Turkey is going to be a mess

NYTimes - AP

A top member of Turkey's governing party on Sunday rejected a quick new vote on letting U.S. troops use the country to open a northern front against Iraq -- a second harsh blow to U.S. war planners in as many days.

After a revolt in its ranks Saturday, the Islamic-rooted ruling party is in disarray, torn between popular opposition to war and fears of possible lasting damage to the historically close ties with Washington.

The impact on Turkey's economy could be swift.

"There could be a mini-crisis Monday morning when markets reopen,'' warned Bulent Aliriza, director of the Turkey project at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

More on Turkey from NYTimes here.

I think Powell looks like dead meat to the Republicans who haven't liked him anyway.