In Turkey’s Kurdish regions, distrust threatens the peace process with the PKK amid political repression by Erdogan’s government. Recent calls for disbandment from Ocalan and a ceasefire by the PKK suggest potential forward movement. However, skepticism and demands for reforms persist among Kurdish politicians and the populace, complicating the path to peace.
In Turkey’s Kurdish regions, increasing distrust surrounding the peace process with Kurdish militants is evident, particularly amidst President Tayyip Erdogan’s crackdown on rival political factions. Concerns arise regarding the potential long-term stability of Turkey, a NATO member, which is critical not only for its own political climate but also for broader Middle Eastern relations. The ongoing conflict has inflicted significant economic and social strains, particularly in the southeast, where the death toll has surpassed 40,000.
The recent appeal by detained Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan for the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to disband, sparked when an Erdogan ally reached out, marks a notable development in the fragile peace process. The pro-Kurdish Democratic Regions Party (DEM), the third largest in parliament, is demanding immediate democratization steps to follow this call. The PKK has declared a ceasefire, stipulating that Ocalan must oversee the disarmament and that political conditions must be firmly established for a sustainable peace.
However, interviews with local Kurds and politicians reveal prevailing skepticism about the peace prospects due to rising governmental repression. The arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has triggered Turkey’s largest protests in over ten years, reflecting widespread unrest. Cengiz Candar, an influential DEM lawmaker, expressed apprehension, stating, “We are entering a minefield. It could go off the rails and end in failure. That’s possible.”
While DEM has had discussions with Ocalan at his prison since his detention in 1999, they criticize Ankara for not sharing a clear reform agenda. Erdogan’s government has refrained from detailing future changes, although he noted that the political climate may improve as disarmament progresses.
On March 21, during the Newroz spring festival, Erdogan proposed that the occasion be made a national holiday, aligning with a recent DEM legislative proposal. The festival has historical significance for Kurds, previously met with violent repression by the state. At local celebrations, Kurdish sentiment still reflects an overwhelming mistrust towards government assurances, as expressed by lawmaker Mehmet Zeki Irmez, who lamented, “The state should take steps, but unfortunately we cannot feel this locally.”
The PKK, labeled a terrorist organization by Turkey and its western allies, remains wary of Ankara’s intentions and argues that military operations have not ceased. A PKK representative criticized the Turkish government, asserting that peace initiatives have not been complemented with sufficient concessions. In response, a Turkish defense ministry official maintained a firm stance on military operations until all threats are eliminated.
At a local mosque, Omer Iler, who recalled intense violence in 2016, voiced ambivalence. While he acknowledged past injustices faced by Kurds and commended Erdogan’s reforms, he admitted being unaware of the specifics of any proposed transformations following PKK disbandment. Resident Bahadir, however, remained skeptical, asserting, “The state has deceived us many times.”
The previous peace negotiations fell apart in 2015, as tensions rose with the Kurdish YPG militia, further heightening government caution. Erdogan currently aims to rally Kurdish support for a new constitution to facilitate his potential re-election in 2028. While it is imperative for his administration to navigate this sensitive subject without alienating the Turkish populace, some voices within the government suggest broader recognition of ethnic diversity may be feasible.
Despite reluctance among some officials, the prospect for meaningful dialogue remains in the air, with recent interactions between Erdogan and DEM lawmakers suggesting a shift may be on the horizon. Nationalist ally Devlet Bahceli has initiated discussions for the PKK’s disbandment, marking a notable shift in rhetoric toward Ocalan, historically referred to in negative terms. Kandara highlighted a potential glimmer of hope as efforts to ease tensions continue amid prevailing distrust.
In summary, the current state of distrust in Turkey’s Kurdish heartland poses significant challenges to the peace process with the PKK. Demands from Kurdish political representatives for clear democratic reforms are met with governmental silence. Ocalan’s call for disbandment and the ceasefire initiated by the PKK represent potential steps towards resolution; however, skepticism from both the Kurdish population and opposition lawmakers suggests a complex and fragile path ahead. The geopolitical implications of this situation extend beyond Turkey, with the prospect for stability in the region remaining uncertain.
Original Source: japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
