Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-tr.png "Flag of Turkey") | Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
Turkey Faces Problems with Kurdish Rebels
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| Summary |
Turkey asked for help from the Northern Iraqi government Friday to deal with the outlawed Kurdistan Worker’s Party of PKK. This group was responsible for two separate attacks on Turkey’s southern border over the two weeks. This group whose bases and training facilities are located in Northern Iraq hope to gain power in the region. Turkey is trying to pressure the Northern Iraqi government to allow the Turkish government to get rid of this group in their region. Though the Northern Iraqi government does not condone the attacks they have not done anything to try and pressure the groups to stop. Turkey finally had enough and attacked a group of rebels trying to cross the border at night. This attack was successful in stopping this group of insurgents from getting across the border into Turkey. Yet, many insurgents still are able to cross the border and create trouble for Turkey.
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| Analysis |
Turkey is facing problems on its Southern border because of the lack of a shared identity between itself and the Kurds. Turkey decided to outlaw a political party because they did not share the same cultural norms, beliefs, and a shared history. They are now trying to quell this group through force which is not working because the PKK is hiding out in Northern Iraq. Since according to identienists, two unlike groups are destined to have conflict with each other there is no easy fix to this problem. Both groups would have to sit down for talks and try to settle their problems. Another problem this brings up for Turkey is with its desire to join the European Union. Turkey will have a hard time convincing the European Union it is worthy enough to join the European Union if it has a large terrorist problem. The problem between Turkey and the Kurds is one of unlike identities.
Turkey also is facing a problem with Northern Iraq. For years they have had problems on the bordering which has a caused a rift in their relations which is compounded by the fact of their differing norms and social beliefs. This has created an instance where Turkey needs the support of the government in Northern Iraq but they will not work together due to differences. However, it is hypocritical of the Iraqi government to try and root out bath party insurgents but let another country’s insurgents roam free in their country. However, the Northern Iraqi government has more in common with the PKK than it does with Turkey. That is why according to an identienist they are letting this happen.
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| Perspective |  | Identity |
| In-Region URL | ||
| Out-of-Region URL | ||
| Submitted | October 10, 2008 at 09:07 am | |
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