Originally Posted by Wall Street Journal
October 16, 2007
Pg. 4

U.S. Plans Alternate Route For Iraq Supplies Amid Turkish Turmoil

By Yochi J. Dreazen

WASHINGTON -- The Pentagon is preparing plans to send supplies bound for Iraq through other countries if Turkey carries through on a threat to close its airspace to the U.S. But the likely short-term alternatives have limitations.

Relations between Washington and Ankara have been strained by Turkey's preparations to invade northern Iraq to rout out Kurdish rebels at the same time as U.S. lawmakers consider a resolution accusing Turkey of genocide against Armenians following World War I.

A full U.S. House vote on the genocide resolution is expected soon. Turkey, which acknowledges Armenians died in large numbers but denies genocide took place, has warned it might close its airspace to the U.S. military if the measure is approved.

The Turkish Parliament is set to vote as early as tomorrow to authorize a military incursion into Iraq.

The dispute is a source of concern within the Pentagon. The U.S. military brings enormous quantities of food, fuel, ammunition, spare parts and vehicles into Iraq every month through the Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey. Officials said 70% of the air cargo going into Iraq passes through Turkey.