Turkey may be coming back.
Winds of Change notes that the United States and Turkey are in discussions; and that the US is reminding Turkey that Iran is a threat to Turkey on the nuclear, terror, and religious fronts. We would like Turkey's cooperation if we need to base military force out of Turkish territory (quoting a Turkish publication):
During his recent visit to Ankara, CIA Director Porter Goss reportedly brought three dossiers on Iran to Ankara. Goss is said to have asked for Turkey’s support for Washington’s policy against Iran’s nuclear activities, charging that Tehran had supported terrorism and taken part in activities against Turkey. Goss also asked Ankara to be ready for a possible US air operation against Iran and Syria.
I noted earlier in the year that we spoke with the Turks about making sure we could use Incirlik as a logistics hub for operations east of that base.
I've also noted that I'd like the unfortunate alliance failure prior to the Iraq War (prompted it seems by a mistaken notion that since they were all Moslems how could Turkey cooperate with America against another Moslem state?) to be repaired:
As the Turks soak in the fact that a lot of neighbors don't really like them, I think the fact that we remain a friend will count for a lot again. The European Union doesn't seem to want to let Turkey in despite the long negotiations that have pretended to bring that day closer. Iran is no friend. Armenia? Get real. The Arab states don't like them. The Kurds? Less than happy. Greece? See Armenia. Even the Bulgarians aren't exactly friendly.
And of course, there is Russia. I've lost track of the number of wars that Russia has fought with Turkey over the years.
We have common enemies and should act like allies to address those threats.
