The Turks prepare

I still don't think we're going to see a massive Turkish invasion of northern Iraq, but I think we're nearing the point where the Turks may make a very public "token" incursion to up the stakes and pressure on the Maliki government and US.

Turkish warplanes and helicopter gunships attacked suspected positions of Kurdish rebels near Iraq on Wednesday, a possible prelude to a cross-border operation that would likely raise tensions with Washington.

The military offensive also reportedly included shelling of Turkish Kurd guerrilla hideouts in northern Iraq...

The next major step will be the vote in the Turkish parliament (next week) which would authorize operations across the border. All expectations are that such a proposal would pass.