Ankara’s diplomatic strategy: Combating the PKK through regional partnerships

Turkey's foreign policy under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan continues to assert itself as a key player in the Middle East, with its latest diplomatic overture aimed at intensifying efforts to combat the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party). 

During a visit to Baghdad, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on the Iraqi government to recognize the PKK as a terrorist organization, underscoring Ankara’s regional strategy to counter separatist and militant threats.

The PKK, which has waged an armed insurgency against the Turkish state since the 1980s, is designated as a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union. Its bases in northern Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region serve as a launching pad for attacks against Turkey, prompting Ankara to establish a military presence in the region.

Fidan’s statement reflects Turkey’s firm stance that the PKK is not merely a domestic issue but a broader regional challenge.

"The PKK targets Turkey, Iraq, and Syria," Fidan said, emphasizing the group's destabilizing influence across borders.

In August, Ankara and Baghdad signed a military cooperation agreement to establish joint command and training centers aimed at combating the PKK. This move signals a growing alignment between the two nations in addressing a shared security concern. While the Iraqi government has traditionally walked a fine line in its relations with both Turkey and its Kurdish population, this agreement represents a significant step toward collaboration on regional security.

The Turkish government has also extended its counter-PKK efforts to Syria, where it accuses the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), dominated by Kurdish fighters, of being an extension of the PKK. Ankara’s regional military operations, including Operation Claw-Sword and other cross-border incursions, have aimed to neutralize this perceived threat.

Balancing Diplomacy and Force

Turkey’s policy against the PKK showcases its ability to balance diplomatic engagement with the use of military force. On one hand, Turkey seeks the cooperation of its neighbors, such as Iraq, to build a united front against terrorism. On the other, it does not shy away from unilateral action to protect its national security, as demonstrated by its military presence in northern Iraq and Syria.

Fidan’s strong rhetoric in Baghdad is not just a message to the Iraqi government but also a signal to the international community that Turkey expects greater alignment in recognizing and combating the PKK. 

By framing the group as a threat not just to Turkey but also to Iraq and Syria, Ankara is attempting to build a narrative of collective regional security.

Turkey’s actions against the PKK are part of a broader foreign policy agenda that seeks to enhance its regional influence. Ankara has positioned itself as a key mediator in conflicts, from its role in the Russia-Ukraine grain deal to its increasing involvement in Middle Eastern diplomacy. 

The strategy aims to secure Turkey’s borders, expand its geopolitical clout, and strengthen its image as a regional power capable of tackling complex security challenges.

This approach aligns with Turkey’s Blue Homeland doctrine, which emphasizes its territorial and maritime sovereignty, and its ambitions for energy and trade corridors across the region. The alignment with Iraq on counterterrorism could pave the way for deeper economic and strategic ties, particularly in energy cooperation.

Despite its assertive stance, Turkey faces challenges in its regional policy. Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region remains a delicate issue, as its leaders balance their relationship with Ankara and their role in representing Kurdish interests. 

Additionally, Ankara’s military actions often draw criticism from Western allies and human rights organizations concerned about civilian casualties and the sovereignty of neighboring states.

However, Turkey’s ability to diplomatically engage while pursuing its security interests demonstrates a nuanced approach. 

Its call for Iraq to formally recognize the PKK as a terrorist group adds political weight to its military actions and strengthens its position in regional alliances.