Today’s Zaman has a good article up about Turkey, Iraq and the Kurdish problem:

Two months ago in Arbil, a member of the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party asked: “What does Turkey want from us? We just want to make a living here.

Why is Turkey trying to prevent that?” I heard the same words from several dozen angry and scared people. I was actually in Arbil when Massoud Barzani announced that he would interfere with Diyarbakır if Turkey interfered with Kirkuk. At first, Iraqi Kurds were pleased with Barzani’s statements. But concern replaced pleasure after Ankara made harsh statements and began contemplating a cross-border operation.

Two months later and tension about Kirkuk has waned, but the terrorist Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) remains a serious problem. The Turkish public and politicians alike were outraged after the bomb explosion in Ankara. Unlike previous terrorist activities, that explosion was perceived as a signal for immediate military action in northern Iraq. It is very likely that a cross-border operation will occur in the near future. There are rumors of unusual movement at the Iraqi border. The northern Iraqi Kurd administration is said to be preparing a defense unit on the other side of the border. Kurdish media organs claim the Kurdish administration is placing barricades and dispatching peshmergas to the border area.

What is going to happen? Well, it appears PKK-based camps near the border will be bombed and a security unit will be formed to guard the border. The format and length of the attack is unclear, at least for the public. Military officers insist that an operation is necessary. However, civil experts who are familiar with the area are a little reluctant. Many experts are concerned that an incursion will result in combat with the peshmergas, which could lead to being dragged into the Iraq quagmire. The situation in the Kurdish region of Iraq is more complicated. Younger politicians, such as Nechirvan Barzani, hold the view that a clash will pose great danger for the Kurdish region. Other politicians believe a Turkish military intervention would unite differing Kurdish groups.

Arbil, an official of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) of northern Iraq told TZ’s Bajan Matur: “Yes, Turkey will easily be able to reach Kirkuk if it wants. It seems impossible to prevent that. But the real question is how will it leave?” The secretary of before mentioned KDP added: “This process can not be reversed at this point. Turkey’s interference in Iraq because of Kirkuk, the PKK or any other reason may gain Turkey positional success, but it will only reinforce separation in the long term.”

Here is a thought: stop giving the PKK the opportunity to launch attacks against Turkish forces. destroy the PKK camps in northern Iraq. Stop donating money to the PKK.

More suggestions necessary?

Read more at Today’s Zaman.