"The Kurdish rebellion
A few thousand Kurdish rebels fighting in a lost cause for a homeland which would take territorial bites out of Iraq, Turkey, Syria and Iran are endangering the fragile stability of the entire Middle East and the cohesion of the Nato military alliance. The actions of the PKK - the Kurdistan Workers' Party - might also put the final nail in the coffin of Turkey's bid for membership of the EU. Ankara has already authorised a mini-invasion of northern Iraq in retaliation for PKK raids against its territory and citizens. Thousands of tanks and troops have been mustered, but have yet to roll across the frontier. A guerrilla ambush which yesterday killed at least 12 Turkish soldiers and reputedly took others hostage may, however, have brought the moment closer when Turkey, the anchor of Nato's southern flank, will launch its military might into a neighbouring country against the wishes of the US and the fledgling Iraqi government, and precipitate a fresh round of bloodshed in an area already awash with blood."
More:The Herald : Features: OPINION
