Magyar News, 2002. szeptember-2003. augusztus (13. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2003-04-01 / 8. szám
Magyar News In a monthly publication it is hard to keep up with the fast moving events. By the time these written words are put into print it might be possible that they are not interesting anymore. Either the events didn’t develop, or it is far ahead. But the circumstances and the, part of the situation still stays. Something like this in Hungary we call: “Taszár”. So what is Taszár? It is a village between Kaposvár and Dombóvár. The only thing special about it is that it has a small airport, with barracks. At one time it was used by the Soviet. The Hungarians didn’t have much benefit out of it. Now, a few years ago, in 1995 the Americans leased it for logistic support against the Serbs. They still have the lease valid till the end of this year - that is still nine months. Now America changed it to a training camp. After discussions with the Hungarian government they received permission to train opposition Iraki personnel. These people will be interpreters, translators, logistic help, and the like. The government was strict on one of the issues, that is nobody from these trainees may become a member of the new government in Irak. It sounds like they will have a say in it at that coming time. These Iraki trainees, 3000 in total, will be in two groups, following each other. Naturally the local population is nervous about their presence. There are too many terrorist attacks in the world. They had and seen, and lived through too many blood sheds. Definitely they are not looking for any kind of a war, specially one that involves them. They are not alone. We see the antiwar demonstration all around the world. Just in Budapest 30,000 demonstrators marched to the Heroes Square, filling up totally the Andrássy ut. As it was reported: “The crowd that braved the cold to gather in Liszt Ferenc tér was a desperate group; comprising anarchists waving red flags, people wearing Greater Hungary Badges, punks and skinheads, environmentalists and well-dressed conservative ladies from Buda.” Then: “...Medgyessy government These photographs were taken at Taszár by different press agencies. was a puppet regime and that the Taszár base was too high a price for a handshake in Washington.” By the beginning of February first part of the 1,600 member American security force and the first group of the trainees arrived. Since the trainees belong to different groups, this is what they say about them: “Enforcing military discipline at the camp has been a challenge. Drill sergeants were prepared for infighting among Iraq's fractious ethnic groups but say there's been little of that. There has, however, been a lot of arguing. "They argue about everything. How cold it is. How to say 'wake up' in Arabic," says Sgt. Major George Duncan, the senior enlisted soldier charged with overseeing the camp. In this situation other problems come to the surface. The Hungarians are strong on following the decisions made by the United Nations. There is a limit on the use of the airspace, rail lines and roads. Shipment to Turkey may not have equipment and supplies for attacking Irak only for Turkey’s defense. This is only valid till the end of the year. Rumania made it possible for the Americans to us airports and camps for the purpose of attacking Irak. This was in the works when President Bush visited Rumania. Let us remember that the President said not a word about the horrible minority situation, glorified the country and now he received the cooperation to the fullest extension. Recently American airplanes flying over Hungary, refueling at the airport in Budapest, showed their destination to be Afghanistan. Based on previous agreement this was legitimate. Actually they flew to the Rumanian airports in preparation of the war with Irak. They claimed that a new permit would take too long to receive. Little Hungary has little to say about it. Do the Hungarian people know what Sadam Hussein is? Well they sure had experience with Hitler and Stalin. The Hungarians are experts. They also know that the people of Irak are not the same as their leader, the dictator. Hungary is still struggling. Economy is weak, production is lagging, there are many problems. They still talk about fathers and relatives who lost their life for causes in war that had nothing to do with the well-being of Hungary. Thet are not looking forward to an other war. Joseph F. Balogh Page 1
