Number 12 | June 29, 2007
On June 28, 2007, Congressman Bud Cramer (D-AL), Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL) and Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY) sent the following letter to their fellow members of Congress. TCA thanks the co-signers for highlighting Turkey’s contributions to US and international efforts to fight global terrorism, secure stability and peace in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in the world.
Turkey's Contributions in Iraq and Afghanistan
“We write today to bring attention to the efforts of a country that has dedicated tremendous time and resources to assisting the United States in some of the greatest challenges before us today. The Republic of Turkey, a secular nation with a predominantly Muslim population and a member of NATO, remains one of America's most steadfast allies. Without Turkish support, America's efforts in the Global War on Terror would be severely hindered. Even as Turkey faces terrorist attacks within its own borders, they continue to provide the U.S. with important assistance. We would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the many contributions the Republic of Turkey has made to U.S. efforts in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
In Iraq:
- Turkey provides extensive logistic support to the American troops in Iraq. This critical life line includes the cargo hub at Incirlik Air Base through which the U.S. ships 74 percent of the air cargo to Iraq.
- The land border crossing between Turkey and Iraq at the Habur Gate accounts for delivery to Iraq of a substantial portion of the fuel used by Coalition Forces and the fuel, food and water consumed by Iraqis. Around 4,000 trucks cross the border daily.
- Turkey's grant of blanket overflight clearances to U.S. military aircraft is of critical importance for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
- Turkey authorized over $50 million for reconstruction efforts in Iraq and has already provided $5.4 million in humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi government.
- Turkey provided important training programs for Iraqi officials regardless of their ethnic and sectarian origin, contributing greatly towards Sunni participation in the political process, and encouraging enhancement of Sunni-Shiite rapprochement.
- According to the Turkish government, the total amount of Turkish projects in northern Iraq exceeded $4 billion.
In Afghanistan:
- Turkey has twice led NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and has assumed the leadership of NATO Regional Command Central RC (C) in Kabul. Over 1,200 Turkish military personnel are currently serving in Afghanistan.
- Turkey established a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Wardak province in November last year. The Turkish PRT, which is a civilian-led-PRT like the US PRT in Panshir, has the biggest civilian component among the 25 NATO PRTs. The PRT is contributing to the reconstruction of the province, and with its Police Training Team is helping the establishment of the Afghan National Police.
- According to the Turkish government, Turkey has trained over 1,900 members of the Afghan National Army and allocated $800,000 to anti-narcotic efforts in Afghanistan.
- The Turkish government pledged over $100 million for reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan in 2006.
- Turkey operates 2 fully equipped hospitals, 2 clinics and 2 mobile clinics which treat 650,000 patients annually. Turkey also constructed over 30 elementary and secondary schools for 37,000 Afghan students, mostly girls.
- Finally, the Turkish figures indicate that Turkish entrepreneurs have undertaken $1.5 billion worth of projects since 2002. Turkey leads all other countries with investments of 21 Turkish firms reaching $200 million.
