No Means No

The Turks say their decision is final:

WASHINGTON, March 2 — Turkey said today that it had no plans to reconsider "for the foreseeable future" its rejection of the United States request to stage troops on the Iraqi border, codifying an important setback for America's war plans.

Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party held another meeting today to decide whether to hold a second vote. Afterward, Eyup Fatsa, deputy party head, told reporters: "The proposal has been delayed to an open-ended time. There is no proposal for the foreseeable future."

Of course, "for the foreesable future" could mean "until we hear a better offer." That's what the Pentagon seems to think, anyway:

Meanwhile, Pentagon officials said no order had been given to divert the forces intended for staging in Turkey to other areas because officials are still holding out hope that the Turks might change their minds in the next few days."

Hope springs eternal.

billmon

Posted March 02, 2003 01:24 PM | Comments (13)