27 September 2001, Copyright © Turkish Daily News
Opinion by Mehmet Ali Birand
Turkey's Iraq policy has changed!
- The U.S. administration is extremely pleased with the changes Turkey has made to its policy vis-a-vis Iraq. Iraq is going to occupy pride of place in Ismail Cem's meetings today. This is because it will soon be Iraq's turn and Turkey forms the most important link in the chain.
While you are reading this, Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will be talking with senior officials in the Bush administration.
As well as meeting Secretary of State Powell, he will also meet Defense Secretary Rumsfeld and National Security Council head Rice. If he can spare the time, President Bush will open the door and speak with Ismail Cem while he is meeting Rice. He will shake his hand, pat him on the back and pose for a photo opportunity.
Ismail Cem is here to wave the Turkish flag. Contrary to what is expected, Turkey is neither going to be "sold out" or have its independence destroyed.
I listened to those looking at Turkey from here and drew the following conclusions:
"Turkey has a really poor image in the American press. The movie Midnight Express is still very much alive. However, when it comes to the official authorities he situation is very different. For the U.S. administration Turkey is a country that keeps its promises and positively meets America's needs after Britain and Israel."
The last attack has changed all the balances.
Turkey seems to be one of the staunchest allies.
Iraq the most important factor
For those playing politics in Washington, Iraq is going to be next after Afghanistan. Saddam Hussein will be destroyed one way or another. The Bush administration is certain of this.
What will Turkey do then?
The general impression in Washington is that Turkey has altered its basic policy. The speech made by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit on CNN International is being seen as an example of this. It is believed that should the United States go up against Iraq, then Turkey will back it up to the hilt.
Up until a short time ago, Turkey (especially Prime Minister Ecevit) was opposed to any attack on Iraq or the elimination of Saddam Hussein. The message that Turkey has dispelled its reservations following this attack has been well received in Washington.
It is being said that should this position continue and should there be an attack on Iraq, then the whole of northern Iraq could be left up to Turkey's control.
It seems certain now that the Bush administration is not going to give Saddam any peace. It also seems certain that once the Taliban in Afghanistan has been dealt with, it will then be Iraq's turn.
As for Iran and Syria; they have been put on the list of those countries wishing to bury the hatchet with the United States.
It is believed that Iran will be saved from its pariah status and will rejoin the international community in the period ahead.
Turkey's position will undergo major change.
Provided Ankara can get itself well organized, it may be able to preserve its long-term interests.
This is why Ismail Cem's trip to Washington is of paramount importance.
Mehmet Ali Birand's article is translated by TDN staff
mailto:mbirand@ibm.net
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