U.S. and Iraqi officials met separately with Turkish leaders in Ankara. U.S. officials are trying to gain Turkey's support for military operations in Iraq. Iraqi officials remind Turkey that past support for the U.S. against Iraq cost Turkey billions of dollars in trade revenue. Tariq Aziz, Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister, told Turkish officials on Monday that Ankara has lost about $40 billion in revenue due to sanctions imposed by the United Nations since the end of the Gulf War in 1991. He stated that Turkey would incur greater losses if it sides with the U.S. in another war against Iraq. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Jones, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, met with Sukru Sina Gurel, Turkey's Foreign Minister, who expressed concerns regarding the U.S. attack on Iraq. In 1991, Turkey played a major role in the Gulf War and opened its bases to coalition aircraft conducting attacks against targets in Iraq.
U.S. and Iraqi Officials Meet Separately with Turkish Leaders in Ankara
U.S. and Iraqi officials held separate meetings with Turkish leaders in Ankara to discuss military operations in Iraq. Iraq warned Turkey about the economic repercussions of supporting the U.S. again, citing significant past losses. This situation highlights the delicate balance Turkey must maintain in its foreign relations amidst regional tensions.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
U.S. and Iraqi officials held separate meetings with Turkish leaders in Ankara to discuss Turkey's potential support for U.S. military operations in Iraq. Iraq warned Turkey about the economic repercussions of supporting the U.S., citing past financial losses.
- Turkey lost approximately $40 billion in trade revenue due to UN sanctions after the Gulf War.
- Turkey's involvement in the Gulf War included opening its bases to coalition forces.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Turkey's strategic location and past involvement in the Gulf War make its support crucial for U.S. military operations in Iraq. Economic repercussions from past conflicts influence Turkey's current decision-making.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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