What to Know about the Future of Turkey-Iraq Relations
May 23, 2024
auto_awesome
Kristin Ronzi, RANE's Middle East and North Africa Analyst, discusses the future of Turkey-Iraq relations. Topics include water rights disputes, economic collaboration, PKK's status, security concerns, military options, and corporate repercussions, with a focus on potential conflict scenarios, economic risks, and US influence.
Turkey-Iraq cooperation on economic projects like Development Road linking to European markets.
Differing stances on PKK with potential Turkish military actions in northern Iraq for security.
Deep dives
Historical and Recent Developments in Turkish-Iraqi Relations
Historically, Turkey and Iraq have had areas of tension over water rights due to Turkey's control over water resources and strikes into northern Iraq to combat PKK attacks. Current developments show potential cooperation between the two countries through economic projects like the Development Road, aiming to link Iraq with Turkey and European markets. Recent visits by Turkish officials to Iraq indicate efforts to improve relations and jointly address security concerns.
Turkey and Iraq's Stance on the PKK
Both Turkey and Iraq oppose Kurdish statehood but differ in labeling the PKK. Turkey considers them terrorists, while Iraq has not officially done so. Recent discussions show Iraq's slight shift in acknowledging the PKK as a banned group. Turkey seeks Iraqi support in cracking down on PKK activities to enhance security, especially concerning economic development projects.
Potential Scenarios of Turkish Military Operations in Northern Iraq
Potential Turkish military actions against PKK targets in northern Iraq include increased strikes and establishing a buffer zone. Turkey's approach may vary from informal measures to formal incursions, depending on Iraqi support and international reactions. Iraq's stance involves concerns over sovereignty violations but acknowledges economic benefits in ensuring security, potentially allowing some flexibility for Turkey's actions.
In this episode of Essential Geopolitics, RANE’s Middle East and North Africa Analyst Kristin Ronzi discusses the long-term global implications of recent developments between Turkey and Iraq.
RANE is a global risk intelligence company that delivers risk and security professionals access to critical insights, analysis and support to ensure business continuity and resilience for our clients. For more information about RANE's risk management solutions, visit www.ranenetwork.com.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode