Bloggers debate pros, cons of cross-border action

08/06/2007

The Turkish blogosphere is more or less unanimous about the country's right to defend itself from the PKK, but some question whether a military incursion into northern Iraq is the best option.

By Ayden Ileri for Southeast European Times in Ankara – 08/06/07

Turkish soldiers held a military exercise this week in the town of Cizre, 10km from the Turkish-Iraqi border. [Getty Images]

Following the recent bomb blast in one of Ankara's busiest business districts, Turkish bloggers have been debating whether the government should launch a military campaign against Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorists with bases in northern Iraq.

Bloggers are nearly unanimous in calling for action to defuse the PKK threat and prevent future terrorist acts. However, some are wary of a military solution. Launching a campaign in northern Iraq, they argue, would lead to political and economic instability in Turkey, unless supplemented by economic and political measures.

Turkey "once again responded in the best way possible", by organising meetings and protests to demonstrate national unity, writes Saydin. "The PKK will not succeed in debilitating the strength of the Turkish nation."

D. believes it's important not to rush into action without careful planning and consideration of the pros and cons. "A political solution should be the first option," he writes. "Experts in the region should analyse the impact of a potential military campaign."

Otherwise, he warns, "Turkey will be dragged into the current mess in Iraq, continuous war, and perpetual instability."

According to Onurxt, Turkey is already in a war. He argues that the government possesses the capabilities to launch a military campaign in northern Iraq, but faces significant difficulties when it comes to the scope of such a campaign.

"The ultimate target is the terrorists in northern Iraq, and the purpose of a military campaign would be to destroy them," Onurxt writes. "The real problem is to determine exactly where to bomb." Besides attacking mountain bases, he asks, would the Turkish military try to enter PKK offices to detain its leaders?

"Turkey has a right to launch military campaigns outside its borders under international law," insists H. The country, he writes, should not forfeit that right despite warnings of the potentially adverse effects on Turkish-US ties.

However, H concludes, "War should be the last resort."