The Turkey-PKK conflict, initiated in 1978 by Abdullah Ocalan, has resulted in extensive violence and loss, with the PKK seeking Kurdish autonomy. The conflict escalated over decades, especially post-Ocalan’s arrest in 1999 and the failed peace negotiations in 2015. Recent dialogues indicate potential shifts towards peace, though challenges persist amidst ongoing military actions and political pressures.
The Turkey-PKK conflict, between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), has a troubled history marked by violence and political turmoil. It began with the founding of the PKK in 1978 by students at Ankara University under the leadership of Abdullah Ocalan, aiming for Kurdish liberation through armed resistance. The PKK, rooted in Marxist-Leninist ideology, was compelled to relocate to Syria and Lebanon after a military coup in Turkey in 1980.
In 1984, the PKK initiated its armed struggle, training militants in Lebanon and launching attacks on Turkish military targets. This escalated into widespread violence in the southeastern regions of Turkey, resembling a civil war. Following Ocalan’s arrest in 1999, where he was sentenced to death, his punishment was later commuted as Turkey moved to abolish the death penalty for EU integration.
In 2013, Ocalan called for disarmament during Newroz, the Kurdish New Year, signaling an effort to negotiate peace with the Turkish government. Despite initial peace talks reached through various channels, including Oslo meetings facilitated by Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), tensions drastically increased after the breakdown of the truce in July 2015.
The collapse followed a deadly bombing in Suruc, coupled with significant electoral pressure on Erdogan’s government from the pro-Kurdish HDP party. Turkey retaliated by bombing PKK positions and intensified military operations, which led to urban warfare in conflict zones, including Diyarbakir. A subsequent government crackdown on Kurdish political entities and the failed 2016 coup deepened the crisis.
More recently, an unexpected offer from the nationalist MHP party urged Ocalan to renounce violence, marking a noteworthy turn in dialogue. This move received backing from Erdogan, and several discussions with DEM lawmakers took place at Imrali prison, aiming to explore potential avenues for peace and resolution.
The Turkey-PKK conflict has evolved significantly since its inception in 1978, shaped by key events such as Ocalan’s arrest, attempts at peace negotiations, and escalating violence following the collapse of ceasefires. The recent dialogue indicates a possible shift towards resolving the longstanding strife, highlighting the complexities of Kurdish political aspirations and national security concerns in Turkey.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
