Turkey’s Red Lines

However, the latest development made me think that there might be certain similarities between the two. For example, Turkey is very much concerned about its friends in northern Iraq as on Cyprus. Similarly, Ankara regards the two issues as matters of national interest and security. In addition, like Cyprus, the northern Iraq issue is also very likely to become one of the determining factors of Turkey’s overall foreign policy. In other words, Turkish diplomacy will consider other countries’ stances on this issue as a key factor in determining its future relations with them. For instance, Turkey will probably change its policy towards any countries which support the Kurdish groups there.

The latest developments in northern Iraq have clarified Turkey’s policy on the region. Ankara is extremely concerned about the peshmergas’ recent en masse incursion into Kirkuk and Mosul, after which they looted government buildings and attacked the cities’ Turkmen and Arab residents.

Turkey’s ‘red lines’ have been made clear, and military officials stressed during contacts with US officials that these lines were still in effect. The Turkish army would send troops into northern Iraq were the Kurds to declare an administration over either city, or if the ethnic Turkmen population were attacked by Kurdish militants or if any attempt were made to alter the demographic makeup of Kirkuk or Mosul. However, American soldiers have failed to establish control over the Kurdish militants. Our government is repeatedly saying that there is no need for the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) to intervene in the region if the US forces simply accomplish their mission as they promised. The Justice and Development Party (AKP) is shrugging off provocative media speculation. I consider this a responsible, rational stance. Turkey in fact must do its utmost to hold back intervening in the region during such a critical time.

The latest developments have brought Turkey’s red lines into the international spotlight. At the very beginning of the Iraq crisis, Turkey clearly stated that the TSK would have to take measures if its lines were crossed. Today, our government is keeping these principles on the one hand, and pursuing a flexible policy on the other. I think that that’s a sound policy, too. Turkey should adapt its northern Iraq policy to new developments and be ready to develop fresh strategies if necessary.

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION