I have been following the news lately in regards to whether or not Turkey would decide to head into Northern Iraq. In order to really understand the significance of their entrance into Iraq, I need to note some background information. Basically, for a long time now, Iraqi Kurdish forces in Northern Iraq have been killing Turks along the border of Iraq. On October 7, these same rebels in Northern Iraq killed 13 Turkish soldiers. This basically is one of the deadliest attacks that the Kurds have committed and the Turks are really fed up.
This lack of tolerance for the Kurds is quite clear with Turkish lawmakers voting for the entrance with 507 to 19 in favor of entering Iraq.
I personally am having trouble with deciding with whether or not this is a “good” thing. On one hand I believe that the Turks have every right to enter Northern Iraq and stop those who have killed their country men. If I was to put myself in their shoes, I would very well want to enter Iraq and defend my country and avenge those who had been killed. They have every right to be irritated at this point. Many have been killed by the Kurds and by entering Iraq; they have a good chance of putting the killing to a halt.
On the other hand, Turkey entering Iraq could cause other issues which end up hurting the majority. According to the articles that I have read, Turkey entering Iraq destabilizes a region that military leaders have counted on as a stabilized region that can be used when situations get rough. By entering Iraq, the Turks are hurting the overall goal of winning and putting this war to an end by bringing up more conflict in regions that are generally stabilized.
So, I really am curious as to what all of you think. Do you think that the Turks are fully right in entering Iraq in order to send a message to the world that they will not be intimidated and pushed around? Do you believe that they are just causing more trouble and not helping at all? I am really torn between this issue and my opinion probably lies somewhere in between.
5 comments:
Hey Austin, Good Blog. I personally think that the Turkish are only mad because we recognized the genocide of the Armenian people. However, I am worried that if the Turks invade they might kill off the Kurds. This is not so good. Though I fell that boundary lines in the Middle East are misconsrewed so whatever.
I believe the Turks should invade in order to defend their country and their people. Personally, I would selfishly decide to fight for my own country no matter what bigger effects it might have on the world. They need to send a message to the world that they are not to be taken lightly and will not allow themselves to be walked on.
I also think the Turks should invade to protect their people. This topic hits close to home for me because I have relatives who live in Turkey. The indecencies taking place by the Kurds should not be brushed off; the Turks deserve to seek justice for the murders that took place. Sure, it might cause more problems, but I do not think it is right for the Turks to let this slide simply because it would cause problems for other nations.
Turkey invading is bad, but I agree that they are certainly justified. Further, this is really a problem that America has failed to address. Just because the Kurds like us doesnt mean that they are necessarily peaceful or even morally upright. If America is to take its place as the bastion of peace and freedom, then we should have dealt with this, rather than leaving it to the Turks.
Greetings Mr. English. I believe the Turks have a viable excuse to avenge their fallen comrades. However, politically and with regards to foreign policy, the Turks are taking a big risk in accentuating the conflict between them and the Kurds. A regional war could be sparked, with massive conflicts, Kurds could get raped.
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