Quote:
From the NY Times of 1 Mar 2003
Mr. Gul and Mr. Erdogan made no secret of their distaste for the American plans, but associates said both men had concluded that the relationship with the United States was too valuable to endanger by saying no. But as the discussions wore on and tales of American high-handedness spread, Turkish lawmakers, as well as the Turkish public, appeared to become more and more alienated.
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Quote:
From the Wall Street Journal of 28 Feb 2003
Spanish Prime Minister Jose' Maria Aznar, one of America's staunchest allies on the United Nationsl Security Council, said in an interview that he has urged President Bush to help European leaders withstand the mounting political pressures they face over possbile war with Iraq, including muzzling Defense Secretary Donald Runsfeld.
... Recent comments such as comparing Germany with Libya and Cuba over Bonn's approach to Saddam Hussein have sparked particular criticism.
"Ministers of defense should talk less, shouldn't they? The more Powell speaks and the less Rumsfeld speaks, that wouldn't be a bad thing altogether," Mr Aznar said.
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But Rumsfeld is a major advocate of the pre-emption policy promoted by neo-Conservative Republicans and advocated by George Jr. Powell represents opinions found among the Realist Republicans. Realist Republicans such as Scowcroft and Baker have said an Iraq invasion is not justified.
Neo-conservative Republicans who demand and lecture world leaders on what should be done are why Turkey voted against George Jr.