It ostensibly appears that Turkey is "pull[ing] a Francois on us." However, you may wish to read a thread (including the in-depth comments--not too many--only 62) posted to glean a a broader perspective of the benefits/consequences of jumping too quickly to a conclusion about Turkey's alliance with us--as well as the background of the Kurds, and what other possible agenda their leaders may have. We've been deluged with information that compels us to feel a genuinely deserved compassion for what the Kurds suffered under Saddam. But, without ignoring their suffering, we also perhaps need to take a very close look at the agenda of the Kurdish leaders (and their not-so-distant previous alliances), and ask if, in the long-run, it will be in reality a remarkable improvement in the lives of Iraqi citizens. I'm still learning (and hope always to be so), and perhaps most particularly how critical it is to ensure that we have a firm grasp on both sides of a story (especially if we're looking at only a couple of media articles).
By the way, is anyone else perplexed about how our administration can casually toss $15B of US money to African nations to combat their AIDS epidemic, and simultaneously balk at the Turks' request for the same amount--to subsidize their direct contribution to aiding America in the war on terrorism (specifically in ousting Saddam), while their own economy is in the straits? Have I missed the part where there was an African nation offering up similar assistance--or any demonstration of good-will towards the USA?
Hey, a_Turk and Beck, just letting you know that your time and effort was not all in vain ;-)