From: Christian Weisgerber (naddy@mips.inka.de)
Date: Sat Mar 22 2003 - 19:05:55 MST
Eliezer S. Yudkowsky <sentience@pobox.com> wrote:
> The first results of the breakdown of international law are already
> reverberating. If the US can invade Iraq any time it wants, with or
> without UN permission, why shouldn't Turkey do the same?
It bears pointing out that Turkey has had troops in Northern Iraq
for years and has ignored the border during its military campaigns
against the PKK.
At least until a few hours ago, it was unclear whether those rumored
1000 soldiers have actually crossed the border or whether it was a
canard, possibly spread by the Turkish government on purpose. A
reporter currently in Kurdistan helpfully pointed out that Turkey
already has some 10,000 troops in Iraq, would like to add another
40,000, and that we are currently watching (figuratively) the launch
of a test balloon to sound out international and US reactions to
Turkey's plans.
Imagine you are a Kurd fighting for Kurdish self-determination, and
that you are standing somewhere in that desolate mountain area,
literally straddling the Turkish-Iraqi border. Take a small step
to one side, and you are a honorable freedom fighter against a
tyrannical dictator. Take a step to the other side, and you are
internationally recognized as a terrorist. I find this quite
curious.
-- Christian "naddy" Weisgerber naddy@mips.inka.de
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