The imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan’s call to PKK to close down the weapons has raised the hope of an end to a long and bloody conflict.
The question is whether it is a genuine attempt to end a bloody conflict or just another move in Erdogan’s strategic maneuvers? The president has welcomed the message and talks about a new Turkey free of terrorism. But it is unclear what Turkey will live up to for consideration.
It is speculated about strengthened rights for Kurds, something Erdogan can use in its own advantage. Constitutional changes that can benefit the Kurdish minority can also pave the way for Erdogan to be able to remain in power.
The arrest of the mayor
At the same time, another political drama is underway. Istanbul’s popular mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has been arrested, accused of corruption and contact with PKK. A coincidence? Hardly.
The opposition calls it a political coup, and the protests have quickly spread throughout the country. The memories of the Geziprotes 2013 are brought to life. Erdogan strikes hard – just like then.
The Procurdish party they are facing a difficult choice. Support a peace process initiated by a government that simultaneously beats the opposition – or distance themselves and risk losing the opportunity for improved rights for Kurds?
The opposition to Erdogan is varied and contains conflicting interests from turkey and pro -kurdish voices. It makes it difficult for the opposition to show a united front.
Power play with high efforts
Peace negotiations, the future of the opposition and Erdogan’s power ambitions merges into a single political tangle. In order for the peace process to succeed, more than words are required – without difficult to digest concessions and real willingness to resolve the conflict. But right now it looks like Erdogan is rather using the process to secure his own future.
The arrest of Imamoglu may be the beginning of a new wave of authoritarian measures. At the same time, the peace dialogue Erdogan gives the opportunity to appear as a statesman in the international arena. The question is what weighs the heaviest – a real solution to the conflict or another step towards an increasingly unclear rule. In the coming months, Turkey’s future can determine.
In the clip, Kurdish Feride Gundem tells how she looks at reconciliation after the conflict.