Turkish ISAF troops settle in as lead nation

Turkish forces in the Afghan capital Kabul have fully settled into their new role as lead nation of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), IRIN learnt on Wednesday. A predominately Muslim nation and member of NATO, Turkey took command of the UN-mandated multinational force from Great Britain two weeks ago. "The deployment of Turkish troops is complete," ISAF spokesman, Colonel Samet Oz told IRIN. 'Some 1,400 Turkish soldiers have settled in." Charged with assisting the Afghan government in the maintenance of security in Kabul and its surrounding areas, ISAF stands as a unique example of so-called peace building operations. In accordance with United Nations resolution 1413, Turkish Major-General Akin Zorlu, who took command on 20 June, will lead the 5,000 strong force for six months. The move followed a thorough military briefing of key personnel in the Turkish capital, Ankara, as well as a two week handover period with British troops and staff officers in Kabul. Turkish forces on Sunday took over command of the military operation of Kabul airport. The facility had been under the control of the British Royal Air Force, who restored the runway and buildings> They also cleared unexploded ordnance from the runways and operational areas. There were currently 280 Turkish air force personnel to operate and maintain security there, Oz explained. The Turkish deployment came amid renewed speculation over security throughout the war-ravaged nation, with numerous calls both within Afghanistan and from the humanitarian community to extend ISAF’s mandate beyond the capital. The Kabul-based administration of newly-installed President Hamid Karzai continues to hold little power over provincial Afghanistan where competing local warlords maintain much of the authority. However, as a predominately Muslim nation with historically warm ties with Afghanistan, Turkey’s assumption of command, which was promoted by Washington and agreed to in consultation with European allies and Canada, sends a clear message that the activities of the US-led international coalition against terrorism transcends religion. In a letter to Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, US President George W Bush wrote: "Turkey’s participation and leadership in the war on terrorism deepens our countries’ strategic partnership and provides Muslims around the world a hopeful model of a modern and secular democracy."