Turkey Update: Turkey's Iraq Jitters

October 18, 2002

Throughout the long Washington debate on extending the war against terrorism to Iraq, there has been an assumption on the part of advocates of military action that Turkey would side with the United States. Turkey’s anticipated support helped bolster claims that the United States would not lack bases and support in the region and the wider Islamic world when the time came. However, as we edge closer to possible conflict, it is important to look more closely at Turkey and the frequently expressed concerns of Turkish civilian leaders and military commanders about the dangers of a post-war break up of Iraq and additional economic burdens.