October 9, 2003 (Washington, D.C) – Washington Kurdish Institute (WKI) President, Dr. Najmaldin O. Karim, issued the following statement concerning the Turkish Parliament’s decision on October 7, 2003, to deploy troops in Iraq:
“The proposed deployment of Turkish troops to Iraq is a recipe for disaster and will almost surely lead to greater instability. While such a move may address short-term political goals in Washington and Ankara, the decision runs contrary to historic realities, common sense, and most importantly, the desires of the overwhelming majority of Iraqi, Turkish and Kurdish citizens.
“Like many Americans, I support the speedy return of our troops and hope the international community will take a larger role in stabilizing post-war Iraq. Yet when virtually all members of the Iraqi Governing Council, as well as large segments of the Iraqi, Turkish and Kurdish public, object to deployment of Turkish troops, I must question the wisdom of such a decision.
“As a Kurd, I cannot ignore the Turkish military’s mistreatment of Kurds or the long-standing presence of Turkish troops in Iraqi Kurdistan, ostensibly to prevent incursions by Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) guerrillas. But Iraqis of all backgrounds object to a Turkish troop deployment, unconvinced that these forces can operate in a neutral manner immune to political agendas set in Ankara.
“This said, I do believe Turkey can and should play a vital role in Iraq’s reconstruction. As a neighboring country, Turkey is ideally positioned to help build hospitals, schools, and to enter into business ventures of all kinds throughout Iraq. Turkey has already been successful in rebuilding economic relationships with Iraq, which prior to the Gulf War, was Turkey’s leading trade partner. This type of engagement is welcomed by all Iraqis, and especially Kurds who stand to benefit greatly from expanded commercial ties between neighbors. Unfortunately, the deployment of Turkish troops and consequent potential for trouble, threatens to undermine the promise of improved bilateral relations in all spheres.
“While the US Administration has welcomed the decision of Turkey’s parliament as a belated expression of support from a Muslim nation and NATO ally, the complex long-term implications of a Turkish troop deployment will undermine this strategic relationship. The proposed deployment will fuel resentment among Kurds and Iraqis towards US and Turkish occupiers and could inflame age-old sectarian and ethnic fissures which already threaten to rupture in the present vacuum of Iraqi politics. Resentment among Turkish citizens towards the deployment might also be expressed by further rejection of secular political parties and increased support for radical Islamist and other extremist tendencies.
“Turkish and US leaders would be wise to heed the voices of an overwhelming majority of Turks and Iraqis who object to the military deployment. The strong, lasting and mutually beneficial relationship between Ankara, Baghdad and Washington, which we all seek, will be much better served by a Turkish deployment of civilian aid-workers, business people, contractors and tourists.”