BY SAMI KOHEN
MILLIYET - Debate over the government's Kurdish initiative is attracting little international attention, as there are hotter world issues right now. But foreign diplomatic circles and think-tanks concerned about Turkey have been closely following the initiative and the intense debate over it. Statements made by ambassadors from countries like the US and Britain in Ankara and also European Union officials on the issue were covered by the Turkish media. These evaluations have generally been positive. In other words, foreigners see this new initiative to solve the Kurdish issue as a bold, appropriate and timely step.
This shouldn't come as any surprise. Western countries - and sometimes others - have been suggesting that Turkey should discuss the problem in terms of its political and social aspects, while trying to end PKK terrorism. This time the government is handling the Kurdish issue along with the problem of terrorism through a new initiative. The circles which object to this initiative try to link it to foreign or US pressure. It's true that suggestions about a 'political solution' to the issue from the US and certain European countries have become frequent. Some of these suggestions were made during Turkish leaders' meetings with top officials of these states. Others were expressed by Turkey experts from various think-tanks.
These might have had an impact on the government's decision on the initiative. But thinking that Ankara got involved in the initiative only due to US or EU demands or pressure is myopic. A host of factors over many months played a role in Turkey's decision to draw up a new strategy on the Kurdish issue. In brief, these factors are as follows:
1. The operations which have been carried out against the PKK both in Turkey and northern Iraq since the beginning of last year have weakened it. Leading figures in the PKK started to talk about peace and ending the attacks.
2. Turkish diplomacy has furthered the dialogue about ending the presence of the Kurdish administration and PKK in northern Iraq and started to make headway. US support and its plan to withdraw from Iraq have contributed to this.
3. The view that the problem of terrorism can't be solved only through military means but needs more comprehensive measures has gained strength in Turkey. Moreover, this view was clearly expressed by Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) commanders, and this encouraged officials.
4. Public desire to end the bloodshed and tears and enter a new era is growing louder.
5. Many believe that solving the issue democratically would both strengthen Turkey domestically and enhance its prestige abroad.
It would be disrespectful to Turkey's self-confidence and its ability to make decisions in line with its own interests to avoid domestic dynamics and international context and link the Kurdish initiative only to 'foreign pressure.' It's particularly misleading to take statements made by non-governmental organizations or experts in Western countries as a basis and see the 'hands of foreigners' behind the new initiative.