“The region contains two sets of countries, each capable of drawing others to follow them, depending on their success. At one pole are the Baathist dictatorships of Syria and Iraq: when the possibility existed, they were aligned with the Soviet Union against the West. At the other pole are the Israeli and Turkish democracies, allies of the U.S. through thick and thin. On the sidelines, Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon have swung to and fro.” They convince our policy makers in Washington that : “There is little doubt that were Turkey and Israel intent on restoring Lebanon and distributing the area’s water in a rational manner, they would stand a chance of success. A stable strategic grouping capable of deterring the militant Baathist regimes in Syria and Iraq would promote the commencement of large-scale regional water planning and grid systems. Since extensive water planning proposals will necessitate the establishment of pipelines and energy grids stretching across borders, a political and military structure that can ensure the safety and security of the carriers will be the prerequisite to effective water sharing. Already, Turkey and Israel have engaged in serious negotiations starting in May 2000 to import 50 billion cubic meters of fresh water from Turkey using tanker ships. But an effective regional system would require political-military cooperation against Syria” Contrary to the devils’ predictions, invasion of sovereign Iraq met with resistance. Turkey claims that the Manavgat River basin is secure and that all necessary measures will be taken to guarantee the safety and quality of water up to the loading point, but the pipeline would have to go through Syria. Israel needs troops, American troops in the region to ensure the safe passage of water – and oil.
Our policy makers, possessed, have drowned America’s soul in blood, shame, and infamy. Once again, ignoring a policy of diplomacy which would lead to peace, we are being led to war. We owe it to future generations to redeem ourselves. Not only must Bush and Cheney be impeached, all those who endorse the policy of ‘all options are on the table’ be removed from office, but with awareness and sound values, we must hold to account the hijackers of American policy. “When spiders unite, they can tie down a lion”. Ethiopian proverb
[iii] A. Nesdat Pamir “Turkey: The key to Caspian Oil and Gas”, IASPS September 2001
[iv] Elnur Soltan, “Hatemi’nin Rusnya Ziyartei: Soyut Analsmalarin Somut Sonuclari” (Hatemi’s visit to Russia: Concrete Results of Abstract Agreement). Stratejik Analiz. April 2001 [Turkish] pp5-19
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Soraya has lived and studied in-Iran, UK, France, and has obtained her Master's degree in Public Diplomacy from USC Annenberg and USC School for International Studies, Los Angeles.- She is an independent researcher, public speaker, radio (more...)
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