October 16, 2007

Iraqi Crisis Envoy Dispatched To Turkey

In an effort to stave off a looming incursion of Turkish forces into his country, Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi crossed the border today to meet with Turkey's prime minister and new president.

Turkey has been threatening to stage assaults on separatists operating in Iraqi Kurdistan. According to the Turkish government, those separatists (called the Kurdistan Workers Party or the PKK, which the EU and the U.S. have classified as a terrorist group) operate in northern Iraq without interference. Iraq had promised to address the group in a late September resolution; Turkey claims nothing has been done and that the PKK is becoming emboldened.

More serious provocations against Turkey began in the last few weeks. The Turkish government reports that between 15 and 30 soldiers and civilians have been killed, and as many as 30,000 people who live in towns in southeastern Turkey could be in jeopardy if the PKK continues the cross-border shelling it began last weekend.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki called on Ankara yesterday to hold its fire. An incursion would pose another substantial challenge for his already-struggling government, as well as threaten U.S. supply lines into Iraq from Turkey -- an ally that might not be feeling quite as friendly toward the U.S. these days. In a move that angered Turkish leaders, a House panel approved a nonbinding resolution last week condemning the Armenian genocide.

Now, the Turkish government is waiting on official parliamentary approval for an incursion. A vote could come as soon as tomorrow.

"The only target is the PKK terrorist organization. No other group is our target," said Cemil Cicek, a spokesman for the Turkish government. "Everyone who lives in Iraq are our brothers and our friends. We hope that peace comes to Iraq and to our areas without a need to use this option."

Posted at 8:50 AM
Posted to: Europe, Iraq, Kurds, Turkey
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