As many know, new hospitals, schools and other important infrastructure lead to one thing in Arab Iraq, bombings. They not only never last more than a few days, but they are also local projects supported by the US. However, in Erbil, Turkish investers have just opened a brand new hospital.
In Iraq, where many projects have been suspended because of the resistance and sectarian clashes, Turkish entrepreneurs are performing an exemplary service. Iraqis who had to travel to neighboring countries for eye treatment because of technical deficiencies now have the opportunity to get their eyes checked and treated at the hospital founded by Turkish entrepreneurs in northern Iraq. Sema Hospital and Laser Eye Center, built in Erbil, commenced its services Wednesday. In terms of its technical capacity, the hospital is unique in the Middle East.[...] This the first time such a laser eye center is founded in Iraq. Our patients no longer have to travel to Ankara, Teheran, and Amman to get eye treatment.”Â? Chief Physician Dr. Ali Colak, noting that as Turkish physicians, they were trying to do their part, said, “we hope that our endeavor would strengthen the dialogue between the peoples of these two countries.”Â? The hospital, built by Eksen Construction Company at a cost of $2 million, has an area of 1,500 square meters
A 2 million dollar brand new hospital in Iraq? Sounds insane if you mean Arab Iraq, but Kurdish Iraq not only believes in its own future, but apparently is beginning to convince others as well. After all, they’re running commercials on American tv promoting FDI in Kurdistan. It’s a positive sign to see businessmen betting on Kurdistan even if politicians aren’t. The question is, could a successful Iraqi Kurdistan soon begin exerting a positive infuenluence on Turkish Kurdistan?
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COMMENTS / 20 COMMENTS
a517dogg added these pithy words on 17 Dec 06 at 9:32 pmI had to go to the Rebuilding Iraq trade conference last week in DC. Pretty much all the US companies talking up their success stories in Iraq were talking about stuff they’d done in Kurdistan. Turkish companies are even more involved. Kurdistan is a de facto independent country, and I expect it will become official in 5 or 10 years (if the KDP and PUK stay unified). Turkey obviously won’t like it, but with all their investment in Kurdistan they’d be shooting themselves in the foot if they initiated military or economic hostilities, plus they’d be destabilizing one of the most stable polities on their border. I’d imagine the 100,000 peshmerga (they have tanks!) would have something to say about it too.
Any influence on Turkish Kurdistan would probably be negative, taking what is basically a frozen conflict and reigniting it if the Turkish Kurds decide they want to join Iraqi Kurdistan. Turkey currently has something like 30,000 soldiers in the region just to keep a lid on their “Mountain Turks.”
Dr. Alfred Russel Wallace added these pithy words on 18 Dec 06 at 2:27 amBut on the brighter side, let’s hope this really works…
What say me added these pithy words on 18 Dec 06 at 10:32 amWill Iraqi Kurdistan exert influence on a Turkish Kurdistan?
Absolutely. American communitarian systems and law pervades societies like a virus… consuming and spreading to outer boundaries as an infection. Just as corruption always does. American communitarianism will bring us Purpose-Driven Mosques funded by the West … eventually eroding all last vestiges of Islamic traditionalism… just as it did to the US Constitution and traditional Christianity. The end result will be smiley-faced purpose-driven totalitarianism—where muslims think freedom means free porn on the internet.
Yes, the American way … WILL prevail in the Middle East. Unfortunately American military outposts in Iraq will eventually be over-run by freedom loving shiites… drunk on their new western empowerment.
Paganism—that speaks Victorian—always self-implodes from the moral bankruptcy behind its civilized order.
subadei added these pithy words on 19 Dec 06 at 2:22 amThe end result will be smiley-faced purpose-driven totalitarianism””?where muslims think freedom means free porn on the internet.
There’s free porn on the internet?! Whoohoo!
But on the brighter side, let’s hope this really works”¦
Indeed. We’ve certainly reached a point where the realization of a true Kurdistan is, perhaps, the only accomplishment in an otherwise hopeless venture.
I’d hoped some Kurdistan naysayers would happen by and offer a counter-argument. The only divisive point I can muster is an Iraqi Kurdistan staying a poles length away from the more radical elements of the PKK.
I think that political seperation from such combined with crossborder investment and reciprocal resource deals (Turkish water/Kurdish oil?) might effectively pivot the two into diplomatic talks. Especially given the seemingly endless sectarian divide within Iraq and the increasingly fractious discord between Iran and the Sunni Arab states.
What say me added these pithy words on 19 Dec 06 at 6:59 amSubadei,
I can see you are a fresh one—wet behind the ears. A smiley-faced police state in Kurdistan IS the bright side anticipated. America is exporting a strange brew of democracy tailor-designed for savages. This experiment seeks to civilize Asians through the psycho-social manipulative systems of Communitarianism.
Communitarian systems and its laws are always called a “necessary balancing” that furthers the “common good.” But, whose good? Communitarianism is the foundation for the establishment of a global federation that the United Nations and Internationalist elites desire. Communitarian Law, by definition is always SUPREME law. The law itself requires “member” states in the United Nations (all 192 of them) to modify their political and legal structures to comply with global law. Nothing can exist that contradicts communitarian law, such as national or state constitutional law. This includes the anticipated sovereignty of Kurdistan … and even the United States with its Constitution.
There is no freedom and democracy being exported to the Middle East.
That is why American soldiers being awarded prosthetic legs in service to this Internationalist agenda … is a patriotic travesty.
Don’t you agree American legs, arms, and eye-balls should be obliterated in defense of America … rather than interests transcending the interests of the United States and its Constitution?
Yea, I didn’t think so. What I say is so bizarre to you … you actually think I am a god-damn Islamo fascist… who needs a bit of water-boarding for an attitude adjustment. A Pinochet apologist … just like this blogger.
This blogger’s endorsement of the communitarian agenda … makes him look like a shill for the bizarre cult called Communitarianism… where the ends justifies the means: Speaking Victorian, while thinking VERY PAGAN.
What say, ye?
subadei added these pithy words on 19 Dec 06 at 9:00 pmYea, I didn’t think so. What I say is so bizarre to you “¦ you actually think I am a god-damn Islamo fascist”¦ who needs a bit of water-boarding for an attitude adjustment. A Pinochet apologist “¦ just like this blogger.
In consideration of your apparent clairvoyance there doesn’t seem to be much use in further discussion.
von Kaufman-Turkestansky added these pithy words on 20 Dec 06 at 1:59 amA new point of view from the International Crisis Group in response to the Iraq study group report. Interesting reading with recommendations. Enjoy:
http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=4580&l=1
Jason added these pithy words on 20 Dec 06 at 2:51 amI hate to butt in with my ignorance. But do I detect a lackluster concern for any threats to the US Constitution and American sovereignty by our commentors? There has been a lot of talk about the Communitarian movement behind US policies at home and abroad. In my humble opinion, it truly is a greater threat, than insurgents in Iraq harassing the American social experiment in the Middle East. Why the indifference? Are there any Americans posting on this site? I thought Robert Kaplanites cared about America’s welfare?
snow added these pithy words on 20 Dec 06 at 9:16 amJason, in my case, I just don’t know much about communitarianism to comment and whatsayme doesn’t make it easy to comment as he gives few examples of what he’s talking about. He seems to be mostly talking in generalities, so who knows what he’s talking about?
What exactly is this communitarianism? Also, his tone is a bit too condescending for my taste. When I hear someone speak as he does, ‘conspiracy theorist’ pops into my head. Not that he is, but if he wants comments, he’s going to have to talk in a way that other posters will understand.
To me, his talk is reminiscent of those in certain radical Catholic groups that say that the IMF, WTO and the UN are actual agents of 666 and other such rot. I don’t much like international institutions such as these, but to make it sound so conspiratorial is ridiculous.
Harvard Man added these pithy words on 20 Dec 06 at 10:13 amSnow,
The moniker “What Say Me”, was a knee jerk name I gave myself… in reponse to Amitai Etzioni’s (An ex-White House advisor and promoter of Communitarian) whose trademark saying was “What say You?”... just like CA’s.
Now listen up: awareness of Kaplan’s justifications towards imperialistic militarism secretly combined with the Communitarian coup d’ etat around the world—- is to have the inside scoop on global events behind the spin. I don’t deal in conspiracy theories … once a conspiracy is a fact, then one better be apprised if he values his country and true freedom.
Now, since I value authenticity, and since I live on Harvard Street. I hail from Harvard. I am now to be referred to as: The Harvard Man.
I am a Harvard Man.
And yes, I am arrogant. How can I be so arrogant? Because I am full of myself. But, don’t allow the messanger to spoil your enlightenment. You MUST understand the stealth coup d’ etat foisted right under your nose … in order to know what is being imposed on you by stealth and guile.
Your Constitutional rights have been taken away—by the Patriot Acts and the Military Commissions Act. Elites are fucking you over.
Your country is being sold-off to foreign corporations: research the “NAFTA SUPER HIGHWAY” and the “North American Union” being currently referred to as the “Security and Prosperity Partnership.
Here is a primer for you from You Tube: don’t sluff it off … watch this short video:
a517dogg added these pithy words on 20 Dec 06 at 12:44 pmLou Dobbs is a nut. There’s a conspiracy to create a North American Union? “Amero”? Gimme a break.
z0mg, ph34r t3h mexicans!
snow added these pithy words on 21 Dec 06 at 2:20 amHarvard Man, this is ridiculous stuff. There is not going to be any North American Union. Far too many people would be opposed to a free flow of people. As it is, many people in the US want stricter immigration laws. This idea that North America will move in the direction of the EU is laughable. The EU is seriously screwed up and it’s even possible that the Euro will go the way of the dodo bird eventually. Who in the US besides some leftists would ever want to follow a European model?
a517dogg added these pithy words on 21 Dec 06 at 3:20 amsnow, I don’t think integration is a Left vs. Right issue. In fact, I don’t think it’s an issue at all, because nobody is promoting it. As a Leftist myself I think a North American state would be potentially disastrous.
Harvard Man added these pithy words on 21 Dec 06 at 7:15 amDogg,
I am a Harvard Man.
You must understand that Snow is correct. Americans and Canadians will NOT accept the North American Union. Naturally the Mexicans pray to Mary that Jesus will bring down such salvation. The problem is: the conspiracy is too monstrous to conceive … and that is how they are succeeding. The slow incremental encroachment under-cover of the people’s incredulity—bringing irrevocable success to the Communitarians.
But, Yes … Dogg, the result will be a “coming anarchy”... that will allow the police state to have us by the throats.
If you decide to write it off as a “Conspiracy Theory” ... then we are sunk.
Here’s proof for ostriches among you:
http://usinfo.state.gov/is/Archive/2005/Mar/23-209281.html
Now, read this, and—if you have the courage and brains—your political left/right paradigm will forever be shifted to the true dialetic on this planet: Masters and slaves.
Don’t sluff off on me … READ IT!
Check it out: http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=15497
Harvard Man added these pithy words on 21 Dec 06 at 7:23 amDamn! The Aliens are one step ahead of me!
Oh, wait a minute: I AM A HARVARD MAN.
That’s better … now with my tin-foil hat on—I am untouched by alien mind-control. The above link has been corrupted by reptilian influences. You must google for this article.
Read: Bush Quietly Plans NAFTA Superhighway
by Jerome R. Corsi
subadei added these pithy words on 22 Dec 06 at 1:09 amJust curious, but, when Bush is gone in less than two years will the new President pick up where he left off?
snow added these pithy words on 22 Dec 06 at 2:48 amHarvard Man, the articles you link to do little to strengthen your argument. The usinfo one is a relatively straightforward report and the Corsi one is on a website that has an ad for 911 conspiracy theories. I agree with Corsi on the idea that Bush is too weak on securing America’s borders, but the whole idea of it being a conspiracy is very dubious. There are very sound reasons for wanting to improve security and the freer movement of goods. NAFTA and other free trade agreements are generally good for countries, witness the vast improvement in standards of living of countries that engage in even relatively open trade.
Free trade is a good thing and those who claim that it destroys jobs conveniently ignore the fact that it also creates more jobs than it destroys. Oops, sorry, the link here talks about trade deficits, but the writer is generally supportive of free trade.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2006/11/globalization_makes_an_easy_sc.html
Jason added these pithy words on 22 Dec 06 at 2:48 pmSubadei, from what I am understanding the democrat/ Republican polarity is a false decoy. The Communitarian centrists are behind the scenes steering the course towards the North American Union. It doesn’t matter what kind of president we get, they all work for the same handlers. The agenda continues unabated.
Snow, Bush has not given speeches to bring the NAFTA Super Highway plans to the full attention of the American public. Missing in the move toward creating a North American Union is the robust public debate that preceded the decision to form the European Union. All this may be for calculated political reasons on the part of the Bush Administration. The Europeans did not show the requisite amount of enthusiam as desired. Everyone knows how Americans would feel about a North American Union. The obvious outcry is the reason why these moves are NOT presented to the people. Hey! I thought we lived in a democracy?
Well, maybe Bush wasn’t kidding when he “jokingly”Â? referred to the US constitution as “Â? JUST A GOD DAMN PIECE OF PAPER”Â?.
A good reason Bush””?against the American will””?does not want to secure the border with Mexico may be that the administration is trying to create express lanes for Mexican trucks to bring containers with cheap Far East goods into the heart of the U.S., all without the involvement of any U.S. union workers on the docks or in the trucks. We can argue about if the open influx of Chinese goods is great for America or not. But, what is VERY scary is the leaders seem to be doing a run-around the American people. That’s not too American. What do you think? Is there something fishy going on?
a517dogg added these pithy words on 22 Dec 06 at 11:47 pm
When the twenty-first century began, polls showed Americans, Canadians, and Mexicans possessed highly favorable opinions of one another. Asked in a 2000 World Values Survey poll if they would be willing to form a new single country if it meant having a higher quality of life, majorities in each country said yes.From “Crashing the Party of Davos” by Jeff Faux, at http://democracyjournal.com/article.php?ID=6500. (free reg req). Just to make Harvard Man’s head explode…
Jason added these pithy words on 23 Dec 06 at 2:50 amDog,
You and I know any poll that says Canadians and Americans would love to merge into a big economic and political group-hug is pure deceitful propaganda. Only the Mexicans want the Union in order to over-run the North and reclaim their “rightful possession”. Havard man, where are you? I would love to hear your head explode.
