On a four-day visit to Istanbul, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz stated that the U.S. would not support the creation of an independent Kurdistan in northern Iraq, claiming that such a development would destabilize the region. Turkey fought Kurdish rebels throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, and continues repressive measures against any displays or expressions of Kurdish culture. Turkish leaders are adamantly opposed to any military action in the region that would lead to a Kurdish state being formed on their border. It is speculated that U.S. officials are seeking support in the region for a planned offensive against Iraq intended to remove ruler Saddam Hussein from power.
