|
Turkey: If Armenians Win In Congress, the U.S. May Lose; Cards Turkey Can Play
Most Turkish dailies published a CNN-Turk TV report that lists Turkey’s trump cards that it might use to deter the Congress from passing the Armenian Genocide resolution based on historical allegations that Turkey categorically rejects. According to the report last March Pentagon’s Deputy Under-Secretary Dan Fata had also presented a similar list to the House Committee of Foreign Relations, of what Turkey might do in case the resolution was adopted. Turkey may cut or restrict the logistical support to U.S. military in Iraq. 60% of all supplies to U.S. units in Iraq go from Incirlik airbase. 25% of the fuel used in Iraq by coalition forces goes through the Habur border gate in Turkey. U.S. fighter planes that are based in Incirlik airbase also train in Turkish airspace. 16 U.S. fleet ships that participated in the war in Iraq, refueled in Turkish seaports. American economy may lose billions of dollars in arms sales if Turkey changes its suppliers. Turkey committed to buy 106 of the new generation F-35s. There are also plans to purchase 30 F-16s for 1.65 billion dollars. 200 F-16s are to be modernized by the U.S. for 1.6 billion dollars. There is an upcoming tender for the purchase of air defense systems with the U.S. Patriot system being preferred – despite Russia’s eager competition. U.S. makers are the top players in the tender for the purchase of training helicopters, valued at 50 million dollars. Turkey plays an important role, at the request of the U.S., among NATO and U.N forces stationed at different places in the world. Turkish military commanded the peace forces in Afghanistan for two terms; and is on duty in Lebanon and Kosovo. Turkey is being considered by U.S. as a safe route for withdrawal of its troops from Iraq - which may all be jeopardized if Armenian resolution passes. Turkish parliamentary delegation that will conduct meetings in Washington this week, might bring up all of the above issues. Source: CNN-Turk TV and all Turkish dailies, October 8, 2007
Posted at: 2007-10-09
| 
