Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-tr.png "Flag of Turkey") | Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
Turkey Continues Interference in Iraq
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| Summary |
The Turkish Parliament has approved an extension of the state’s military operations against Kurdish separatists in northern Iraq. Conflict between Turkey and Kurdish separatists has been ongoing since the 1980s. Turkey asserts that Iraq’s attempts to stop the violent actions of the Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) are inadequate. Recent artillery attacks in southern Turkey have ignited public outrage and thus more pressure Turkey to address the situation.
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| Analysis |
Turkey has resorted to military action to achieve its goals against the Iraqi PKK. A security dilemma exists on both sides, with ever-present possibilities of violent air strikes and artillery attacks. As Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan states clearly, the state is acting in self-defense. In addition to the recent attacks of this week, the PKK has been targeting regions in southern Turkey. Erdogan explains that Turkey values its self-preservation and thus if the state feels threatened, it will react accordingly. Considering the current situation and information obtained, Turkey is prepared to “launch a cross-border incursion if necessary to rout the PKK. Such an operation will be carried out “if need be, at the right time and under the right conditions with a view of obtaining the right result.’” The state is ready to act rationally --- if necessary --- to better Turkey’s self-interests.
At the same time, Turkey’s efforts in northern Iraq infringe upon Iraq’s domestic policy. Turkish intervention in the Iraqi state highlights Turkish assertion of power and desire for control of the conflict. If Iraq opposes this interference, it can only rely on itself to make a difference. There is no higher structural government to turn to. Just as Turkey has responded in self-defense and with certain advantages in mind, so too will Iraq have to react according to its self-interests.
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| Perspective |  | Realist |
| In-Region URL | ||
| Out-of-Region URL | ||
| Submitted | October 9, 2008 at 11:50 pm | |
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