1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21336Updated October 31, 2002Iraq: The Turkish FactorCarol MigdalovitzSpecialist in Middle Eastern AffairsForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryTurkey will likely be piv
2、otal to any U.S. military operation against Iraq, but it hasmany concerns. Foremost, it seeks to preserve Iraqs territorial integrity and prevent theemergence of a Kurdish state in northern Iraq. It wants its linguistic/ethnic kin in thatregion, the Iraqi Turkomans, to be fairly represented in a fut
3、ure government. Turkeyalso is worried about the economic consequences of a war, especially since it is justrecovering from a devastating recession. Finally, it is concerned about the possibilitiesfor a humanitarian refugee crisis and regional instability. The Bush Administration isconsulting closely
4、 with Turkish officials to assuage their concerns and has providedincreased economic assistance while attempting to enhance trade through (free trade)qualified industrial zones in H.R. 5385. Turkey expects still greater rewards for itssupport. See also CRS Report RL31429, Turkey: Issues for U.S. Pol