PKK gesturing in Iraq: A step to peace or illusion?

PKK gesturing in Iraq: A step to peace or illusion?

Nordirak, Irak - The conflict over Kurds in Turkey remains a central topic in international politics. The political scientist and vice president of the left, van Aken, recently commented on Deutschlandfunk on the Kurdish movement and its important need for international recognition as peace force. It is particularly noteworthy that he is currently in northern Iraq and participates in a ceremony that the fighter of the PKK (Workers' Party Kurdistan) wants to hand over their weapons after the organization announced its self -resolution and the end of the armed fight two months ago. Despite these significant steps, however, the Federal Government adheres to the classification of the PKK as a terrorist organization. According to the current constitutional protection report, the PKK is considered the largest organization in the field of foreign extremism in Germany with around 15,000 followers.

But what is actually behind the conflict? The PKK has been fighting for the autonomy of around 12 million Kurds in Turkey since 1984. Over 45,000 people have died since then and millions have been expelled. The conflict has deep roots and was repeatedly rekindled by international developments such as the Iraq war and the advance of ISIS. The Kurds represent the largest ethnic minority in the country and have been living in the region for centuries without ever being treated comprehensively or autonomously treated. Especially after the First World War, the Kurds temporarily received a right of self -determination, which was repealed in 1923 by the contract by Lausanne.

The role of the PKK

The founding of the PKK in 1978 by Abdullah Öcalan marked a turning point in the Kurdish struggle. The organization initially pursued the goal of building its own Kurdish state. However, the PKK gave up this goal as early as 1993 and has primarily strived for cultural autonomy. Currently, Öcalan, who has been in custody in Turkey since 1999, calls for a political solution to the conflict and a free deduction of the PKK fighters from Turkey.

The global and national pressure on the PKK has changed over the years. International support for the Kurdish forces in Iraq and Syria has strengthened their role as a stability factor in the region. At the same time, the conflict in Turkey is marked by ethnic polarization and nationalism, which the situation only complicated. For many Kurds, the PKK became a political force, which has also become of importance regionally. It remains to be seen whether a real peace process - possibly supported by international actors and their pressure on the Turkish government - is actually within reach.

where is the journey going?

The future development apparently depends on the willingness of the Turkish government to recognize the autonomy efforts of the Kurds. So far, both the AKP and the opposition parties reject such autonomy claims and consider it a threat to national unity. A sustainable solution would only be possible if the PKK is included in the negotiating table.

The increase in military activities and the rhetoric of the past ensure little optimism. The PKK has already tapped peace processes in the past, which, however, failed after military attacks and political repression came back to the agenda. A strong will to disarm and find a common path seems more necessary than ever - for peace and a future in which the Kurds are finally heard.

The question remains whether we will witness a turn in the near future, which recognizes both the rights of the Kurds in Turkey and can offer an inclusive peaceful solution for the decades of conflict. The time will show whether the current political upheaval offers a chance or whether old patterns are again having through the political stage.