Turkey weighing land operation vs PKK in Iraq: TV

[sabra]

Source: Reuters

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey is considering a ground operation against Kurdish rebels based in northern Iraq, private broadcaster CNN Turk quoted Foreign Minister Ali Babacan as saying on Tuesday.

"The option of a ground operation is on the table. The timing (of such an operation) and weather conditions are important," Babacan was quoted as saying.

Turkey has massed tens of thousands of troops along its mountainous frontier with Iraq. It has already carried out several small-scale cross-border commando operations as well as aerial bombing raids against rebels of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

Earlier this month, Turkish warplanes bombed 70 PKK targets inside Iraq in one of the biggest raids to date and Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan vowed to continue the cross-border campaign "until we win."

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080219/wl_nm/turkey_iraq_rebels_dc_1

[maddezmom]

1. BBC: Civilians losers in Turkey-PKK conflict

Civilians losers in Turkey-PKK conflict
By Crispin Thorold
BBC News, Khanaqa Valley, northern Iraq


Deep in the mountains, the Khanaqa Valley is one of the most idyllic places in northern Iraq. The jagged snow-covered peaks glisten in the sunlight.

Small villages hug the mountainsides and a gently flowing river runs through the valley floor. In normal times the peace is only broken by the crow of a cockerel or the gentle twittering of sparrows.

But 16 December 2007 was not a normal day for the valley's inhabitants.

Early in the morning, Turkish warplanes bombed several sites in the area, which is situated 100km (60 miles) from the Turkish border.


more:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7247475.stm

[Supersedeas]

2. the collateral damage is to remain a vague amorphous notion for Condi to filibuster about

[yellowcanine]

3. Great timing for the U.S. Presidential campaign. How will McCain spin this?

By November George's splendid little war might not look so great.


'Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan vowed to continue the cross-border campaign "until we win."'

Has anyone seen Wolfie and Rummy lately?

[Mika]

4. This is great news for McBush supporters.

They want more wars. :crazy:

[Supersedeas]

5. he won't have too--the cable punditry (Tweety et al) is more interested in tie color that substance