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Europe
Iraqi resistance behind Istanbul bombings?
2003-11-23
The Iraqi resistance rather than al-Qaeda was responsible for the deadly suicide bombings in Turkey that killed 27 people and wounded 450 others, a former deputy Russian defence minister who worked in Iraq said Friday. "Even though Turkish troops did not fight alongside the Americans last spring, Ankara provided considerable aid to US forces fighting the Iraqi army, especially in the north of the country," General Vladislav Achalov was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency. "I therefore believe the terrorist acts in Istanbul are vengeance for Turkey's backing for the United States in the war against Iraq," Achalov, who served as an advisor in Iraq, said.
Except that Qaeda's already taken credit for it and the Great Eastern Raiders Front sez they dunnit. I think General Achalov is indulging in a bit of wishful thinking.
Posted by:Fred Pruitt

#6  Good lord, I'm off to the walk in... this is twice this week I've agreed with Mr. Katsaris.
Posted by: Shipman   2003-11-23 8:14:39 PM  

#5  "Why would it be in Russia's interest or his personal interest for Sadaamites to have become a force in international terrorism?"

The only thing I can think of is that by blaming everything on Iraq, there's less notice being paid on Iran and Syria.
Posted by: Aris Katsaris   2003-11-23 6:03:36 PM  

#4  More 'great game', I'd guess. Russia building on the Turks' anti-war anti-Americanism, message being to distance Turkey from the US. And by the way, we Russians will be happy to help.
Posted by: Infrequenter   2003-11-23 11:29:21 AM  

#3  It's the Chewbaca defense!
Posted by: Hyper   2003-11-23 10:45:51 AM  

#2  I don't see what angle the Russian general is playing. Why would it be in Russia's interest or his personal interest for Sadaamites to have become a force in international terrorism?
Posted by: Super Hose   2003-11-23 10:33:04 AM  

#1  

OK, for the record now... precisely which groups have claimed responsibility, and which groups have been blamed by the various governments, for these actions to date?

Posted by: Phil Fraering   2003-11-23 1:40:39 AM  

00:00