Turks threaten action in Iraq against Kurds

Turkey is threatening military intervention against leftist Kurdish guerrillas said to be massing in northern Iraq, planning to attack targets across their border. Washington is trying to placate the Turks, fearing that a Turkish incursion would further destabilize the fledgling Iraqi government.

The Bush administration promises to increase efforts to root out the Kurdistan Workers' party (PKK) guerrillas enjoying safe haven in the Qandil mountains near the border. Abdullah Gul, Turkey's foreign minister, told The Guardian: "I have said to the Americans many times: suppose there is a terrorist organization in Mexico attacking America. What would you do?” (More Turkey stories.)