President Erdogan’s negotiation for peace with the PKK could end a 40-year insurgency, strengthen his political position, and aid in stabilizing the region, while Abdullah Ocalan’s recent call for peace reflects broader geopolitical concerns. This move appears essential amid pressures from surrounding conflicts and may solidify Erdogan’s power further.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey is pursuing a peace agreement with Kurdish militants, aiming to end a four-decade-long insurgency within Turkey and potentially initiate significant changes in the broader region. Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK leader, recently urged his followers to cease hostilities, marking a response to the challenges Erdogan faces, according to Asli Aydintasbas, a Brookings Institution senior fellow.
This peace initiative could earn Erdogan crucial Kurdish support needed for constitutional amendments, which may enable him to extend his presidency after 20 years of burgeoning authority. Regionally, resolving conflicts with Kurdish factions in Turkey, Iraq, and Syria could alleviate military pressures and contribute to stabilizing a nascent government in Syria.
“Asli Aydintasbas noted, this is a historic call by Ocalan, reflecting the growing geopolitical pressures affecting both Turks and Kurds,” highlighting the need for consolidation within Turkey amid external uncertainties. The complexities of the regional situation and emerging dynamics under the Trump administration may compel Ankara to seek a resolution through a Kurdish agreement as a strategic priority.
The peace deal initiative by Erdogan represents not only a domestic political strategy aimed at bolstering his support base but also an opportunity for regional stabilization. By addressing internal Kurdish issues, Turkey aims to mitigate external pressures while consolidating power, ultimately impacting both its domestic governance and international relations.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
