CONGRESSMEN POINT TO TURKEY’S IMPORTANT ROLE IN WAR AGAINST TERROR
Elf Ozmenek

Turkish Daily News, Turkey
July 3 2007

Democrat Congressman Robert Wexler Along With Republican Ed Whitfield
And Bud Cramer Wrote A Letter To The U.S. Congress To Bring Attention
To Turkey’S Efforts In The War Against Terrorism.

The Letter Came A Couple Of Days After The Number Of Congressmen
Supporting An Armenian Genocide Bill Reached A Majority. Furthermore
the letter seemed to come at a critical time, as Turkish-U.S.

relations are at odds due to a possible confrontational cross-border
operation by the Turkish military into northern Iraq.

The letter read, "The Republic of Turkey, a secular nation with a
predominantly Muslim population and a member of NATO, remains one of
America’s most steadfast allies. Without Turkish support, America’s
efforts in the global war on terror would be severely hindered."

The congressmen brought attention to the fact that even as Turkey
faces terrorist attacks within its own borders Ankara continues to
provide the U.S. with important assistance. They also shared some
of the contributions Turkey has made to U.S. efforts in both Iraq
and Afghanistan.

The congressmen noted that Turkey provides extensive logistic support
to U.S. troops in Iraq. This critical lifeline includes the cargo
hub at Incirlik air base through which the U.S. ships 74 percent of
its air cargo to Iraq. Furthermore they drew attention to the fact
that the land border crossing between Turkey and Iraq at Habur gate
accounts for delivery to Iraq of a substantial portion of the fuel used
by coalition forces and the fuel, food and water consumed by Iraqis.

Turkey’s main efforts were summarized under three headings in
the letter: Providing training for Iraqi officials, contributing
toward Sunni participation in the political process and encouraging
enhancement of Sunni-Shiite rapprochement.

The congressmen also mentioned the financial side of Turkey’s
existence in Iraq. Turkey, they said, authorized over $50 million for
reconstruction efforts in Iraq and has already provided $5.4 million
in humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi government.

The letter furthermore talked about Turkey’s role in Afghanistan.

"Turkey has twice led NATO’s International Security Assistance Force
(ISAF) and has assumed the leadership of NATO Regional Command Central
RC in Kabul." Turkey’s main efforts in Afghanistan are directed at
narcotics, health and education system.

The three congressmen ended their letter with, "Turkey is a fully
committed ally in the global war on terror. We hope you will keep in
mind Turkey’s support of U.S. efforts to combat terrorism and promote
democracy throughout the world."