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- Title
Turkey Exploits Gaza Distraction to Pound the Kurds.
- Authors
Walker, Gerald
- Abstract
Turkey has been targeting Kurdish populations in northeastern Syria while the conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas continues. Turkey's military has been attacking vital infrastructure in the region, leaving over a million people without water and electricity. Turkey opposes the idea of a sovereign Kurdish state due to historical, political, security, and territorial concerns. The emergence of a Kurdish state could intensify historical frictions and potentially become a refuge for the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Turkey considers a terrorist organization. Turkey is also concerned about the impact Kurdish independence could have on the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape and its own diplomatic relations. The financial implications of an independent Kurdish state with control over oil-rich areas in neighboring countries are also a significant concern for Turkey. The Syrian civil war has allowed Kurds to achieve autonomy in some regions, which worries Turkey as it could encourage separatist efforts within its borders. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan specifically views the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and its military wing, the People's Protection Units (YPG), as extensions of the PKK. Turkey has been using its airpower, including armed drones, to counteract PKK-related groups. Turkey has also facilitated the relocation of Arab Palestinians to Kurdish territories under its control, altering the population balance and diminishing the Kurdish presence. Turkey's actions reflect its determination to prevent the establishment of a Kurdish state, which it sees as a threat to its sovereignty, cultural heritage, and historical identity. The Kurdish people continue to face uncertainty and oppression, requiring attention
- Subjects
KURDISTAN; GAZA Strip; TURKEY; KURDS; TURKS; PALESTINIANS; SYRIAN Civil War, 2011-; DISTRACTION
- Publication
International Policy Digest, 2024, p1
- ISSN
2332-9416
- Publication type
Article