Islamic law imposed on Turkish troops in Afghanistan, soldiers "not to engage in Afghan clashes": Minister

In this Nov. 24, 2009 file photo, Turkish Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul is seen during a news conference with Israel's Trade Minister Binyamin Ben-Elizer in Ankara, Turkey. Gonul said late Wednesday that Turkish soldiers in Afghanistan will not be part of any combat operation. Turkey says it is reviewing whether to increase its commitment to NATO's mission in Afghanistan.

Oh dear ~ would Turkish troops have been allowed to engage in combat if it were Christians/ other non-Muslims who attacked the US - as well as the Afghan people? Right back to Maj. Hasan's 50 point slide show on Muslims fighting Muslims [if they are not deemed to be infidels].


Turkish Minister of National Defense, Vecdi Gonul, said Wednesday Turkish troops in Afghanistan will continue not to engage in clashes in Afghanistan.

However, US sees "combat role" for Turkish soldiers in Afghanistan.

US ambassador to Turkey James Jeffrey said they also expected "flexibility" on terms of Turkish soldiers in Afghanistan.

Each soldier to deploy in Afghanistan is actually regarded as "a combat force", he said.

Reminded by journalists about a U.S. demand from Turkey to increase the number of her troops in Afghanistan, Gonul said that Turkey continues to provide support to the task in Afghanistan.

We have sent an additional 958 Turkish troops to Afghanistan in the past month and there are presently 1,750 Turkish troops serving in Afghanistan, Gonul stressed.

We continue our reservations on Turkish troops' involvement in military operations and hot clashes in Afghanistan, Gonul said.

The issue of sending more troops to Afghanistan will be handled at the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels on December 3 and 4, Gonul also said.

World Bulletin