PKK

Turkey’s Kurdish peace process falters as Iran war complicates negotiations - analysis

Turkey’s peace process with Kurdish militants stalls as the Iran war deepens instability in the region, with both sides hesitant to take bold steps toward a resolution.

|ByREUTERS
A demonstrator holds a picture of jailed Kurdish militant leader Abdullah Ocalan during a rally in Diyarbakir, Turkey, February 27, 2025.
Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan meets with Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya, Turkey, April 17, 2026.

Turkey’s changing regional policy is a sign of stability, but Israel is wary - analysis

Today, Ankara appears to have changed course. It backs the new Syrian government and has appeared to support the Syrian Democratic Forces’ integration into the new Syrian security forces.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Members of the Iraqi security forces take part in an event marking the Iraqi Police Day in Mosul, Iraq, January 9, 2026.

Iraq-Turkey tensions grow as Baghdad summons ambassador over 'interference' accusations

Baghdad issued a formal protest after remarks on PKK activity were seen as interference. Ankara says the comments were mistranslated and focused only on militants in Iraq.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is seen at parliament last Wednesday. The president’s consolidation of power since 2016 has reshaped institutions, narrowed civil liberties, and placed entire communities, particularly Kurds, under intensified repression and persecution, the writer says.

Coup to crackdown: Erdogan’s unfinished war on Turkey’s Kurds - opinion

Fifteen percent of the Turkish population, approximately 16 million, are Kurds, and Erdogan needs to accept that they have a right to live their lives as they see fit.

|ByALON BEN-MEIR

Turkey says nine PKK fighters 'neutralized' in northern Iraq operation

The Turkish government frequently uses the term "neutralized" to describe combatants who have been killed, captured, or have surrendered.

FEBRUARY 19, 2025ByTHE MEDIA LINE STAFF
KURDISH PROTESTERS carry flags and a banner with a portrait of jailed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan during a demonstration against Turkey’s military action in northeastern Syria in Zurich, Switzerland, this week

Ankara seeks to exert influence at its rival’s expense - analysis

Ankara seeks through attacks to drive a wedge between Syrian Kurds and the US.

NOVEMBER 2, 2024ByJONATHAN SPYER
THICK SMOKE rises from an oil-extracting facility targeted by Turkish shelling near Syria’s northeastern border with Turkey last week.

Turkey to reinforce military bases in northern Iraq after 12 soldiers killed

Turkish forces regularly carry out strikes in neighboring Iraq as part of the country's offensive against PKK militants.

DECEMBER 28, 2023ByREUTERS
A Turkish soldier patrols in the southeastern Turkish province of Sirnak October 27, 2007.

Turkey 'neutralizes' Kurdish militants in northern Iraq airstrikes

Two attackers detonated a bomb near government buildings in Turkey's capital on Sunday morning.

OCTOBER 2, 2023ByREUTERS
A TURKISH soldier waves a flag on Mount Barsaya, northeast of Afrin, Syria, in January 2018