Politics
Top official says terror-free Türkiye will succeed despite war
Efkan Ala, deputy chair of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), said on Thursday that the terror-free Türkiye initiative for disarmament of the terrorist group PKK may be affected by the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran war. However, he reaffirmed that the process would be completed anyway.
Ala, a former interior minister who played an active role during the past “reconciliation process” to end the PKK threat, spoke to broadcaster NTV about the initiative launched by government ally Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) in 2024.
He pointed out that the region was embroiled in an unstable situation and that a terror-free Türkiye was important to maintain the country’s unity among such uncertainties. The government views the initiative as a step to strengthen Turkish-Kurdish unity. For decades, the PKK exploited the Kurdish community in the region, under the pretext of fighting for a so-called Kurdistan in the southeastern Türkiye. During the ongoing war, the U.S. floated the idea of recruiting Kurds in the region to battle the Iranian regime, before scrapping the idea.
Ala said the initiative would be completed within the framework they envisioned and urged the public to heed the official statements rather than rumors. He underlined that the initiative had political and social support. “The timeframe and other aspects require work, and any regulation on the matter will be carried out by jurists. Once the group completes disarmament, laws will be enacted,” he said.
The initiative, so far, proceeded with the PKK’s announcement that it started laying down arms, but the terrorist group anticipates the removal of counterterrorism laws in place in Türkiye for full dissolution, as statements of the group’s senior members indicate. A parliamentary committee exclusively set up for the initiative recently wrapped up a report including recommendations for Parliament. Parliament, in the coming days, will start working on drafting bills or amending existing ones for lenient sentences for surrendered PKK members and other steps.
In a related development, the pro-PKK Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) announced on Thursday that a delegation from the party would visit the PKK’s jailed ringleader, Abdullah Öcalan, on Friday. DEM Party spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan told a news conference that it was an important meeting as the delegation would consult with Öcalan on the legal aspects of the initiative.
All necessary measures have been implemented along the Türkiye-Iran border amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the U.S. and Israel, Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi said Wednesday, stressing that authorities see no immediate security concerns.
Speaking to reporters at the Gürbulak border crossing in the eastern province of Ağrı, Çiftçi noted that Turkish officials had reviewed contingency plans in response to the war across the border, which has been ongoing since Feb. 28. “I can clearly state that all planning and precautions have been taken here. There is no problem at the moment,” he said.
Çiftçi visited the region as part of a series of inspections, including stops at a migrant repatriation center operated by the provincial migration authority and the Sarısu Border Trade Center near the frontier. He later traveled to the Doğubayazıt district, where he received briefings from local officials, including Governor Önder Bozkurt and District Governor Murat Ekinci.
The minister said authorities had assessed potential spillover effects of the conflict and were closely monitoring developments on the Iranian side of the border, noting that the duration and outcome of the war remain uncertain.
During his visit, Çiftçi also expressed condolences for two Turkish soldiers killed in a military vehicle accident in Doğubayazıt, identified as transportation specialist Sgt. Selman Akarsel and infantry specialist Sgt. Yusuf Açay.
He said Türkiye hopes the conflict will end soon, allowing for a return to stability in the region.
Sharing a border of 560 kilometers (348 miles) with Iran, Türkiye is naturally vigilant over the impact of the ongoing conflict between the U.S.-Iran alliance and Iran.
Çiftçi also chaired a border security meeting earlier this month on the issue, discussing top-level protection of the borders, additional measures against the possible influx of irregular migrants, crisis scenarios, emergency action plans and better coordination between different government agencies, as well as increasing the capacity of border forces with high-ranking officials.
At the meeting with representatives of the agencies, from police and gendarmerie to governors of border provinces, Çiftçi said Türkiye made no concessions in ensuring border security, public order and migration management, and was following the developments, noting that all units were on alert.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance, values or position of Daily Sabah. The newspaper provides space for diverse perspectives as part of its commitment to open and informed public discussion.
Pakistan on Thursday confirmed its direct role in relaying messages between the U.S. and Iran toward ending the war in the Middle East.
“There has been unnecessary speculation in the media regarding peace talks to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on the U.S. social media company X.
“In reality, U.S.-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan,” said Dar, confirming that the U.S. has shared 15 points that are “being deliberated upon by Iran.”
The statement came as sources in Islamabad told Anadolu Agency (AA) that this week was crucial in any possible breakthrough on talks between Washington and Tehran.
The sources also said Islamabad expects a U.S. delegation but said Tehran was still wary due to mistrust.
Dar also lauded the role of “Türkiye and Egypt, among others” which are “extending their support to this initiative.”
“Pakistan remains fully committed to promoting peace and continues to make every effort to ensure stability in the region and beyond,” said Dar, emphasizing: “Dialogue and Diplomacy is the only way forward!”
The entire region has been on alert since the U.S. and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, so far killing over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance, values or position of Daily Sabah. The newspaper provides space for diverse perspectives as part of its commitment to open and informed public discussion.
The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) is facing internal strife. The strife may deal another blow to Türkiye’s oldest party, which is grappling with corruption trials against its municipalities and the risk of dissolution of the current administration amid vote-buying allegations at an intra-party election.
Dissidents of incumbent Chair Özgür Özel reportedly plot to draw more members to their ranks, a report by the Sabah newspaper says. For months, they have been urging the party to get rid of members involved in the corruption, while the Özel administration stood firmly with mayors tainted with the corruption allegations.
The Sabah report says dissidents are making intense efforts to recruit nearly 30 deputies who were close to Özel’s predecessor, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, but fell silent after Özel was elected chair.
The policies determined by Özel and his staff since his 2023 election, without consultation, have long divided the party on almost every topic. The intra-party opposition, which was also subjected to disciplinary action, had a six-hour meeting in Ankara last February, according to the report. The participation of 13 current and 13 former deputies in the meeting caused great discomfort at the party’s headquarters.
Party sources say the policies set by the headquarters are implicitly criticized by more than 40 deputies. It is claimed that many members prefer to remain silent on critical issues or take a stand alongside the headquarters because the party management constantly initiates disciplinary processes and starts online mobbing campaigns against dissenting voices.
According to another party member who attended the first meeting of the dissidents in Ankara, preparations for a second meeting continue. In this context, it is emphasized that intense negotiations are ongoing to increase the number of deputies attending the meeting. It was reported that details such as location and date for the second meeting have not yet been finalized. While more than 40 current deputies are expected to attend the next meeting, it is also claimed that a significant show of force is planned with this move. Some deputies who have sharp differences of opinion with the party management stand out, including Gamze Akkuş Ilgezdi, Mahir Polat, Orhan Sarıbal, Rıfat Nalbantoğlu, Sevda Erdan Kılıç, Hüseyin Yıldız, Hasan Öztürkmen and Deniz Demir.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Thursday hit back at those taking sides in the U.S.-Israel-Iran war and criticized those looking at the situation through a sectarian perspective.
“There is no difference between bloodshed in Iran, (in Gulf countries), Lebanon. Everyone mercilessly slaughtered is our brothers and sisters. For attackers, there is no difference between Shiite and Sunni. We don’t discriminate between our neighbors, brothers; we stand by our brothers for the good and bad,” he said at a speech at an event organized by his Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in Ankara on Thursday.
“It is not right to incite the (sectarian) divide, not right to serve the Zionist agenda of dividing and conquering,” he added.
“With Israel’s provocations on Feb. 28, the operations initiated against Iran continue to drown our region in blood and the smell of gunpowder. Children who know nothing are becoming targets of bombs while listening to lessons in their schools. Our region is experiencing the most difficult period of the last century. The network of genocide is dragging our geography into a great dead end. Those mercilessly killed are our brothers. The children dying at school desks are our offspring. What is the difference between the tears shed in Isfahan, Tabriz and Tehran and those shed in Beirut, Doha, and Riyadh? What difference does it make to the massacre network if our name is Ali, Murtaza or Omer? Whether in Iran or the Gulf, are we not the ones harmed by every missile fired? Even if our sects and origins are different, is it not our blood flowing in all four corners of our geography? Let everyone be sure of this: We neither discriminate between our brothers and neighbors nor do we remain spectators to the pain of our brothers. We do not leave the brotherly and friendly nations we know in good times alone in their bad days. The heavy bill that has emerged is being paid first by Muslims and then by everyone,” he said.
Türkiye maintains close ties with all sides of the conflict except Israel. “The brotherly Turkish nation played an important role in solidarity with the Muslim ummah for years. We will continue this honorable path together, with divine blessings,” Neighboring Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a tweet on Wednesday.
In a separate tweet, Pezeshkian said that “many countries” were experiencing an awakening. “The people of Pakistan, Türkiye, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, and Arab countries are loudly expressing their disgust for America, Israel and their crimes. The hearts of the free people of the world are not with the Zionists. Stability in the region is possible only through cooperation and respect for the will of the nations,” he said in a tweet in Farsi.
The war led by Israel against regional countries is imposing a growing cost on the entire world, Erdoğan said Tuesday, warning that escalating tensions, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, are pushing the global economy into turmoil, as its consequences are being felt far beyond the Middle East.
Erdoğan on Thursday went on to criticize Israel’s ongoing expansion in the region and shutdown of Muslims’ sacred site Al-Aqsa Mosque.
“Israel is implementing its plan to invade Lebanon. Israel is not leaving Syria alone either. It continues its aggressive actions. It has kept our first Qibla, Al-Aqsa Mosque, closed for 27 days. For the first time since 1967, Eid prayers were not performed at Al-Aqsa Mosque. The right to worship at Al-Aqsa Mosque cannot be prevented. Taking care of Al-Aqsa Mosque is a requirement of our humanity. Türkiye will continue to do its part,” Erdoğan said.
Since Israel and the U.S. started the war with Iran on Feb. 28, Israeli authorities have closed access to Jerusalem’s world-renowned holy sites over security concerns, the Al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christians and the Western Wall for Jews.
The Ministry of National Defense announced on Thursday that Turkish troops stationed in Baghdad as part of the NATO Iraq mission have left the country under the current circumstances.
NATO ordered its staff in Iraq to evacuate last Friday, while Iraq said that it was a temporary precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the personnel. Iraq, like Türkiye, stands to be affected by the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran war. NATO elements in Türkiye have intercepted several missiles reportedly fired by Iran, but the spillover of the conflict was worse for Iraq. Since the outbreak of war on Feb. 28, after U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran, strikes have targeted both U.S. interests and pro-Iranian groups in Iraq. Baghdad has hardened its stance. On Tuesday, it granted former paramilitary groups and pro-Iran factions within the formal popular mobilization forces the “right to respond in self-defense” to attacks.
Bases hosting the Popular Mobilization Force (PMF), part of the regular army but containing some pro-Iran factions, have been targeted by airstrikes. The PMF has blamed these on the United States and Israel.
Some Iraqi pro-Iran factions, which have a presence within the PMF, have claimed daily attacks on U.S.-linked bases and interests in Iraq and across the region. On Tuesday, authorities said they would summon the U.S. charge d’affaires after a deadly strike targeting the PMF killed 15, and the Iranian ambassador over ballistic missile hits that killed six Peshmerga fighters in northern Iraq controlled by Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
Defense Ministry spokesperson Zeki Aktürk told a weekly press briefing in Ankara on Thursday that NATO’s Iraq mission was ordered to be evacuated by the alliance due to the latest developments in the region, and Türkiye joined the order, successfully evacuating troops. Aktürk said they also supported evacuation operations for military personnel of other NATO member countries.
The ministry also made a statement on Thursday regarding reports of the establishment of a multinational NATO headquarters. The statement said the work for establishing a corps headquarters as part of NATO’s southeastern flank regional plan in 2023 was done, and Türkiye formally relayed its intention to the alliance in 2024. The ministry said that contrary to the media reports, the headquarters was not established, though they were in contact with NATO for its foundation. The statement also said it was not related to current developments in the region, namely the U.S.-Israel-Iran war, and that the headquarters would serve for the integration of security forces for deterrence and defense missions.
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş said Wednesday that Türkiye is committed to deepening cooperation with the Three Seas Initiative as a newly designated strategic partner, emphasizing the country’s key role in strengthening regional and global connectivity.
Speaking at the Three Seas Initiative Parliamentary Summit hosted by the Croatian Parliament at the National and University Library in Zagreb, Kurtulmuş described Türkiye’s participation as a significant step in expanding collaboration within the platform.
He said connectivity remains one of Türkiye’s core priorities, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance transportation, energy and communication corridors linking regions across Europe and Asia.
“As the country with the longest coastline on the Black Sea, Türkiye is determined to further deepen its relations with the initiative and develop multidimensional cooperation,” Kurtulmuş said.
He described the Three Seas Initiative as an inclusive framework shaped by the principle of regional ownership, providing a platform for strategic cooperation and consultation among participating countries.
Kurtulmuş pointed to Türkiye’s geostrategic position and advanced infrastructure as key advantages in facilitating connections between different regions of the world. He highlighted major projects such as the Middle Corridor, which links Asia and Europe via the South Caucasus and Central Asia, and the Development Road project connecting the Gulf region to Europe.
He also said the Turkish Parliament is ready to support inter-parliamentary dialogue to help advance the initiative’s goals.
Kurtulmuş warned that ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East demonstrate the fragility of global connectivity in the face of geopolitical tensions. He said the world is experiencing significant regional and international upheavals with lasting consequences.
“The humanitarian disaster in Sudan, the war in Ukraine, the ongoing crisis in Gaza, and the conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran point not only to a global crisis but also to a profound erosion of the international order established after 1945,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of security in the Black Sea region, describing Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine as a major threat. He reiterated Türkiye’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, including Crimea, and said Ankara continues diplomatic efforts to facilitate a just and lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.
Turning to the Middle East, he called for an end to the conflict involving Iran, warning of its impact on civilians, infrastructure and maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
He added that connectivity should also encompass the exchange of knowledge, culture and values, not just infrastructure, and reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to building corridors of trust, prosperity and resilience linking countries and regions.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance, values or position of Daily Sabah. The newspaper provides space for diverse perspectives as part of its commitment to open and informed public discussion.
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