Turkish Parliament Delays Vote on US Troop Deployment

A top Turkish official says the United States and Turkey have finalized the military part of the deal. Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul told reporters in Ankara Thursday, that the two sides had agreed on all military issues. But he did not elaborate. Turkish officials say most lawmakers agree that the United States is a strategic partner and that Turkey would face worse consequences if it did not agree to the U.S. request.
However, a large majority of the Turkish public and many lawmakers strongly oppose the prospect of a U.S.-led war against Turkey’s neighbor, Iraq.
Meanwhile, Turkey closed its border with Iraq Wednesday, and evacuated its embassy in Baghdad. Turkish Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis said the move is a precaution against what he calls "uncontrollable acts" if parliament votes yes on the U.S. troop deployment.