Turkey and Iraq have a long history of diplomatic relations, with both countries sharing a border and a common cultural heritage. However, in recent years, this relationship has been strained due to the presence of the PKK terrorist group in the region. The PKK, or the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, has been a major security threat to both Turkey and Iraq, causing tension and instability in the region. But after years of negotiations and efforts, the two neighbors have finally come to an agreement on the security risk posed by the PKK, and Ankara is now expecting Baghdad to take further steps to address this issue.
The PKK, a separatist group seeking an independent Kurdish state, has been operating in the mountainous regions of Turkey and Iraq for decades. Their attacks have resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and have caused significant damage to the economy and infrastructure of both countries. The group has also been involved in drug trafficking and other illegal activities, further destabilizing the region.
For years, Turkey has been urging Iraq to take action against the PKK, as the group has been using Iraqi territory as a safe haven and a base for their attacks. However, due to various political and security challenges faced by Iraq, the issue was not given the attention it deserved. But in recent years, with the rise of ISIS and other extremist groups in the region, the threat posed by the PKK has become more evident, and both countries have realized the need for cooperation to address this issue.
In 2014, Turkey and Iraq signed a security cooperation agreement, which included measures to combat terrorism and address the PKK threat. This agreement was a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between the two countries and addressing the security challenges they both face. Since then, there have been several high-level meetings and discussions between the two countries to further enhance their cooperation in this regard.
One of the most significant developments in this regard was the joint military operation carried out by Turkey and Iraq in 2019, targeting PKK bases in the northern Iraqi region of Sinjar. This operation was a clear message to the PKK that their presence in the region will not be tolerated, and both countries are committed to taking action against them. This operation was also a testament to the growing cooperation and trust between Turkey and Iraq in addressing security challenges.
In addition to military operations, Turkey has also been providing support to Iraq in terms of intelligence sharing and training for Iraqi security forces. This support has been crucial in Iraq’s fight against terrorism and has helped in weakening the PKK’s presence in the region. Turkey has also been working closely with the Kurdish Regional Government in Iraq to address the PKK threat, and this cooperation has yielded positive results.
However, despite these efforts, the PKK still poses a significant security risk to both Turkey and Iraq. The group continues to carry out attacks and recruit new members, and their presence in the region remains a major concern. Therefore, Ankara is now expecting Baghdad to take further steps to address this issue and eliminate the PKK’s presence in Iraq.
One of the key steps that Turkey expects from Iraq is to increase its efforts in cracking down on PKK activities and their financial resources in the country. This includes shutting down their training camps, arresting their members, and cutting off their funding sources. Turkey also expects Iraq to take a more proactive approach in addressing the issue of PKK recruitment in the country, as many young Kurds are being lured into joining the group.
Moreover, Turkey also expects Iraq to take a stronger stance against the PKK’s political wing, the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), which operates in Iraq under the guise of a political party. The KCK has been involved in organizing protests and demonstrations in support of the PKK, and Turkey believes that Iraq should take action against them as well.
In conclusion, the agreement between Turkey and Iraq on the security risk posed by the PKK is a significant milestone in their relationship. It is a testament to the growing cooperation and trust between the two countries and their commitment to addressing security challenges in the region. However, there is still a long way to go, and Turkey expects Iraq to take further steps to eliminate the PKK’s presence in the country. With continued cooperation and joint efforts, we can hope to see a peaceful and stable region, free from the threat of terrorism.
