The best choice to lead a Lebanon force Turkey I 3 Edition

• Published in: International herald tribune
• Main Author: Gal Luft and Ariel Cohen
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: Paris New York Times Company 11.08.2006
• Edition: International edition
• Subjects: WASHINGTON
• ISSN: 0294-8052

With the UN Security Council pondering a resolution to send an international force to stabilize southern Lebanon and disarm Hezbollah, it is time to tap into Turkey's large military power and exceptional geopolitical role in the eastern Mediterranean. Turkey is uniquely positioned to lead a robust multinational force that can assume control over southern Lebanon and gradually hand it over to the Lebanese Army. European countries like France, Ireland, Italy and Spain have shown some inclination to contribute troops to a 20,000-strong force. But their commitment has been understandably halfhearted. France already has 11,000 troops deployed worldwide. And no European country would like seeing its troops caught in crossfire between Hezbollah and Israel. If a main criterion for the force structure is toughness, professionalism, as well as religious affiliation, Turkey rather than France would be the most fitting nation to take the lead. Turkey is a bridge between the West and the Muslim world. As such, it can strike the best balance among the conflicting interests of all parties involved in the Lebanon crisis. Turkey maintains cordial relations with both Hezbollah's patrons, Iran and Syria, as well as with Israel. The presence of Muslim soldiers in south Lebanon, albeit Sunni soldiers, would be more acceptable to Hezbollah than those of any other Western force. Since the Korean War, Turkey, a NATO member, has been an important player in several international conflicts, particularly those involving Muslims.