Changing dynamics of regional geopolitics, and its Impact on Iraqi Kurdish Politics engaging with Kurdish and Turkish leaders to mediate a resolution.
By  Saadula Aqrawi
Yes, for decades, Ocalan’s leadership was synonymous with the PKK’s militant activities. However, after years of imprisonment and the changing dynamics of regional geopolitics, Ocalan has reconsidered the PKK’s approach. In his message, Ocalan emphasized the importance of shifting from armed struggle to political dialogue and peaceful solutions to the Kurdish question, not only in Turkey but throughout the wider Kurdish regions in the Middle East.
I believe that the dissolution of the PKK was portrayed as a necessary step to build a new, more democratic, and peaceful approach to Kurdish rights. Ocalan’s message stresses the importance of Kurdish unity and calls for a reorganization of Kurdish political movements under peaceful and diplomatic methods, potentially creating a new platform that could have broader regional support. This marks a dramatic departure from the group’s historically militaristic tactics. The PKK’s involvement in Iraq has led to complicated relationships with both the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) and Turkey. Over time, however, the group’s presence in Iraq has caused tensions, particularly between the KRG and Turkey, which views the PKK as a terrorist organization.
The KRG has long tried to maintain a delicate balance between supporting Kurdish self-determination and avoiding provoking Turkey, a key regional power and trade partner. The PKK’s actions in Iraqi Kurdistan have often complicated the KRG’s relationship with Turkey, leading to sporadic military confrontations between Turkish forces and the PKK in the region. Ocalan’s message to dissolve the PKK, therefore, has profound implications for the Kurds in Iraq. The call challenges the PKK’s influence in the region, potentially signaling a shift towards a more cooperative and peaceful approach to Kurdish unity. For the Iraqi Kurds, Ocalan’s message offers a chance to reconsider their own political alliances and adopt a strategy that balances the pursuit of Kurdish rights with pragmatic relations with regional powers, including Turkey.
I believe that the Ocalan’s call for the dissolution of the PKK is likely to have a profound impact on Iraqi Kurdish politics. The Kurds of Iraq, particularly those within the KRG, have long been divided on the issue of the PKK. Some factions within the KRG have maintained strong relations with the PKK, while the KDP, have been wary of the group’s militant activities and the strain it places on their relationship with Turkey.
And of course if Ocalan’s message gains traction, it could lead to a shift in the dynamics of Kurdish political movements in Iraq. The KRG may find it easier to negotiate with Turkey and other regional powers if the PKK, as an active military force, were to dissolve. This could lead to increased stability in the region, as both the KRG and Turkey may be able to engage in more constructive dialogue. A sudden shift away from the PKK could create internal divisions within the broader Kurdish political movement, as factions within the Kurdish community may resist abandoning the armed struggle in favor of diplomacy.