with Iraq while drawing the line on the introduction of its troops into the conflict, and Turkish leaders will be understandably wary of opposing a direct request by Turkey's main ally. However, having suffered great financial losses during and after the last war - the Turkish Economy Minister said that the figure could be as high as $100 billion at a CSIS Turkey Project meeting last month - they will expect firm promises by the United States that assistance to the troubled Turkish economy will go far beyond Washington's indirect support through the IMF. Even more importantly, Turkey will also need assurances that its vital interests in northern Iraq will be protected.
The Turkish Foreign Minister publicly dismissed warnings by Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz during a recent visit to Ankara that a division of Iraq after military action would inevitably lead to the break up of Turkey. However, on October 11, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit bluntly warned that the situation in northern Iraq was "out of control." Declaring " a Kurdish state has been founded in northern Iraq," Ecevit said, " we need to talk in detail about this with the United States." Ecevit was clearly reflecting the grave displeasure in Ankara over the agreement between the two Iraqi Kurdish groups in control of northern Iraq and the announcement of a constitution for a federal Kurdish region with Kirkuk as the regional capital. Two days later, Ecevit charged that the United States was "not only encouraging the Kurdish groups in northern Iraq, but actually steering them." According to Ecevit, Turkey was "being dragged into a war against its will in Iraq."
Ecevit's comments underlined earlier Turkish declarations that the establishment of a Kurdish state and the expansion of Kurdish control to oil-rich Kirkuk were casus belli. They also highlighted a rift between Washington and Ankara on the fate of northern Iraq after Saddam that needs to be addressed urgently. Although the United States Ambassador to Turkey, Robert Pearson, publicly repeated private assurances by American officials on Washington's opposition to an independent Kurdish state, the Turks are apparently unconvinced. They see the statement of support by Secretary of State Colin Powell read out at the recent reopening of the Iraqi Kurdish parliament as tangible evidence of the potentially dangerous ambiguity in Washington's policies.
It is clear that the United States wants to mobilize the Iraqi Kurds, who constitute the only part of the Iraqi opposition with control over Iraqi territory, to help achieve regime change in Iraq. Knowing that the Kurds are wary of being let down again, the Bush Administration hopes to convince them that this time things will be different and that their condition will be permanently improved after a war. On October 18, Celal Talabani, the leader of one of the two main Iraqi Kurdish factions, went so far as to claim that the United States had given the Kurds "a guarantee" that it would "prevent the intervention of neighboring countries." At the same time, Washington recognizes that the prospect of imminent conflict threatens its decade-long delicate balancing act with Turkey and the Iraqi Kurds. In essence, Turkey tolerated the emergence of a de facto Kurdish entity under the protection of the no-fly zone enforced by American and British aircraft operating from Incirlik base in southern Turkey in deference to the strategic imperatives of the U.S.-Turkish relationship. However, having only recently emerged from a difficult and costly fifteen-year war against Kurdish separatism and terrorism within its own borders, Turkey is aiming to block the emergence of a greater Kurdish entity with nation state features after the planned decapitation of Saddam's authority. Turkey also intends to protect the interests of its ethnic brethren, the Turkmens.
His political opponents as well as numerous Turkish commentators have sought to downplay the importance of Ecevit's warnings as he leads a lame duck coalition government heading into crucial elections on November 3. However, there is little doubt that his views reflect the serious apprehensions of the powerful Turkish military establishment. According to Turkish press reports, a meeting last week of Turkey's political and military leaders chaired by the Turkish President, gave the military "clearance to protect Turkey's national interests in northern Iraq." The issue will be the main item on the agenda of the Turkish National Security Council on October 22. Clearly, the United States and Turkey will have a great deal to talk about during the upcoming visit to Ankara of General Tommy Franks, Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command, and even more when the new Turkish Chief of Staff General Hilmi Ozkok makes his first visit to Washington next month.
http://www.csis.org/turkey/TU021018.htm
from
http://www.moveon.org/inspections/html/countries/turkey_0.html
Arzu Sari
Turkey
Dear Mr. Bush,
It will be another cruelty for millions of innocent people of Iraq and other Middle East countries, including mine if you decide to hit again in Iraq. It is deeply believed all over the world that there are always peaceful solutions in spite of armed minds Please let peace and children survive. — Ayçe Çeliker
Ankara, 06100, Turkey
Dear Mr. President,
American history, as well as Turkish history, is full of examples showing war is not the best solution. What is the use of history if we don`t take any lessons?
— Ayse Bingol
Ankara, 06100, Turkey
Berdal Aral
Istanbul, 34900, Turkey
bilge zeren
istanbul, Turkey
canan balan
Istanbul, 811110, Turkey
PLEASE DO NOT THINK "YOU CAN FOOL ALL OF THE PEOPLE, ALL OF THE TIMES" — CENAP CALIS
ISTANBUL, Turkey
Deniz Bozok
istanbul, Turkey
Esin Düzel
Istanbul, Tuzla 84675, Turkey
Please let's stop seeing everyone as enemies and try to find a more peaceful way to communicate with each other.We cannot solve problems by creating more problems.Violence cannot be solved with violence.Moreover,if the US claims to be a nation with a higher level of education and prosperity,it should also set an example with a higher level of conscienceness.Let's just find a better way to communicate.It's not so hard. — gulen erendag
Istanbul, Turkey
Gülnur Aksop
Ýstanbul, 84360, Turkey
OK twin towers are gone and American dream became a nightmare this is the new century who can we count on? Whoever is using the military attempt is going to be the reason of the next war. But they cannot see the war just near by them. The 'other' is living in the dividing depth shelter of New York’s oil tasted subway. He is sheltering there that have to be illuminated by THE INSPECTORS WORK for transparency.
The dirt sticks on the body of the homeless living in the subway is the same dirt that the inspectors in Iraq are looking for.
See that the social crisis how America is dealing with it. Shooting Iraq is shooting RED HOOK NY. As much as US can rehabilitate himself that much terrorism will not be a danger.
We have to look into ourselves And our power is our will for non militarization and negotiation. For IRAQ NICOSIA (CYPRUS) IN JERUSALEM NEWYORK BEIRUT BERLIN KOREA the BALKANS AFRICA BELFAST AND UNITE THE divided CITY and 'SELF rehabilitate the mentally disordered schizophrenic landscape to let the CULTURE grow. If not Rehabilitate through CULTURE we WILL BE Destroying THE ONLY ONE CHANSE FOR Humanity. LET US ALL BECOME THE INSPECTORS FOR THE sharing and growing the common GROUND.
Stop being so selfish Mr. Bush and Mr. Saddam. Come together talk to each other. And show us this century is going to be different. Show us that you are still human. Representatives are not just responsible for their nation esp. in this case. Shame but I now behave like the other "Inspections Working LET US WORK."
— hayim beraha
Istanbul, Valikonagý 80200, Turkey
I'm presently working in Basra as a contractor. The present situation in Iraq is not same as you always stated.
It's clear that we can win without war but it seems that you can not since it needs good will which you don't have. — Hasan YUKSEL
Istanbul, Istanbul 80303, Turkey
Irazca Geray
Istanbul, Turkey
I am against the war. our people will not fight for the oil. — Mustafa Karakus
Turkey
kazim sonmez
ÝSTANBUL, TURKEY, Turkey
Latif Salum
Izmir, Bornova 35100, Turkey
Mr. President: Global security can come only from the rule of internaional law &
the UN Charter. Unilateral, pre-emptive war is illegal and a form of terrorism. — John Lucal
Ankara, Turkey TR 06250, Turkey
Mehmet Birkiye PhD
Istanbul, 34900, Turkey
MELTEM SAVCI
ISTANBUL, Turkey
please don't war — mubeccel yildirimer
izmir, 35290, Turkey
You should be explained the history of region in depth. Your oil insterest will turn the world into hell ! — Iffet Ozgonul
Ýstanbul, 80200, Turkey
Robert Lewis
Besiktas, Istanbul 80060, Turkey
jale gulnihan
ankara, Turkey
This is not the way to be a super power of the world. The super power have to pay attention to each individual or to each community. What are the needs of the people? The most majority of the world population had enough oppression by the Super power. Please respect to the rights of others. — Selma Ertuna
Ýstanbul, Kavacýk 81610, Turkey
senay gurbuz
istanbul, Turkey
serra muderrisoglu
Istanbul, 80815, Turkey
Serdar Yalcin
Pendik, Istanbul, Turkey
sija zobi
istanbul, 81560, Turkey
siobhan dirilgen
Istanbul, Turkey
Suhub Sulaiman
Oludeniz Yolu, Fethiye Mugla, Turkey
Please leave the UN teams to do their job. Discussion of back door policies in response to the issues of torture and other human rights infringements should have been raised long before now. You can't change the rules in the middle of the game.... that's something Iraq would do! PLEASE GIVE PEACE A CHANCE MR BUSH. — Annie Thomson
Ortakoy, Istanbul 80840, Turkey
Ufuk Duruman
Ankara, 06550, Turkey
Sukru Yarcan
Turkey
Zeynep Avci
Istanbul, 80600, Turkey
stop killing iraqian children mr bush!stop the control of 'illuminate' on your government!we need usa to live in a peacefull world!do not use your power in a misway! — osman ilboga
konya, Turkey
cinzia oddi
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
Linda
Istanbul, 80820, Turkey
Sukru Yarcan
Istanbul, Turkey 34349, Turkey
Oya
Istanbul, 80090, Turkey
miriam geerse
Istanbul, 81410, Turkey
Leslie Rhoades
Bodrum, Mugla 48400, Turkey
I do not want my peoples die in your war. — Füsun Ertug
Istanbul, Turkey 81080, Turkey
Guven Incirlioglu
istanbul, 80020, Turkey
Ayse Erzan
Istanbul, Istanbul 81200, Turkey
SUHA SUREYYA OZBEK
Izmir, 35100, Turkey
Levent Corbacioglu
Istanbul, 81060, Turkey
Stop pushing Iraqis that hard — Ozlem Nudrali
Ankara, 06665, Turkey
WAR IS A CRIME, A CARNAGE, A SIN IF NOT MADE FOR FREEDOM! YOU'RE A SHAME FOR AMERICA. MODERNIZATION IS NOT ONLY TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, MODERNIZATION SHOULD BE DEVELOPMENT OF WORLD PEACE AT THE FIRST PLACE. BUT PEOPLE LIKE YOU PROVE THAT WE ARE NOT EVEN A MILE AWAY WHERE WE WERE BEFORE DINOZOURS! — Murat ERÖZ
Ankara, Ýç Anadolu 06530, Turkey
Tamer Canturk
Istanbul, Turkey
http://www.moveon.org/inspections/html/countries/turkey_0.html
Arzu Sari
Turkey
Dear Mr. Bush,
It will be another cruelty for millions of innocent people of Iraq and other Middle East countries, including mine if you decide to hit again in Iraq. It is deeply believed all over the world that there are always peaceful solutions in spite of armed minds Please let peace and children survive. — Ayçe Çeliker
Ankara, 06100, Turkey
Dear Mr. President,
American history, as well as Turkish history, is full of examples showing war is not the best solution. What is the use of history if we don`t take any lessons?
— Ayse Bingol
Ankara, 06100, Turkey
Berdal Aral
Istanbul, 34900, Turkey
bilge zeren
istanbul, Turkey
canan balan
Istanbul, 811110, Turkey
PLEASE DO NOT THINK "YOU CAN FOOL ALL OF THE PEOPLE, ALL OF THE TIMES" — CENAP CALIS
ISTANBUL, Turkey
Deniz Bozok
istanbul, Turkey
Esin Düzel
Istanbul, Tuzla 84675, Turkey
Please let's stop seeing everyone as enemies and try to find a more peaceful way to communicate with each other.We cannot solve problems by creating more problems.Violence cannot be solved with violence.Moreover,if the US claims to be a nation with a higher level of education and prosperity,it should also set an example with a higher level of conscienceness.Let's just find a better way to communicate.It's not so hard. — gulen erendag
Istanbul, Turkey
Gülnur Aksop
Ýstanbul, 84360, Turkey
OK twin towers are gone and American dream became a nightmare this is the new century who can we count on? Whoever is using the military attempt is going to be the reason of the next war. But they cannot see the war just near by them. The 'other' is living in the dividing depth shelter of New York’s oil tasted subway. He is sheltering there that have to be illuminated by THE INSPECTORS WORK for transparency.
The dirt sticks on the body of the homeless living in the subway is the same dirt that the inspectors in Iraq are looking for.
See that the social crisis how America is dealing with it. Shooting Iraq is shooting RED HOOK NY. As much as US can rehabilitate himself that much terrorism will not be a danger.
We have to look into ourselves And our power is our will for non militarization and negotiation. For IRAQ NICOSIA (CYPRUS) IN JERUSALEM NEWYORK BEIRUT BERLIN KOREA the BALKANS AFRICA BELFAST AND UNITE THE divided CITY and 'SELF rehabilitate the mentally disordered schizophrenic landscape to let the CULTURE grow. If not Rehabilitate through CULTURE we WILL BE Destroying THE ONLY ONE CHANSE FOR Humanity. LET US ALL BECOME THE INSPECTORS FOR THE sharing and growing the common GROUND.
Stop being so selfish Mr. Bush and Mr. Saddam. Come together talk to each other. And show us this century is going to be different. Show us that you are still human. Representatives are not just responsible for their nation esp. in this case. Shame but I now behave like the other "Inspections Working LET US WORK."
— hayim beraha
Istanbul, Valikonagý 80200, Turkey
I'm presently working in Basra as a contractor. The present situation in Iraq is not same as you always stated.
It's clear that we can win without war but it seems that you can not since it needs good will which you don't have. — Hasan YUKSEL
Istanbul, Istanbul 80303, Turkey
Irazca Geray
Istanbul, Turkey
I am against the war. our people will not fight for the oil. — Mustafa Karakus
Turkey
kazim sonmez
ÝSTANBUL, TURKEY, Turkey
Latif Salum
Izmir, Bornova 35100, Turkey
Mr. President: Global security can come only from the rule of internaional law &
the UN Charter. Unilateral, pre-emptive war is illegal and a form of terrorism. — John Lucal
Ankara, Turkey TR 06250, Turkey
Mehmet Birkiye PhD
Istanbul, 34900, Turkey
MELTEM SAVCI
ISTANBUL, Turkey
please don't war — mubeccel yildirimer
izmir, 35290, Turkey
You should be explained the history of region in depth. Your oil insterest will turn the world into hell ! — Iffet Ozgonul
Ýstanbul, 80200, Turkey
Robert Lewis
Besiktas, Istanbul 80060, Turkey
jale gulnihan
ankara, Turkey
This is not the way to be a super power of the world. The super power have to pay attention to each individual or to each community. What are the needs of the people? The most majority of the world population had enough oppression by the Super power. Please respect to the rights of others. — Selma Ertuna
Ýstanbul, Kavacýk 81610, Turkey
senay gurbuz
istanbul, Turkey
serra muderrisoglu
Istanbul, 80815, Turkey
Serdar Yalcin
Pendik, Istanbul, Turkey
sija zobi
istanbul, 81560, Turkey
siobhan dirilgen
Istanbul, Turkey
Suhub Sulaiman
Oludeniz Yolu, Fethiye Mugla, Turkey
Please leave the UN teams to do their job. Discussion of back door policies in response to the issues of torture and other human rights infringements should have been raised long before now. You can't change the rules in the middle of the game.... that's something Iraq would do! PLEASE GIVE PEACE A CHANCE MR BUSH. — Annie Thomson
Ortakoy, Istanbul 80840, Turkey
Ufuk Duruman
Ankara, 06550, Turkey
Sukru Yarcan
Turkey
Zeynep Avci
Istanbul, 80600, Turkey
stop killing iraqian children mr bush!stop the control of 'illuminate' on your government!we need usa to live in a peacefull world!do not use your power in a misway! — osman ilboga
konya, Turkey
cinzia oddi
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
Linda
Istanbul, 80820, Turkey
Sukru Yarcan
Istanbul, Turkey 34349, Turkey
Oya
Istanbul, 80090, Turkey
miriam geerse
Istanbul, 81410, Turkey
Leslie Rhoades
Bodrum, Mugla 48400, Turkey
I do not want my peoples die in your war. — Füsun Ertug
Istanbul, Turkey 81080, Turkey
Guven Incirlioglu
istanbul, 80020, Turkey
Ayse Erzan
Istanbul, Istanbul 81200, Turkey
SUHA SUREYYA OZBEK
Izmir, 35100, Turkey
Levent Corbacioglu
Istanbul, 81060, Turkey
Stop pushing Iraqis that hard — Ozlem Nudrali
Ankara, 06665, Turkey
WAR IS A CRIME, A CARNAGE, A SIN IF NOT MADE FOR FREEDOM! YOU'RE A SHAME FOR AMERICA. MODERNIZATION IS NOT ONLY TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, MODERNIZATION SHOULD BE DEVELOPMENT OF WORLD PEACE AT THE FIRST PLACE. BUT PEOPLE LIKE YOU PROVE THAT WE ARE NOT EVEN A MILE AWAY WHERE WE WERE BEFORE DINOZOURS! — Murat ERÖZ
Ankara, Ýç Anadolu 06530, Turkey
Tamer Canturk
Istanbul, Turkey
For more information:
http://www.moveon.org/inspections/html/cou...
There Aint Nothing to Inspect,,,
For more information:
http://There Aint Nothing to Inspect,,,
Turkey will be a part, that is if they want any say in the new post-Saddam government that's going to be to their South in a matter of a few months.
... please show itself:
U.S., Britain, Israel.
'nuff said.
U.S., Britain, Israel.
'nuff said.
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