The PKK, established in 1974 by Abdullah Ocalan, has been involved in a protracted insurgency against the Turkish state, culminating in significant violence and ceasefires. After years of conflict and political maneuvers, including attempts at peace in 2013, the resurgence of violence in 2015 marked a turning point, with ongoing military operations impacting the Kurdish population. Iraq’s recent stance against the PKK reflects the complex dynamics in the region.
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), founded in 1974 by Abdullah Ocalan and others, initially aimed for an independent Kurdistan in Turkey’s northeast. It grew from clandestine origins to engage in violent conflict, especially after its first attacks in 1984.
In 1999, following Ocalan’s capture by Turkish forces, the PKK declared a unilateral ceasefire, which was abandoned in 2004 amidst escalating tensions. As Turkey sought EU membership in 2003, reforms granted some cultural rights to the Kurdish population.
After years of conflict, secret negotiations occurred in 2010, but broke down. By 2012, fighting intensified again, leading to renewed talks with Ocalan in 2013, who called for a ceasefire and troop withdrawal from Turkey.
However, the rise of ISIS in 2015 complicated matters, with the PKK failing to disarm as urged by Ocalan. A resumed conflict ensued, marked by urban destruction in southeastern Turkey. Turkey’s military operations against the PKK continued in Iraq, causing international backlash.
In 2021, a failed rescue mission by Turkey resulted in the deaths of kidnapped nationals, further souring relations with the U.S. Most recently, in 2024, Iraq prohibited references to the PKK in official communication, indicating a formal stance against the group despite its ongoing operations.
The PKK’s conflict with Turkey has spanned over four decades, characterized by violence, ceasefires, and complex geopolitical factors. The group’s evolution from a Marxist-Leninist movement to a key player in regional conflicts illustrates the enduring nature of the Kurdish issue in Turkey. Despite intermittent peace efforts, the cycle of violence continues amid evolving dynamics in the region, particularly with ISIS and Turkish military responses.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
