Head of Afghan Multinational Force Warns of Attacks if Iraq Is Invaded

War on Iraq could trigger terror attacks on the 4,800-strong international force maintaining security in Afghanistan, the unit’s Turkish commander said Friday.

“The only thing I can say is that if there is any Iraq operation, it means terrorist attacks against ISAF may start,” Maj. Gen. Akin Zorlu said.

“This is my concern and the concern of other commanders” in the International Security Assistance Force. Zorlu was visiting to report to U.S. officials, including Deputy Defense Secretary Paul D. Wolfowitz, as Turkey prepares to relinquish command of the security force Dec. 20 after six months. He said he told Wolfowitz that aid to the Afghans should be increased without delay.

Zorlu said he expected Germany and the Netherlands to take over when Turkey’s mandate ends, but whether that happens on schedule was up to political leaders. He said there have been preliminary discussions with the Germans.

The Turkish contingent in Afghanistan numbers 1,400, the largest in the international force of 22 countries that operates in and around Kabul, the capital.

Turkey, NATO’s only predominantly Muslim member, agreed to take command of the force in return for U.S. pledges of financial aid and military equipment. Zorlu said the security in Kabul is improving daily despite threats from remnants of the Al Qaeda terrorist network. “The crime rates are lower than similar-sized Western cities,” he said.

“The night curfew was lifted for the first time in 23 years on Nov. 3, and so far there has been no indication of any crime increase.”