Turkey’s past and current Iraq policies.

Individuals and societies which fail to develop a rational understanding of their time cannot make wise decisions. Today is the day we should evaluate our country’s past Iraq policies and develop new strategies for the future by taking into consideration current developments in the region.

If you want someone to make decisions in your own favor, the first thing to do is to make them forget the past. Therefore, under today’s circumstances, we should first remember our history. Here are some questions:

1) During the Ecevit government, what did Ankara decide to do in case of a possible US intervention in Iraq?

Turkey refused to participate in a possible US military intervention in the region. However Ankara decided to, if necessary, independently send its forces into northern Iraq to crack down on the Kurdish separatist movement.

2) If Turkey entered northern Iraq on its own, what would it gain or lose?

Washington would probably put extreme pressure on Ankara to withdraw its forces from the region. In addition, certain EU circles would almost certainly fiercely oppose such a move. However, I believe that, as time passed, both the US and the world would recognize how the chaotic situation in Iraq required the assistance of our forces. Therefore, Ankara would both protect its territories and help the Iraqi people to establish peace and stability without backing an unjustified war.

3) What has ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) done on the Iraq issue? What kind of decisions has it taken so far?

Forgetting Ankara’s past decisions, the AKP government chose to bargain with Washington. It first allowed US forces to prepare for a war within our territories, and then refused to back them. On March 1, our government got stuck between the nation’s will and the promises it made during its unofficial talks with US officials. It was the AKP government’s inexperience and incompetence which led to Washington’s great disappointment. Turkey seemed like a country unable to keep its promises.

4) Would it be a correct policy today for Turkey to send its troops to Iraq?

Deploying our troops to Iraq would be a mistake. We’re talking about an unjustified occupation by US and British forces. If we send our troops there, our soldiers would serve nothing but American interests.

5) What should we do now?

Turkey might still contribute to the international decision-making process on Iraq. Because of our strategic importance, nobody can shut us out of this process. However, Ankara should never allow foreigners to decide about our future. We cannot trust foreigners with our national interests. But by making rational and effective decisions, our country might gain an active role in Iraq’s reconstruction.