Media: What PKK’s disarmament means for Middle East? Who wins and who loses?

In a recent article, Middle East Eye describes that last year, as Israel and Iran engaged in escalating conflicts involving airstrikes and cruise missile attacks, alarm bells rang across the entire region.

Ankara called for calm between the two countries, despite its strong condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which it describes as genocide. However, this escalation appears to have prompted Türkiye to confront its long-standing issue with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has fought a 40-year insurgency in Syria, Iraq, and Türkiye, advocating for greater Kurdish rights.

For Turkish authorities, the PKK, a left-wing militant group with substantial regional influence, capable of engaging with global powers like Russia and the US, could potentially be exploited by Iran and Israel. Following extensive talks with Ankara, the PKK announced that it would disband and cease its armed struggle. 

If this decision is carried out credibly and verified, it would mark a significant turning point in Turkish society, fostering much-needed social peace. It would also be a notable regional win for Ankara.

“I think the disarmament of the PKK is a major strategic win for Türkiye, with big implications for both Syria and Iraq,” Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer at the School of Security Studies at King’s College London, told Middle East Eye. “It also shifts the regional balance in Türkiye’s favour - especially in relation to Iran and Israel.”

The relationship between the PKK and Iran has been complex. Through its Iranian affiliate, the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), the PKK fought against Tehran for many years, although it declared a ceasefire in 2011. 

Despite this, the Iranian government attempted to undermine the peace process between Türkiye and the PKK in 2013. Türkiye has repeatedly accused Iran of turning a blind eye to PKK activities near the border. For example, Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler expressed confusion last year over the lack of action from Iranian forces when Türkiye had informed Tehran of the PKK's location.   In Iraq, where Türkiye has long deployed forces to combat the PKK, Türkiye could be relieved of a major financial and security burden that has cost billions over the years.

By Naila Huseynova