Good post. I think history will record that this is worse than the Gulf of Tonkin, both more dishonest and more damaging to international relations.

Well, maybe no single event is as dishonest. But it's cumulative.

I think there's a bit of spin on the part of US press. Note the difference between AP and Spanish press, with respect to Turkey:

AP: Germany's Schroeder said that they wouldn't restrict the use of NATO air bases in Germany, and the possible sending of missiles and radar to shore up Turkey's southern border that it shares with Iraq. With respect to "defense aid to Turkey, which has fractured NATO, Schroeder said, "I hope we can resolve that," and "It's something that's going to happen."

This from Europa Press: "Germany, he (Schroeder) continued, will not participate either "directly or indirectly" in a war, but it will comply with its "international obligations," especially with respect to NATO and the defense of Turkey. He reiterated that his Government will send Patriot missiles to defend the allied country and AWAC radar planes that have been solicited by the United States, which have German crews."

Notice, a few differences? Like German crews? They are supplying to the defense?

Cheers

Thank you for pointing out the obvious. The only way Turkey gets attacked for real is if the U.S. launches an invasion of Iraq from Turkish soil. But even that will never happen, because if Iraq massed an armored force to invade Turkey, US air power would obliterate it. The very worst thing that could happen to Turkey would be a few scuds tossed its way (unlikely, I'm sure Iraq would rather use them on Israel). But wait, the Germans said they would contribute their (dubiously effective) Patriot batteries. So what's the story here? The same one as usual - administration lies told to scare and anger Americans.