“A nation which makes the final sacrifice for life and freedom does not get beaten.” ~ Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Republic of Turkey.

In early October, members of the separatist Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK), stationed in northern Iraq, instigated a clandestine military attack that led to twelve casualties. This attack is a minuscule part of a spate of intensified attacks by the Kurdish Workers’ Party. The Kurdish’ Workers’ Party, whose agenda includes the autonomy of Turkey’s southeast region and an end to Turkish assimilation, have infiltrated segments of northern Iraq and Turkey. They are keen on ferocious tactics which include, but are not limited to, kidnappings, beheadings, tactical bombing, and pillaging. This month alone, the Kurds have racked up a body count of 42 Turks and have kidnapped eight others. In just 20 years, the organization, which is designated a “terrorist organization” by the United States and Europe, has murdered over 30,000 people.

Feeding on rampant sectarian violence in Iraq, the PKK has intensified its militaristic approach. Contrary to its glorified public relations campaign, the PKK is not a heroic counter-interventionist movement. PKK’s Marxist ideology and treacherous brutality is an aberration in a society recognized for its tolerance. Turkey’s ethnic Kurds, the majority of who recently voted for the Justice and Development Party, oppose PKK’s agenda. The Kurdish people recognize that the guerrilla escapades have promoted regional and international political upheaval. Once isolated and prone to factionalism, the guerrilla movement is on the rise due to the dire situation in northern Iraq. 

The Turkish government, which believes Turkish citizens should have no loyalty outside of the state, has responded. On October 17^th, the Turkish parliament voted 507-19 to authorize cross-border raids into northern Iraq to root out the PKK. Turkish General Yasar Buyukanit angrily announced, 'We are determined to make those who cause this sadness grieve with an intensity that they cannot imagine.” Prime Minister Erdogen, leader of the moderate Islamic Development Party, said, “Turkey shall not be intimidated.” Turkey recently amassed over 100,000 troops on the border with Iraq backed up by tanks, artillery warplanes and helicopters. Turkish jet fighters and helicopters pounded suspected rebel hideouts in Turkey and northern Iraq, strategic maneuver condemned by U.S. and Iraqi governments. The U.S. and Iraqi government fear that Turkish intervention could destabilize a moderately tranquil segment of the volatile region. 

 

The two nations believe Turkish military intervention may deepen tension between diverse ethnic groups in the region, deteriorate loose coalitions and trigger a sharp increase in global oil prices. Neighboring Iran and Syria, which are both home to substantial Kurdish minorities, may be pressured to intervene. Even minimal ethnic friction in Iran, a predominately ethnic Persian nation, may escalate in the fragile region. But the United States must balance its desire for regional stability with steadfast support for and cooperation with the Turkish government.

 

Turkey chastised the U.S.-led invasion in Iraq, but it subsequently provided vital strategic airbases for U.S. flights into Iraq and Afghanistan.