Image Credits: Daily Sabah
Iraqi analysts are increasingly sounding the alarm over the threat posed by the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) to the country’s stability, especially in the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG)-controlled areas in northern Iraq. As tensions escalate, new developments have prompted a closer examination of the PKK’s impact on Iraq’s security, economy, and regional relations.
Abdurrahman Sengali, a lecturer at Nawroz University in Duhok, spoke about the ongoing threat the PKK poses to both Iraq and Turkey. Sengali emphasized that PKK terrorists continue to launch attacks on various parts of Turkey and the KRG, an act he described as illegal and a violation of international law. He noted that these actions are not only a direct attack on the KRG but also on Iraq’s broader security landscape.
The economic impact of the PKK’s activities has been devastating for the region. Sengali pointed out that the terrorist group’s presence has led to the collapse of the regional economy, particularly in areas where agriculture once thrived. He explained that the PKK terrorists forced the evacuation of hundreds of villages, making it impossible for locals to live or engage in agriculture there. The presence of PKK-affiliated groups under various names across Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran poses a serious risk to the security of these nations.
The recent decision by Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council to ban the activities of three political parties linked to the PKK has been welcomed by many, including Sengali. He believes this move will prevent the PKK from participating in the political process, which, in turn, could help stabilize the region. “Banning them will make the political process work better,” Sengali stated.
Sami Rekani, a political scientist at Duhok University, also highlighted the importance of recent security agreements between Iraq and Turkey. He stressed that Iraq should take further steps to reduce threats to Turkey as part of their bilateral agreements. Rekani noted that Turkey’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts, particularly Operation Claw-Lock in northern Iraq, are crucial to pressuring the PKK/YPG presence in the region. However, he also expressed concern about the U.S. support for the PKK/YPG under the pretext of fighting Daesh, warning that this strategy could undermine efforts to achieve lasting peace.
On August 6, Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council took a significant step by banning the activities of political parties associated with the PKK, following the government’s March declaration of the PKK as a “banned organization.” This move is seen as part of a broader effort to curb the influence of terrorist groups within Iraq and to strengthen security cooperation with Turkey. The ongoing military operations in northern Iraq, particularly in the Metina, Zap, and Avasin-Basyan regions, are key to these efforts.