U.S., Turkey discuss smaller anti-Iraq force

Although Turkish and U.S. generals agree that adding a northern front would lead to a shorter war, Turkish leaders have hesitated to approve any agreement and have called for a peaceful solution to Iraqi-U.S. tensions. Western diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, and other sources said U.S. and Turkish negotiators are now discussing the possibility of a reduced force that would be more acceptable to Ankara.
Turkish media have reported that Washington is considering a Turkish-based force of between 15,000 and 20,000.
Turkish officials said it would be difficult to approve a larger U.S. force because polls show more than 80 percent of Turks oppose a war.
In Washington, a senior defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said talks were progressing, but gave no details.
Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, is expected in Turkey for a meeting Monday with the head of Turkey’s army, Gen. Hilmi Ozkok.
"We look forward to moving toward a mutually acceptable solution," U.S ambassador Robert Pearson said. "I am confident that we will find an acceptable solution to these issues."

Pearson gave no details.
Washington has been frustrated by Turkey’s refusal to grant permission for a larger force and analysts say the Turkish stance could damage U.S. efforts to isolate Saddam.
Without Turkey, "Saddam Hussein and his regime do not see themselves ringed by massive military might," said Charles Heyman, editor of Jane’s World Armies in London. "They see a crack in the coalition and that may encourage others."
But hosting foreign troops is an extremely emotional issue in Turkey.
Modern Turkey was established after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, when Turkey was divided and occupied by foreign countries. Turks also fear a war would damage the country’s fragile economic recovery and lead to instability on the border. International investors say economic losses could reach $10 billion.