This very link is what I worried about as the internal dynamics of the Iraqi civil war continue to sping out of the control of the major players, both foreign and domestic, and assumes a momentum that no one really anticipated.

Posted by: george hoffman at November 12, 2006 02:35 PM | Permalink to this comment

> and assumes a momentum that no one really anticipated.

The Turkish threat of invasion to prevent separatists Kurdish "problems" is one of the most obvious and anticipated parts of the ongoing developments! The warnings were never subtle or hidden, and it was obvious to expect in any case.

Posted by: peter holdon at November 12, 2006 11:30 PM | Permalink to this comment

Move a sizable portion of U.S. troops to Iraqi Kurdistan with a commitment from the Iraqi Kurds that in exchange for U.S. protection from the Turks--they will protect the rights of Turkmans in their territory, will not harbor or support Turkish Kurds in their actions against the Turkish government, and look forward to a productive relationship with their northern neighbors. An oil pipeline flowing frim Kirkuk north might also help.

So long as Iraqi Kurds are not a threat to them, the Turks will focus their attentions on the Syrians and especially the Iranians.

We would have troops and airbases in friendly territory ready to act on any al Qaeda elements that might pop up in Anbar. It would also discourage any direct Iranian action in the South.

Not perfect, but workable.

Posted by: Joe at November 14, 2006 01:50 AM | Permalink to this comment

Twistys Presents: Peach

Posted by: peach at November 21, 2006 12:30 PM | Permalink to this comment