Turkey's parliament has dealt a blow to U.S. planning for a possible war against Iraq, refusing permission for deployment of tens of thousands of American troops in the country.
Saturday's decision meant Washington would probably have to abandon plans for a "northern front" military planners believe could shorten any war and limit U.S. losses. U.S. ships waiting off the coast with armour, supplies and troops may be diverted south to join a main invasion force massing around the Gulf.
The result came amid scenes of confusion in the assembly. The government won 264 votes for its resolution in a closed session against 251, an apparent slim victory. But deputies said argument quickly broke out over the outcome and the opposition Republican People's Party challenged it on technical grounds.