Ending a 40-Year Kurdish Insurgency: A Historical Turning Point for Turkey and Syria
The end of the Kurdish insurgency, driven by the current geopolitical dynamics following the Gaza conflict, emphasizes a voluntary resolution under Öcalan’s leadership. This historic development signals Turkey’s need to reassess relationships with Kurdish groups as regional changes pose potential security challenges.
The cessation of a 40-year-long Kurdish insurgency marks a significant shift in Turkey and Syria’s political landscape, influenced by the Gaza war that began in October 2023. This development raises concerns for Turkey regarding potential Kurdish influence following the fall of the Assad regime, leading to diplomatic overtures to Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
There are anticipations that the PKK will disband voluntarily, ending a significant chapter in Turkish history as it will be the first Kurdish insurgency settled without military confrontation. Abdullah Öcalan, serving a life sentence on İmralı Island, issued a peace call on February 27, 2025, encouraging his organization to dissolve. The PKK’s prompt adherence to this directive signals a historic turning point.
Turkey’s previous Kurdish insurgency, described as the most enduring, has roots tracing back to the republic’s establishment. The PKK’s armed resistance, initiated in 1984, has faced a tumultuous history, including Öcalan’s capture in 1999. Despite being imprisoned, Öcalan has managed to extend his influence over Kurdish factions, especially in Syria following the civil war that began in 2011.
The geopolitical changes after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 have altered the Middle East’s political dynamics, impacting Turkey’s stance, as a weakened Iran and pro-Israel momentum shift the balance. Ankara faces potential strategic threats from an empowered Kurdish presence, which Israel might exploit due to its historical ties with Kurdish groups.
The Kurdish regions in Iraq and Syria have gained autonomy, raising concerns in Ankara about the implications for Turkey’s national integrity. The evolving situation post-Gaza conflict forces Turkey to engage proactively with Kurdish developments, addressing its security anxieties while navigating a rapidly changing regional scenario.
The historical termination of the Kurdish insurgency offers Turkey an opportunity to reassess its policies towards the Kurds amidst regional upheaval. The PKK’s proposed disbandment under Öcalan’s guidance represents a voluntary resolution to a long-standing conflict, potentially reshaping Turkey’s approach to its Kurdish population. However, the geopolitical shifts in the region necessitate caution, as external actors may influence Kurdish aspirations, posing challenges to Turkey’s territorial integrity and security strategies.
Original Source: www.realinstitutoelcano.org
