Erdogan’s Kurdish Deal: A Strategy for Power and Regional Stability

President Erdogan is negotiating a peace deal with Kurdish militants to end a 40-year insurgency in Turkey, as urged by Abdullah Ocalan, the P.K.K. leader. This initiative could consolidate Erdogan’s power through Kurdish support for constitutional changes and stabilize conflicts across Iraq and Syria. The geopolitical landscape drives this significant shift, aiming to secure both domestic stability and a beneficial regional balance.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey is pursuing a peace agreement with Kurdish militants to conclude a protracted 40-year insurgency while potentially reshaping the regional landscape. Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (P.K.K.), made a significant statement urging his followers to cease hostilities after extensive negotiations with the Turkish government. Asli Aydintasbas, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, suggested that this initiative is a strategic response to domestic and regional challenges facing Erdogan.

The proposed peace deal may garner critical Kurdish support for Erdogan’s desired constitutional amendments, enhancing his already significant presidential powers accumulated over two decades. This collaboration could also relieve Turkey’s military from ongoing conflicts with Kurdish groups spread across Turkey, Iraq, and Syria. Should Kurdish factions in Syria respond positively to Ocalan’s call, it could lead to greater regional stability and strengthen the nascent government in Damascus.

Aydintasbas referred to Ocalan’s announcement as a “historic call” that reflects mounting geopolitical tensions in the region, prompting both Turkish and Kurdish populations to seek security. Additionally, the unpredictable dynamics following the initiation of the Trump administration and uncertainties regarding Syria have compelled Ankara to prioritize internal consolidation. A deal with the Kurdish factions may present that pivotal opportunity.

In summary, President Erdogan’s attempt to negotiate peace with Kurdish militants signifies an essential shift in Turkey’s domestic and foreign policy. By addressing the longstanding insurgency and seeking Kurdish support for constitutional reforms, Erdogan may enhance his power while potentially stabilizing the region, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical troubles. Ocalan’s recent statement serves as a catalyst for this critical dialogue, which could reshape Turkey’s future and its relations with neighboring countries.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com