Novak: US working with Turks on covert operations targeting Kurdish guerrillas

[sabra]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/29/AR2007072900859.html

Bush's Turkish Gamble

By Robert D. Novak
Monday, July 30, 2007; Page A15


The morass in Iraq and deepening difficulties in Afghanistan have not deterred the Bush administration from taking on a dangerous and questionable new secret operation. High-level U.S. officials are working with their Turkish counterparts on a joint military operation to suppress Kurdish guerrillas and capture their leaders. Through covert activity, their goal is to forestall Turkey from invading Iraq.

While detailed operational plans are necessarily concealed, the broad outlines have been presented to select members of Congress as required by law. U.S. Special Forces are to work with the Turkish army to suppress the Kurds' guerrilla campaign. The Bush administration is trying to prevent another front from opening in Iraq, which would have disastrous consequences. But this gamble risks major exposure and failure.

...

The surprising answer was given in secret briefings on Capitol Hill last week by Eric S. Edelman, a former aide to Vice President Cheney who is now undersecretary of defense for policy. Edelman, a Foreign Service officer who once was U.S. ambassador to Turkey, revealed to lawmakers plans for a covert operation of U.S. Special Forces to help the Turks neutralize the PKK. They would behead the guerrilla organization by helping Turkey get rid of PKK leaders that they have targeted for years.

...

The plan shows that hard experience has not dissuaded President Bush from attempting difficult ventures employing the use of force. On the contrary, two of the most intrepid supporters of the Iraq intervention -- John McCain and Lindsey Graham-- were surprised by Bush during a recent meeting with him. When they shared their impressions with colleagues, they commented on how unconcerned the president seemed. That may explain his willingness to embark on such a questionable venture against the Kurds.

[marmar]

1. Umm, weren't the Kurds supposedly U.S. allies when this faux war began?

Lesson to potential U.S. allies: Don't turn your back to America - it'll end up with a knife in it.

[Kagemusha]

2. Weren't the Turks supposedly U.S. alli.. er.. nevermind.

No one cares about the Turks. Sorry. Needed to remind myself here.

[TwilightGardener]

3. Wait, wait--now we're AGAINST the Kurds? Won't this piss them off?

They've been relatively non-violent and cooperative, no? So their reward is to get hammered by the Turks, with our blessing? Turks, a supposed ally, threaten to invade Iraq (some friend), so we appease them by turning on our other ally?