The intricacies of the multifaceted 'Iraq Dossier'

On Wednesday, the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) conducted a targeted operation in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. The operation resulted in the neutralization of Bekir Kına, a PKK terrorist who was being trained for assassinations of Turkish Armed Forces personnel, police, and intelligence officers.

A day prior to the operation, an aircraft carrying Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan departed for Baghdad. Fidan was set to establish contacts in both Baghdad and Northern Iraq, engaging with nearly all stakeholders. This well-designed, comprehensive, multidimensional visit carried depth and significance.

Simultaneously, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar hosted his Iraqi counterpart in Ankara. The topic of discussion revolved around reopening the Türkiye-Iraq crude oil pipeline. Meanwhile, a fervent activity was underway at the Ministry of Transportation, making preparations for an upcoming meeting with the expected delegation from Iraq in the coming days.

These significant developments, occurring within a span of a few days, warrant the opening of the multifaceted Iraq dossier managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ankara's Iraq agenda is composed of intricate, seemingly challenging issues, yet, when executed with careful precision, they hold the promise of fostering hope for the region.

WEIGHT ON ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONS

The presence of the PKK terrorist organization in Iraq casts a shadow over relationships. It threatens the sovereignty of the country and the security of Türkiye. The PKK is a product of the Cold War, founded by the KGB, and today, it operates with one wing directed by the US and the other by Iran.

Utilizing the Kandil Mountains as its base, the organization is not only active in the Aghjalar, Ahmed Awa, and Sinjar regions, but is also increasing its presence in Sulaymaniyah, under the control of Bafel Talabani. According to information from the field, the organization is establishing dominance, particularly in the districts of Ranya and Qaladze, within the Sulaymaniyah Governorate.

Recently, Sulaymaniyah came into the spotlight due to the crash of PKK helicopters in northern Iraq. This incident revealed the establishment of an aerial corridor between northern Syria and Kandil. It was understood that the PKK had "infiltrated" Sulaymaniyah International Airport. Consequently, Türkiye closed its airspace to all flights bound for Sulaymaniyah Airport.

We recall Bafel Talabani's stance alongside PKK terrorist Ferhat Abdi Şahin in northern Syria. Bafel is playing the role assigned to him by the US. He envisions connecting northern Syria and northern Iraq as a bridge.

Though Baghdad criticizes Ankara's operations, it is aware of the course of events. There have been some steps taken to remove the PKK from Mahmur. However, they do not regard the PKK as a terrorist organization. As Foreign Minister Fidan emphasized in Baghdad, Iraq must officially recognize the PKK as a terrorist organization, in accordance with the spirit of fraternity.

A UNIFIED MESSAGE FOR ALL SECTIONS

Foreign Minister Fidan's visit to Iraq holds significant importance. Fidan engaged with all actors who possess the capacity to "upset the game" in Iraq. He conveyed Türkiye's approach and emphasized the significance of Iraq's territorial integrity and development for Türkiye. A strong, prosperous Iraq without terrorism benefits all segments and aligns with Türkiye's ideal scenario. Shiite actors were given a message not to alienate other segments, to "stay on the main path." Sunni and Turkmen groups were advised to "remain within the system, foster unity amongst yourselves, and support Iraq's stability." The commitment to provide all kinds of support for Iraq's water-related challenges, particularly its struggles with drought, was underscored.

ANKARA'S OIL CONDITIONS

While presenting the Iraq arbitration decision as a victory, Ankara is currently experiencing regret. On March 25th, the day the compensation decision was announced, Türkiye put the Türkiye-Iraq crude oil pipeline under maintenance, in other words, it closed the valve. Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani's complaint, "The money we lost due to the suspension of oil shipments is twice the compensation we demanded from Türkiye," summarizes the situation. (Iraq's losses have reached $2 billion.)

However, no outcome has emerged from the negotiations yet. According to Iraqi media, Ankara is requesting the withdrawal of the second lawsuit opened against Türkiye for the reopening of the pipeline, the continuation of discounts in oil purchases, and the coverage of repair costs by the Iraqi side. As far as I can gather, both sides agree that shipments need to resume as soon as possible, but there's no timeline yet.

OBSTACLE TO DEVELOPMENT: PKK

Despite the negative burden of terrorism, Türkiye-Iraq relations are demonstrating a sensible and balanced profile. The Iraq Development Road project, also known as the Dry Canal, is a strategic initiative supported by Ankara. Stretching from the Port of Faw in Basra to the Turkish border, the project envisions the construction of highways and railways, aiming to transform Iraq into a logistical hub and open a gateway to Europe.

A senior delegation from the Iraqi Ministry of Transportation is expected to visit Ankara in the coming days, with efforts to establish agreements related to the Dry Canal's infrastructure. There's talk of Türkiye signing an agreement with Saudi Arabia in this context.

The Development Road is highly significant, yet as long as the PKK remains in that region, nobody will provide financing or extend credit. The path to development goes through stability.