Author: Didenur Dastan
In a landmark development, the PKK terrorist group last Monday announced its dissolution and the end of its four-decade terror campaign that cost tens of thousands of lives. Now, the next steps are expected in the process dubbed “terror-free Türkiye,” with the PKK’s decision poised to have far-reaching results for the broader Middle East. If the terrorist group follows through on its pledge, it would be the end of a major risk factor that could foster regional ties and economic development for Türkiye, Iraq and Syria – the top three countries plagued by PKK terrorism. According to Oytun Orhan, a…
In a landmark development, the PKK terrorist group last Monday announced its dissolution and the end of its four-decade terror campaign that cost tens of thousands of lives. Now, the next steps are expected in the process dubbed “terror-free Türkiye,” with the PKK’s decision poised to have far-reaching results for the broader Middle East. If the terrorist group follows through on its pledge, it would be the end of a major risk factor that could foster regional ties and economic development for Türkiye, Iraq and Syria – the top three countries plagued by PKK terrorism. According to Oytun Orhan, a…
The current climate in global politics could prove a ripe ground for Türkiye and the European Union to set aside their differences and join forces in a defense pact after a historic U.S. pivot but any possible security mechanism must be fair, according to an international relations expert. Europe has reeled from a sudden U-turn in U.S. foreign policy since Donald Trump took office in January and unleashed a series of threats, including disengagement and signals that Washington could abandon its commitment to protect NATO allies on the continent. Trump cutting off military aid to Ukraine has put the 27…
With the ouster of Bashar Assad’s regime and the end of a nearly 14-year civil war, Syria is looking to a new future of abundant opportunities and several risks that could derail any effort to rebuild, but neighboring Türkiye is lending a helping hand. Regional power broker Türkiye has steadily backed Syrian opposition forces since the civil war broke out in 2011, which was also a boost to its fight against the PKK and its Syrian offshoot, the YPG. Since the anti-regime offensive took Damascus and Assad fled to Russia, Ankara has vowed to “do whatever is necessary” for the…