Turkey Continues to Bomb PKK
For the third time in 10 days, Turkish fighter jets bombed PKK targets in Northern Iraq.
In a statement posted on its website, the Turkish army said that “[t]he warplanes struck at eight caves and other places used by the rebels in an “effective pinpoint operation” after spotting a group of rebels preparing to spend the winter in the hideouts.”
Yesterday the army said that more than 200 PKK terrorists have been killed since Turkey started bombing northern Iraq - mildly - on December 16.
Aside from airpower, Turkey also sent in some ground troops December 18.
Turkey shows remarkable restraint when it comes to the PKK. Virtually every other country in the world - and especially countries with an army as big and strong as Turkey’s - would’ve sent in many more troops and would’ve shown less patience.
Although I believe that Turkey should send in many more forces, one could argue that this approach is more useful: there’s less collateral damage and it doesn’t truly destabilize the region. Aside from that, other countries - such as America and the European Union countries - can’t criticize Turkey too much at this moment.
Michael; That IS a very remarkable observation…. “Turkey shows remarkable restraint when it comes to the PKK. Virtually every other country in the world - and especially countries with an army as big and strong as Turkey’s - would’ve sent in many more troops and would’ve shown less patience.” I WONDER why Turkey has to exercise and demonstrate so much restraint and patience in such circumstances where they have the right to take action. Is this related to this case only or does it apply to almost all instances where Turkey happens to be a part of??
Hmmm! Interesting remark!!! What do YOU think??
Sefer: I think it definitely has something to do with an anti-Turkish bias. You know, the idea that Turks are overly aggressive, etc. You could say that Turkey constantly has to prove it’s not.
Michael: I am sure you could imagine that those words of yours above could be mine as well… Unfortunately, I had to learn this fact the hard way… after 28 years of living outside Turkey. But I learned my lessons over these long years; in the beginning it was difficult to open my mouth, and now… it is damn difficult to shut it, and especially when I believe, when I am totally convinced that I am right!
lol, well you’re right to speak out Sefer bey. It’s an image that has existed for a long time, ages even in the West. A prejudice that has to be proven false. Which it is.