NATO Units Gradually Withdrawing from Turkey

Prior to the start of hostilities in Iraq, Ankara had wanted threats stemming from Iraq to be taken into account and Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty to be invoked for the defense of Turkey. This article stipulates that NATO and the Allies will contribute to the defense of any member-country under threat.

Germany, France and Belgium had refrained from responding affirmatively to Turkey’s request out of hesitation to take NATO’s side in the Iraq war. Therefore, a decision was reached within the Defense Planning Committee, of which France is not a member, after Germany and Belgium were "persuaded" by intense pressure from Allies. The necessary instructions were issued to military offices to provide for Turkey’s defense and fulfill NATO member-country obligations on Feb. 19.

aa / / TURKEY