Sending troops to Iraq now is riskier than before

Buyukanit said that the decision to send troops to Iraq would be a political decision rather than a military one. He said, “But we cannot remain indifferent to the fire next to our door. The Turkish Armed Forces has the capability and capacity to perform any duty assigned to it. A timely decision is the best.”

Buyukanit also said that they received political directive from the Prime Ministry and sent a letter to U.S. last week questioning the possible location and duty of the Turkish troops. Buyukanit said, “We will determine the number of troops to be sent. This letter does not imply a promise. The respond to it coming from U.S., will guide the decision-makers.”

“Putting Reserve on YAS Is A Violation of Law”
Buyukanit said, “The 24th article of the related regulation allows all of the members of the High Military Board (YAS) to oppose the decisions. If you put a reserve on grounds that the decisions of expulsion from the army are not open to judicial examination, this violates the Constitution, related laws and regulations. This is a violation of law. This violation was repeated in the case of the recent YAS meeting. The comments that Justice and Development Party (AKP) was getting the Turkish Armed Forces into the line are not pleasant. Our direction is right.”