Attack against UN Aims to Discredit U.S. Efforts

Loren Thompson, a military affairs analyst with the Lexington Institute, in her statement to the newspaper said: "The goal is to deny the American occupation force the ability to pacify Iraq, to prevent the Americans from winning the hearts and minds of the people. If Iraq is in constant chaos, the United States can never move on to the next stage."

Bruce Hoffman, working for the Rand Corporation, commented, "The strategy of terrorism, known for years, is to bother the administration, to reveal its deficiencies, and to show it will fail to maintain authority."

Turkish Team in Baghdad to Aid in Rescue Efforts

A 10-man Turkish Civil Defence team went to Baghdad to join rescue efforts and to aid in clearing the debris caused by the blast. The Turkish Rescue Team left from Esenboga Airport and flied to Baghdad in a private American plane. It was reported that after the bomb attack against the UN building, the American Embassy asked Turkish officials for help in the rescue efforts.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs responded affirmatively and sent a rescue team of ten people to Baghdad. It was decided that two sniffer dogs, a support trailer, and other technical equipment would be sent to Baghdad with the Civil Defence team. The team consists of nine search technicians and one physician.

Foreign News Services / Istanbul / TURKEY