Israel Matzav

Turkey to demand apology from NATO?

Turkey has become the world's expert in apologetics, so when Pakistan felt aggrieved by a NATO attack on its troops along the Afghan border, it knew exactly where to turn. Yes, of course, Turkey is going to 'investigate.'

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu phoned his Pakistani counterpart, Hina Rabbani Khar, after the air raid and “expressed regret and condolences over this reprehensible incident,” a statement released late on Saturday by the Foreign Ministry said.

The statement cited Davutoğlu as telling Khar that Turkey will make sure that the investigation be concluded and those who are responsible be identified swiftly.

Turkey, which participates in NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, enjoys close ties with Pakistan and has hosted talks with Pakistani and Afghan leaders to resolve their disputes.

A NATO spokesman has said it was likely that coalition airstrikes caused Pakistani casualties, but an investigation was being conducted to determine the details. If confirmed, it would be the deadliest friendly fire incident by NATO against Pakistani troops since the Afghan war began a decade ago.

Saturday’s incident could make it even more difficult for the US to enlist Pakistan's help in pushing Afghan insurgents to engage in peace talks.

Following the attack, Pakistan blocked vital supply routes for US-led troops in Afghanistan, closing its border crossings to NATO, and demanded that Washington vacate a base used by American drones in 15 days, calling the raid a "grave infringement" of the its sovereignty.

The Pakistani government also plans to review all diplomatic, military and intelligence cooperation with the US and other NATO forces.

A fallout between Pakistan and the US was inevitable since Osama Bin Laden was killed on Pakistani territory. I don't believe the Pakistanis are any great loss as a friend or ally of the United States.

Labels: NATO, Pakistan

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 2:25 PM