Turkey eager for role in rebuilding war-torn Mosul
Turkish companies have a lot of experience to offer in reconstructing Mosul, but their government's political indiscretions pose serious obstacles.
Turkey is working hard to find a place for itself in Mosul's future now that the Iraqi city is rid of the Islamic State (IS). But tensions with Baghdad during the past couple of years will make it difficult for Turkey to attain the profitable role it seeks in the city's economic and political restructuring.
There are many in Turkey who feel Mosul should have remained inside Turkish borders after the War of Independence in the early 20th century — hence the nostalgic comments and affection one hears from the Turkmens of Mosul and some Sunni families who were loyal to the Ottoman palace.
But Turkmens, who were drawn into sectarian rifts when IS arrived, are no longer a reliable card for Turkey to play. Turkey’s claim as Sunni guardian caused Shiite Turkmens oppressed by IS to turn against Turkey.
Turkey’s affinity for some Sunni Islamists who had welcomed the IS capture of Mosul also backfired on those who were advocating IS’ rise as “freedom for Sunnis against Shiite rule.” Turkey had problems justifying that attitude, even with its friends.
