Turkey accuses Bush regime of being . . . chicken . . .

[BaliBabyDoc]

or at least squirrel-like behavior
"Of course, there is ineptitude here. First they came, very enthusiastic, and said 'please do not be late' and then they saw that there are many different issues. They have many hesitations themselves," Gul was quoted by Anatolia news agency as saying.

"The Americans do not know the region very well. They did not pay much attention to the advice given to them. If the officials who are currently administering Iraq had known the region better, things would have been better today," Gul said.

"We are not going to undertake anything as long as there are hesitations... Everything concerning us should be very clear, everybody should say 'yes,'" Gul said.

He stressed it was up to Washington to persuade the Iraqi leadership.

"They are supposed to convince those who they themselves have appointed... The United States is the authority in Iraq. Therefore they are our interlocutor.
[/quote]

Definitely squirrel . . .

 

[gistech1978]

perhaps weasel?

 

[Witling]

The article is interesting. I follow Zaman, an online Turkish news service. A week or so ago I mentioned in a post that the Turks are not coming to Iraq. The country is in an interesting place. It considered itself one of the U.S.'s closest allies. The population was overwhelmingly against the war -- still is, for that matter. Turkey is quite concerned with joining the European Union. Originally it was relying on the U.S. to advance it's cause. That pretty much went by the board as the current administration alienated "old Europe." The Turks have a strong interest in northern Iraq but it's pretty clear to the world that the U.S. has handled this unbelievably poorly. Even Turkey, who desparately wants to repair relations with the U.S. is reluctant to send troops.

Then there's the incident where the U.S. arrested Turkish troops and put bags over their heads. That little stunt is just an illustration of why we're not going to make it in Iraq. The act of putting a bag over someone's head is considered humiliating and well beyond that which is necessary. We'll do similar thing time after time in Iraq.

 

[BaliBabyDoc]

"The Americans do not know the region very well. They did not pay much attention to the advice given to them. If the officials who are currently administering Iraq had known the region better, things would have been better today," Gul said.

How dare anyone question US intelligence . . . or is he questioning US intelligence?