Turkish general says can hit Kurd rebels in Iraq

[maddezmom]

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey, March 10 (Reuters) - A top Turkish general on Saturday reaffirmed Ankara's right under international law to send troops into northern Iraq to crush Turkish Kurdish rebels hiding there if it saw fit.

The comments by General Ilker Basbug, head of Turkey's land forces, came as Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki urged all neighbouring countries, including Turkey, attending a conference in Baghdad to settle their regional disputes through dialogue.

"Turkey can always take measures against the terrorist organisation in northern Iraq if our military needs require it ... under international law," Basbug told reporters in Diyarbakir, largest city in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast.

His hints at military action were not new but their timing reflects Turkish military fears of an upswing in violence by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) as spring arrives.

Basbug said he believed up to 3,800 PKK rebels were hiding in northern Iraq, mostly in the mountainous areas bordering Turkey. When the snows melt, many cross into Turkey every year to stage attacks on both military and civilian targets.

more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L10593224.htm

[Demeter]

1. Not Doubt, But Why Would He? Sounds Stupid. n/t

[ixion]

2. because Turkey is chomping at the bit to attack the Kurds

that would be my guess as to why.

[Demeter]

4. It's Still a Stupid Idea

But I tend to think most wars are stupid, so maybe it's me.

[ixion]

8. I agree... all wars are stupid

unfortunately, the majority of people in the world still believe that 'war' makes things better. :crazy:

[Tempest]

10. They wouldn't be

If the Kurds would stop terrorist attacks in Turkey.

[pinniped]

3. What does the boy monkey have to say about this?

I thought the Kurds were out allies?

Is * going to take preemptive action and nuke Turkey?

[Demeter]

5. What Have The Kurds Done For Dubya Lately?

Actually, the Kurds have been adept at staying out of harm's way, especially Georgie Boy's. I doubt they've done anything for Dubya (how can you bribe a man who has everything, anyway?)

[acmavm]

6. According to this administration, we have the right to bomb anybody at

any time. So it only follows that every other country with an axe to grind has the same right, doesn't it?

:sarcasm:

[Toots]

7. under international law,

I doubt that very much. International Law says your country must be under direct threat of imminent invasion or attack. Bush* Doctrine of Pre-imminent attack was not authorized nor sanctioned by the UN or International community. Turkey does not have the right to invade a foreign country either..

[Tempest]

9. Precedence has been set

Bush did it with impunity, so can any other country.

It's quaint that there's still people who believe international law matters anymore. :sarcasm:

[roamer65]

11. First ME country across the Iraqi border will start the "land grab".

If Turkey goes across, then Jordan, Syria, Iran and Saudi Arabia will follow.