Look Who Is Calling Ottoman Imperialist!

Paul Bremer, the U.S. Civilian Administrator in Iraq, ignoring his country’s position as an invader in Iraq, described the Ottoman Empire, which ruled Iraq for 400 years, as imperialist. Bremer argued that the issue of Turkey’s sending troops to Iraq should be discussed between Turkey and the Iraqi Interim Governance Council. Bremer said that the sensitivity against Turks was because of the 400-year Ottoman imperialism over the country. Bremer told Fox News; Turkey should be in direct dialogue with the Iraqi Interim Governance Council. Turks can directly contact the Council. This is a very sensitive issue for Iraqis. Turks were there from 1533 until the end of the World War I, for 400 years. Therefore their sensitivity can be understood. We shall see if the two sides can enter a dialogue and find a way to satisfy the interests of both. We think that Turkish troops should be there. However we should take the views of Iraqis into consideration. Moreover, Bremer told ABC channel that Turkey had been an “imperialist power” in Iraq for more than 400 years. Bremer said that the Interim Council invited a mission from Turkey to further discuss the issue and that; We should observe how the dialogue will be carried out. The two sides need direct dialogue. �