The US’ Kurdish State

Radikal- If you’re closely following Turkish-US relations, you’ll be surprised, because you can see that the US is taking certain steps exactly contrary to the policies that it wants to implement in line with its interests in the region. The written proposal on a ‘Kurdish state’ which emerged while trying to establish a relationship based not on ‘strategic partnership’ but the ‘common vision document’ in order to correct relations, which were tense recently, is an example of this. The Armed Forces Journal in the US covered the issue in an article written by retired Lt. Col. Ralph Peters, and later translated and reprinted in Cumhuriyet daily. It also includes two new maps that are planned to be drawn to cover the Greater Middle East Initiative (GME) region. One of these maps concerns Turkey. A Kurdish state to be established with territory to be taken from Syria, Turkey, Iraq and Iran is being shaped there. Thus, the author states that this way a realistic order would be maintained in the region. Those who know which issues should be discussed in these kinds of publications think that this article shouldn’t be ignored because discussions on this prepare a basis for policy. Even certain skeptical experts say that there’s an element of a threat for certain countries in the article. The US’ thought of establishing a Kurdish state isn’t something new. Its stance during this 15-year period when it provided Iraqi Kurds with full protection against Saddam Hussein and used Incirlik Airbase is the indication of this project, isn’t it? Turkey is always afraid of this possibility, and the US always gives an oral guarantee to Turkey that such a thing won’t happen. As Turkish officials could find no other solution, they have continued to help the US with the protection of Kurds. It’s always known that the four countries whose territory is sought for the establishment of a Kurdish state should produce a common strategy to defend themselves.

However, as this strategy wouldn't be welcomed by the US, Turkey always keeps these initiatives secret. Nevertheless, shouldn’t the Turkish authorities have issued a response after such an article? Because, according to the author of the article, even if there has been some improvement in the living conditions of Kurds living in Turkey in recent years, Turkey’s east consisting of one-fifth of its territory should be considered an 'invaded region.' What can you say if this evaluation, which was only made by the terrorist PKK until now, was made by an ex-American soldier? Or will you cite the fact that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), General Staff and force commanders didn’t go to the official commemorations for American Independence Day, July 4? Or will you say that Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, who is keeping silent in order not to cast a shadow the importance and seriousness of the ‘Vision Document,' is responsible for making a response? Great states don’t prepare all of their projects behind closed doors. Now the US is making preparations for its own Kurdish state in order to secure its energy resources and energy transportation routes in the region.

By M. Ali Kislali Published: 7/13/2006