Expert Analysis: The Impact of Iraq’s Legal Victory on Kurdish-Turkish Relations

The recent legal victory of Iraq over Turkey has sparked a lot of interest and speculation among political analysts worldwide. It is no secret that the Kurdish-Turkish relationship has been volatile for decades, with several conflicts arising over territorial disputes and cultural differences. However, this recent development could have significant implications for the future of these two nations’ relations. In this expert analysis, we will delve into the impact that Iraq’s legal victory might have on Kurdish-Turkish relations and what it means for their future course. Read on to find out more!

Background of Kurdish-Turkish Relations

The Kurdish-Turkish relations are often strained due to differences in political aspirations of the two Kurdish-speaking populations. The Turkish government has long accused the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) of being a terrorist organization and has repeatedly sought to suppress its activities in Turkey and in southeastern Turkey, where the PKK has been most active. The Turkish military launched a large-scale operation against the PKK in July 2015, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced over 1 million people.

In Iraq, Kurdish parties have made significant gains at the expense of the Islamic State (IS), which had used Iraqi Kurdistan as a base for operations into neighboring Syria and Turkey. This development helped to improve bilateral ties between Ankara and Baghdad. In April 2018 Iraqi Kurds held an election that saw their Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) win control of the presidency and parliament, paving the way for an autonomous region within Iraq. This move raised eyebrows among some Turkish officials, who fear that it will embolden Kurdish ambitions within Turkey.

The Impact of Iraq’s Legal Victory on Kurdish-Turkish Relations

The Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has announced that it will pursue a legal victory over Turkey in an upcoming court case. This comes as a result of Turkey’s refusal to recognize the KRG, which is supported by the United States. The KRG argues that Turkey’s refusal to do so amounts to an illegal occupation and infringes on their rights as a democratic government.

This legal victory could have significant implications for Kurdish-Turkish relations. Historically, Turkish administrations have been very hostile towards the KRG, viewing it as a separatist movement and an ally of the United States. By winning this case, the KRG may be able to gain legitimacy within Turkish society and pressure Ankara into respecting its autonomy. Moreover, if Ankara is unwilling or unable to resolve the dispute diplomatically, this could further strain bilateral ties.

Conclusion

According to the expert analysis, Iraq’s legal victory will likely have a positive impact on Kurdish-Turkish relations. The legal victory may help improve trade and tourism between the two countries, as well as increased cooperation on security issues. Additionally, the Iraqi government may be more willing to come to the aid of the Kurds in their fight against Turkish forces.