Thursday, 01 November 2007,
A Turkish soldier patrols the area near the Turkey-Iraq border
By Behrooz Shojai
The Turkish authorities, particularly its powerful military are in berserk mode since the heavy losses in an ambush by PKK soldiers in northern border areas.
The Turkish authorities, particularly its powerful military are in berserk mode since the heavy losses in an ambush by PKK soldiers in northern border areas. This is not the first time that the Turks sustain heavy losses; the new about it is Turkey's threats of assault against Kurdistan region. When watching the Turkish media one can get the impression that Mr. Barzani, the president of Kurdistan Region is in charge even for PKK and it was by his orders that the Turkish soldiers were attacked by PKK. The Turkish media, alongside with some prominent cabinet members, take the liberty to give Kurdish leaders the most obscene sobriquets.
They have been here before and they did not solve the problem that now faces them, although by then they had complete freedom to do it. What has changed since then? If they could not finish the "job" then how can they do it now? If they really want to do it!
The last election in Turkey was preceded by anti-AKP and pro-army gigantic rallies. The AKP won the election and had initially major amendments to the Turkish constitution and reforms in consideration. Strikingly, the AKP became target for both army and PKK, simultaneously! The army pushed for an invention of Kurdistan region, which resulted in the parliament bill to give the army free hands; and very soon after, several Turkish soldiers are killed, wounded and captured in a PKK ambush; the most comprehensive in a decay. The Turks were badly in need of a good excuse and PKK served them with such; but the picture is more complicated. PKK does not represent a united will; there are some tendencies within PKK that advocate confrontation. They are more concerned about the survival of the organization and their self-realization than the Kurdish national interests, including the achievements in South. Alongside the infiltration from outside, the fluid identity of its heavily assimilated high functionaries can constitute a major fact behind PKK's prevalent political discourse and practice. Similar to Turkey's so called deep-state, PKK's own deep-state would benefit - even economically - from a confrontation. Not surprisingly the economical support for PKK among the Kurdish Diaspora has increased trebly last days! These agencies within PKK are using Kurdish national sentiments for obscure intentions. One can just hope that moderate people, with commitment to Kurdish national interests could get in charge within PKK.
And the Turkish authorities should reconsider their current political discourse based on denial and hectoring people around, particularly the Kurds. Their hot temper and obscene language can only be considered as lack of self-confidence. The Ottoman Grandpa is buried somewhere in the history; his heir, the Republic with prolonged teenage, should grow up one day. With this political culture intertwined with racism, physical and symbolic violence Turks have scanty chance to become EU-members. EU membership is not just economical cooperation; it also means a set of values based on respect for human rights, tolerance, democracy and civility.
Since the beginning of 90s the Kurds have been blessed by their adversaries' stupidity; Saddam's invasion of Kuwait is best example. If Turkey wishes to tread in Saddam's footsteps, it will face the same fate. Circumstances now are different than 90s when Turkish army could easily strut in and out of the region.
Any attempts by our neighbours to stop our just cause will intensify our motivation to get where we have aimed. Running berserk and further losses are going to push us forward, not preventing us.
They have been here before and they did not solve the problem that now faces them, although by then they had complete freedom to do it. What has changed since then? If they could not finish the "job" then how can they do it now? If they really want to do it!
The last election in Turkey was preceded by anti-AKP and pro-army gigantic rallies. The AKP won the election and had initially major amendments to the Turkish constitution and reforms in consideration. Strikingly, the AKP became target for both army and PKK, simultaneously! The army pushed for an invention of Kurdistan region, which resulted in the parliament bill to give the army free hands; and very soon after, several Turkish soldiers are killed, wounded and captured in a PKK ambush; the most comprehensive in a decay. The Turks were badly in need of a good excuse and PKK served them with such; but the picture is more complicated. PKK does not represent a united will; there are some tendencies within PKK that advocate confrontation. They are more concerned about the survival of the organization and their self-realization than the Kurdish national interests, including the achievements in South. Alongside the infiltration from outside, the fluid identity of its heavily assimilated high functionaries can constitute a major fact behind PKK's prevalent political discourse and practice. Similar to Turkey's so called deep-state, PKK's own deep-state would benefit - even economically - from a confrontation. Not surprisingly the economical support for PKK among the Kurdish Diaspora has increased trebly last days! These agencies within PKK are using Kurdish national sentiments for obscure intentions. One can just hope that moderate people, with commitment to Kurdish national interests could get in charge within PKK.
And the Turkish authorities should reconsider their current political discourse based on denial and hectoring people around, particularly the Kurds. Their hot temper and obscene language can only be considered as lack of self-confidence. The Ottoman Grandpa is buried somewhere in the history; his heir, the Republic with prolonged teenage, should grow up one day. With this political culture intertwined with racism, physical and symbolic violence Turks have scanty chance to become EU-members. EU membership is not just economical cooperation; it also means a set of values based on respect for human rights, tolerance, democracy and civility.
Since the beginning of 90s the Kurds have been blessed by their adversaries' stupidity; Saddam's invasion of Kuwait is best example. If Turkey wishes to tread in Saddam's footsteps, it will face the same fate. Circumstances now are different than 90s when Turkish army could easily strut in and out of the region.
Any attempts by our neighbours to stop our just cause will intensify our motivation to get where we have aimed. Running berserk and further losses are going to push us forward, not preventing us.
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