Turkey massing troops on Iraq border is making everyone nervous

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L04614236.htm

ANALYSIS-Turkish military build-up pressures Iraq, U.S.

04 May 2006 12:17:24 GMT
Source: Reuters
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By Daren Butler

ISTANBUL, May 4 (Reuters) - Turkey has massed troops along its Iraqi border to increase pressure on the United States and the new government in Baghdad to act against a growing threat from Kurdish rebels based in northern Iraq.

But despite a rise in guerrilla violence and media reports of some cross-border military activity, Turkey is unlikely to launch a major incursion into northern Iraq without the consent of authorities in the region, diplomats and analysts say.

The Turkish army traditionally launches a spring offensive against the rebels as they descend from their mountain hideouts, but the latest military build-up is the biggest for years.

Turkey has sent some 40,000 troops to its mainly Kurdish southeast region to reinforce some 220,000 already based there in anticipation of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant raids.

"There has been a higher level of military movement compared to recent years because the PKK has sent large numbers of militants into Turkey and there is intelligence that they are planning more operations than in previous years," a senior military official told Reuters.

[snappyturtle]

1. Thanks to our president.....

the entire region is a mess. These poor people are stressed out to the max. Must be awful to live in such fear every minute of every day. Good luck to Turkey in trying to 'pressure' the U.S.....that always works!!! They'd better be careful or they'll be added to the "Nuke Next" list.

[ret5hd]

2. We are selling the Kurds out to Turkey...read here why:

http://www.321gold.com/editorials/ackerman/current.html

towards the bottom of the page:
<snip>
Turks Reject Condie

In her “real-politic” view, Secretary Rice attempted to gain the use of Turkish air bases if the U.S. needs to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities. Of course, the sacrificial offering was the Kurds. Kurdish leaders reported that Turkish troops violated the Turkish Iraqi border. The U.S. remained mum on the reports.
</snip>