President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent journey to Iraq indicates a promising start to a renewed era of collaborative prudence between the two nations. This landmark visit, characterised by the signing of 26 distinct arrangements, underscores the critical significance of joint actions in combating terrorism to ensure regional security. Among the agreements signed, the Security Cooperation Memorandum and Military Training Cooperation Memorandum stand out as tangible examples of proactive cooperation against the pervasive danger of terrorism.
In this context, Erdoğan’s visit appears to be a significant turning moment in Türkiye’s fight against PKK terrorism. In the last two decades, the PKK uncovered a safe harbour in northern Iraq, and Turkish military functions destined to uproot the terrorist grouping there faced criticism from Iraqi authorities, noting concerns about sovereignty and territorial integrity. During the earlier days of Operation Claw-Lock, this absence of understanding appeared quite general in Baghdad, leading to conflicts in bilateral relations.
The recent judgment by the Iraqi National Security Council to ban the PKK, a month before Erdoğan’s visit, highlights a considerable shift in Iraq’s perspective. This move aligns with the nature of Iraq’s 2005 Constitution, highlighting the state’s commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms and protecting its territories from being used as launchpads for terrorist activities.
Türkiye has assumed a multifaceted diplomatic process with distinctive elements. Ankara managed to communicate its point that terrorism is not just a crisis threatening its national security but also poses a threat to any enterprise or socioeconomic order that could cause valuable financial returns for Iraq. For instance, once executed, the multibillion-dollar Development Road will deliver high economic dividends while growing inter-regional connectivity, putting Iraq at the heart of international commerce. But, unless Iraq frees itself of terrorism, this dream will not materialize, warding off foreign investors. As such, Baghdad will remain entangled in the oil dependence that includes 90% of the federal budget’s revenue.
Thus, being on the same page with Türkiye in fighting terrorism means not only facilitating Iraq’s financial diversification purposes but also paving the way for a more economically sound Iraq. While the concept of a joint military process against terrorism is not currently on the plain, it is crucial to view actions toward intelligence collaboration and coordination as a powerful starting point in the cooperation dimension of counterterrorism measures. Moreover, growing diplomatic engagement between during this procedure will demonstrate a willingness on both sides to translate commitments into action.
Considering the result of this new spirit of counterterrorism partnership between Türkiye and Iraq, it is sensitive to think around a few caveats ahead. For instance, the terrorist detectives, particularly those packed by Operation Claw-Lock in northern Iraq, will pursue new routes. If they shift their approaches to Iran due to geographical proximity or some other causes, this move could confuse the fight against terrorism. Tehran would need to step the talk and move beyond giving lip assistance to Türkiye’s concerns. Effective association must replace mere verbal compassion.
It is important to refer to a point repeatedly stressed by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan here. The Turkish military, with its state-of-the-art military and intelligence capabilities, can resist the PKK anywhere. However, Ankara has always desired constructive relations with its neighbours to carry out this war while maintaining cordial ties and nurturing the spirit of trans-regional cooperation.
