Talk Turkey

[GAsux]

The Kurds lack the organization and unity to make any real movement against the Turks. While I'm sure they wouldn't mind a nice little chunk of SE Turkey, they'll never be able to defeat the Turks.

Max, I think this whole thing might be a bit of an oversimplification. There is probably a little bit of both going. The Turks are in a pretty unpleasant position. They are trying to woo Western Europe and make their way into EU, but also must balance against the more fundamentalist Muslims in the country. Same applies to American support. Clearly they would love American financial support, but if it falls short of what they were reaping in trade from Iraq prior to GWI, what to do?

And end to sanctions allows them to resume full, legitimate trade with Iraq, but could come at the expense of U.S. financial support. On the other hand, supporting the U.S. military plan cuts off their income from trade, but fills their pockets with American cash.

I think the Turks would be more than happy to see Saddam removed. However, they are likely harboring legitimate concerns over stability following regime change. I think they're juggling a lot of balls and trying to keep themselves in the best position they can.

For the record, the Turks have been U.S. allies for a substantial amount of time now. It's not as if they haven't been on the receiving end of U.S. aid for the last half century. This is not new to them.

I can't really say I blame them for trying to get the most for their efforts.