PKK in Europe, Daesh in Moscow

The terrorist organization PKK supporters recently wreaked havoc on the streets of Europe. Roaming in large groups, they attacked Turkish citizens, businesses, and vehicles. The first incident occurred in Belgium, in two separate cities. There was an attempted attack with axes on the Turkish Consulate General building in Hannover, Germany. The targeting of French officials at Charles De Gaulle Airport to prevent the extradition of PKK member Firaz Korkmaz to Türkiye was also significant.

In response to these provocative actions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs took action in Brussels and Berlin. The common sense of Turkish citizens living in these countries, coupled with the intervention of the respective country's security forces, prevented the escalation of the incidents.

So, what's happening in the heart of Europe? I've gathered some insights. Some interpretations suggest that the terrorist organization PKK is trying to compensate for its loss of momentum by stirring unrest in Europe. They aim to consolidate their ranks through anti-Turkish sentiment in Europe. As Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated, "As the PKK feels cornered, it resorts to terrorism in countries that have tolerated it for years."

A surprising response came from Brussels. Perhaps for the first time, European figures acted differently from their general stance of protecting terrorist sympathizers. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said, "It is unacceptable to show sympathy for a terrorist organization like the PKK and to engage in provocation." This is significant. Analysis suggests that laws passed in Sweden against the PKK under pressure from Ankara during its NATO membership process are forcing other European capitals to change their positions. Moreover, the Russian threat is pushing Europeans to engage more with Ankara and consider Türkiye's sensitivities.

Daesh's attack in Moscow coincides with this conjuncture. Previously active in attacks in Türkiye and Iran, the terrorist organization ISIS has alleviated pressure on Israel with this attack. It has diverted attention away from Gaza. By reintroducing the ISIS threat, the United States, which has shown signs of withdrawal from the region, has been presented with a new challenge. This organization is a pawn, undoubtedly serving Israel's regional interests.

But there's another equally important issue. It concerns the Ukraine-Russia war. What I'm about to discuss is not just analysis.

SOMEONE WANTS A THIRD WORLD WAR

The conflict in Ukraine has reached an impasse. Russia sees this war as sustainable and is not backing down from its position. Ukraine is not receiving assistance from the US, while EU countries are focusing on defense spending. The war of words between EU capitals and Moscow is escalating dangerously. In the face of this situation, Ukrainian President Zelensky is trying to turn to different sources. After a long time without dialogue, he hurriedly visited Ankara last month. He is also seeking elbow-to-elbow contact with China.

Ankara insists to Western counterparts that the policy implemented in Ukraine has not yielded results for two years. The West's plan is to arm Ukraine as much as possible to achieve gains in the field by 2024, then bring both sides to the peace table in the first months of 2025. However, there is no guarantee that Ukraine will achieve gains in the field. Western capitals expect support from Ankara in forming negotiation topics for the peace table set to be established in 2025.

The mediation efforts of Ankara for the resolution of the grain crisis can be considered one of these topics. I've learned that a more comprehensive package has been prepared to solve the grain crisis. This would be a good start for diplomacy to work. When Zelensky visited Ankara, this issue was on the table. The significant agenda item for Putin's expected visit to Türkiye in April - unless postponed due to a terrorist attack - would also be this. While some say, "There were obstacles before," it is said that the ISIS attack will jeopardize these diplomatic efforts. Ultimately, Russia associates the terrorist attack in its heartland with Ukraine and Western powers. It shows no signs of abandoning this idea.