The charismatic leader of Turkey\'s governing party was named prime minister Tuesday, a step that probably boosts chances the United States will get permission to deploy troops in the country along Iraq \'s northern border. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who favors the deployment, hinted that he will reshuffle the Cabinet, but gave no indication if he would purge officials who opposed letting in the troops, as analysts have suggested he might do. Erdogan is extremely popular in Turkey and is likely be one of the few leaders with enough clout to unite his party and gain public support for allowing in the U.S. troops. Turks overwhelmingly oppose a war — by 94 percent, according to some polls. Earlier this month, the Turkish parliament shocked the United States by rejecting the deployment by just four votes. Erdogan has hinted that he will resubmit the resolution for approval, which could take another week. The United States is pressing Turkey to act quickly. Ships carrying equipment for U.S. troops are already waiting off the Turkish coast. Refusing access to the troop deployment would mean Turkey would lose a $15 billion U.S. aid package that Washington has offered to help cushion the country\'s economy if there is war. It would also threaten Turkey\'s possible role in the future of Iraq. Turkey, which fears northern Iraqi Kurds may declare independence in the aftermath of a war, has been pressing for a say if Saddam Hussein is ousted. After he was elected, Erdogan said Turkey wanted assurances from the United States on its role in Iraq. Prime Minister Abdullah Gul resigned earlier Tuesday to make way for Erdogan, who won a parliamentary seat in by-elections Sunday. Gul will remain as a caretaker prime minister until President Ahmet Necdet Sezer approves Erdogan\'s Cabinet, a move that could happen as early as Wednesday. Erdogan said he would submit his Cabinet list to the president \"as soon as possible,\" and leaders of Erdogan\'s Justice and Development Party met Tuesday evening. (AP)