Open Letter to Prez. Bush & Mr. Gates

Mr. President,

As an American-Turk who has served proudly in the US Air Force during the Desert Storm (your father was my Commander in Chief) I am deeply concerned by your and Mr.Gates’ comments urging Turkiye to withdraw its forces from N.Iraq while you keep repeating the American troops has to be there as long as it takes to finish the job.

I am sure I don’t have to tell you Turkiye has been the biggest and strongest US ally in the region going back to Korean War………

As we both know Turkish troops were the first to step up and provide relief to the American forces in Afganistan.

Turkiye has been fighting with terror long before America has even tasted the devastating effects of it in SEP 11 2001. Remembering 80’s as a young boy hearing news about PKK killers killing elementary school teachers in the Eastern Turkiye, or throwing hand grenades in the city buses, I was delighted to hear when you declared Global War on Terror.

I particularly enjoy you and your mouthpieces keep repeating the motto ” If we don’t fight them there they’ll follow us home”

Does that logic apply to save only American lives, or is it OK for Turkish people to fight the terrorist where they hide also.

I know your geography is not the best, so I feel obligated to mention Turkey is neighbor of Iraq, and when they say We need to fight them “there” they don’t mean 7000 miles and 2 continents away. They mean at the border.

When I travel abroad I often hear people talk about how America is a good time friend and only care for short term gains with absolutely no care about long term effects of her actions. Although I can’t argue because of examples like Noriega, Pinotchet, Shah in Iran, Saddam in Iraq and Osama Bin Laden in Afganistan , I often use ” You have to crack a few eggs to make an omelet”excuse.

Mr. President although I have not voted for you, and I pretty much hate everything Mr.Chenney and his dogs stand for, I always admired your intense loyalty.

I urge you to re-examine your loyalties and see if you’re standing on the right side on this issue.

You called on all nations to join the Global War on Terror and long time American ally Turkiye sent her sons to fight such evil.

PKK is recognized as a Terrorist organization by the US government for they have killed tens of thousands of people over 20+ years. One would think it’s most beneficial for America that Turkish soldiers are killing terrorists. We both know our troops are spread thin and morale is……. let’s just say is not as high as when I was serving.
Definition of terror is : The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons.

I’m pretty sure it applies to all people regardless of if they’re American or not.

I am looking forward to reading about your presidency in history books to see the long term effects of your short term decisions with hope that I was wrong and you are right, and I am looking forward to the end of your presidency.

All the best.

Sincerely,

U. “Turk” Akbay

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