U.S. Faces Troop Pressure As Turkey Balks

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20031105/ap_on_re_mi_ea/us_iraq_troops&cid=540&ncid=1473

WASHINGTON - Turkey's reluctance to send troops to Iraq without clear support from U.S.-installed Iraqi leaders could deal a major blow to U.S. efforts to attract other countries' help against an increasingly deadly resistance.

Tuesday's statements by Turkey's ambassador explaining the decision to stay out made clear that Pentagon (news - web sites) officials, lacking any fresh infusion of allied troops, will have to send thousands more U.S. reservists to Iraq early next year.

Bush administration officials had hoped a U.N. Security Council resolution approved last month would persuade reluctant allies to send more forces to help in Iraq. No additional countries have contributed forces since.

Turkey had been the most likely. But Turkey's ambassador to the United States, Osman Faruk Logoglu, said his country will not send troops without an explicit invitation from the U.S.-appointed Iraqi Governing Council, some of whose members, particularly Iraqi Kurds, vigorously oppose the idea.

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[Pale Blue Dot]

1. The Philadelphia Inquirer adds this:

"That makes it virtually certain the United States will have to send thousands more U.S. reservists early next year."

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/nation/7184000.htm

[sidpleasant]

2. More troops for Iraq is not "virtually certain", it's happening

My brother - in - law is an officer in the National Guard. He's been expecting activation to Iraq for a few months. The orders came yesterday: a month of training then off to Baghdad early next year. The duration of the tour is alleged to be a year so he won't be home until 2005.

[newyawker99]

3. Hi sidpleasant!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast: