"Future use of Incirlik base depends heavily on Iraq
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
ANKARA/WASHINGTON - Exclusive by TDN Defense Desk
At a time when every passing hour adds to tension in the complex web of relationships among the Turks, Americans and Iraqi Kurds, Ankara and Washington are seeking a compromise on the future use of a critical Turkish air base by U.S. forces.
The heart of the matter is mutual mistrust. The Turkish are wary of U.S. intentions over the future of northern Iraq, while the United States still hold the belief that Turkey's rulers were in solidarity with the Sunni/Baathists in Iraq, not the Iraqi people. Turkey also has deep suspicions over Washington's future plans for Iran and Syria. How, under such circumstances, could the old NATO allies find common ground over Incirlik? "
More:Turkish Daily News - Future use of Incirlik base depends heavily on Iraq
