As the roar of planes and bombardments, quickly condemned by the KRG, dominated the foreground, in the background announcement by the National Security Council (MGK) of Turkey to initiate much over due talks with Iraqi Kurds, introduced a welcome air of optimism.
The green light for talk and engagement instead of confrontation and alienation was followed by the first official Turkish contact with the KRG on March 28th, and is a product of a somewhat softer stance adopted by both sides in recent weeks.
Turkish relations with the Iraqi Kurds have proved capricious since Kurds won self rule in 1991. Relations, however, took a fresh twist post-2003 as the Kurdish entity was galvanized by the new Iraqi constitution and the Kurds steadily increased in prominence, economic prosperity and confidence.
A problem dealing with a growingly independent Kurdistan Region on their doorstep was greatly exasperated as the PKK after a period of relative calm post-1999, chose the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan as the fitting stage to launch the latest wave of their own deadly battle for nationalism.
Although now enshrined in legislation, the Turkish government has refused formal recognition of the KRG. This is perceived as an action that would effectively endorse Kurdish autonomy and potential right to independence. It would also simultaneously undermine their own battle against Kurdish nationalism and the containment of their restive Kurdish minority.
As tensions have soared over the PKK guerrilla camps in the Qandil mountains, the Turkish government has repeatedly accused the Iraqi Kurds of tolerance or even direct support of the PKK, a claim the Iraqi Kurds have vehemently denied.
All the while, the US, stuck in somewhat of a quagmire in the south of Iraq has been likened to a man with two wives, torn between supporting arguably its two most crucial allies at the present time.
Turkey finally decided to take matters into its own hands, firstly when parliament endorsed cross-border military incursions in October 2007, then by a series of bombing campaigns thereafter aided by US intelligence. Unable to prevent further widely-publicised rebel attacks, the Turkish government succumbed to pressure from its hawks and finally launched a highly-controversial week-long offensive into Iraqi territory.
Claims of strategic victory by Turkish generals is highly debatable and under US pressure, the Turkish army hastily withdrew under a cloud of uncertainly and much confusion.
Amidst the thick political dust, once thing become glaringly obvious, the Turkish army once again failed to inflict substantial damage on PKK bases let alone defeat the threat emanating from Iraq altogether.
Lacking a politics front to this 24-year battle, twenty-five cross-border incursions have so far proved fruitless. Turkey must tackle the heart of the issue and deal with the root of the problem if it desires any long-term solution. Mere premises of investment in Eastern Turkey and recognition of its ‘Kurdish issue’ have so far not resulted in any substantial action.
Repeated harsh exchanges with Iraqi Kurdish leaders have proved counter-productive whilst sowing a common feeling of mistrust.
Clearly, both sides have much to gain from a common partnership and constructive dialogue. Regardless of a lack of official recognition, trade between both sides has been flourishing at a remarkable pace for many years. Both sides have already reaped much gain from indirect ties.
The time of paramilitary tactics employed by the PKK are over. Rebel attacks have certainly influenced Turkish concessions and attracted international attention but it will fail to take the issue to the next level needed. By the same token, turkey must shed its decade’s old rigid and outdated imperialist and nationalist ideals.
Both the Kurds and Turks are here to stay. Iraqi Kurds will continue to develop and grow independently with or without Turkey. It’s much more advantageous for Turkey to influence, shapeand support the region under its stewardship, rather than continue a policy of denial.
The benefits of a productive and harmonious relationship are countless. A prosperous, secular and democratic Kurdistan serves as a vital buffer to Turkey’s east while the possibility of having an EU country on its doorstep in the not too distant future is an enormous opportunity for Kurds on both sides of the border.
Its time for Turkey to shed its outdated philosophies and embrace the idea that natural eventualities can not be overcome by sheer arsenal.
The Kurdish arm has been outstretched for many years in eagerness of friendship and common brotherhood, if only Turkey can finally fulfill promise this time around and shatter its age-old taboos.