WASHINGTON -- Although the Bush administration won formal U.N. recognition for its rule in Iraq, that diplomatic victory is likely to yield few allied troops for occupation duty. In fact, even Turkey, which agreed to dispatch 10,000 soldiers after Washington's approval of $8.5 billion in loans, is now reconsidering its decision in the face of overwhelming Iraqi opposition.
The Bush administration's bid for Ankara's help reflects a dramatic change from just four months ago, when U.S. Secretary of Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz dismissed potential Turkish contributions. "I wouldn't rule out a role for Turkey, but I think right now we are looking to those people who were with us in the coalition to build a core of the peacekeeping function." Indeed, he added, "My experience is if you talk to Iraqis, almost every one of their neighbors, including Turkey, is viewed from a historical perspective that is not always positive."
But that was then, when the administration was talking about cutting its occupation forces to 30,000 by the end of the year. This is now, when officials are debating increasing the U.S. garrison. That means pushing Turkey to contribute troops.