What Happens Next as UN Sanctions Loom Over Iran

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

For more than forty years, Turkey has faced fighting with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, also known as the PKK. This conflict has cost tens of thousands of lives and has created deep mistrust between the Turkish government and the Kurdish community.

The PKK first began as a group fighting for full independence for Kurds. Over time, their goals changed. Instead of demanding their own country, they started calling for more rights and better treatment for Kurds inside Turkey.

Now, after many years of war, there are signs of peace. Earlier this year, the PKK stopped its armed struggle and began disarming. This change came after Abdullah Öcalan, the group’s imprisoned leader, called on them to end violence in February. His message was clear—he wanted the fighters to put down their weapons and seek peace.

A commission in the Turkish parliament was created to oversee the disarmament process. Its main task is to guide how fighters will give up their weapons and return safely to normal life in society.

Symbolic Step Toward Peace

One strong example of this new approach happened in July. Around thirty PKK fighters in northern Iraq burned their weapons in a public act. This moment was meant to show that they were serious about ending violence and wanted to be part of a peaceful future.

It gave hope to many people who have lived through years of fear, but it also raised big questions about what happens next for those who disarm. Will they be safe? Will they face arrest? Will society accept them again?

What Kurdish MPs Are Demanding

Top Kurdish members of the Turkish parliament, especially Meral Danis Bestas and Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit, say the government must move faster. They believe the peace process cannot succeed with only words—it needs real action.

They are pushing for three main demands:

A “Return Home” law – This law would give legal protection to former PKK fighters who surrender. It would allow them to safely rejoin society without fear of being arrested or punished for their past.

Direct contact with Abdullah Öcalan – Even though he has been in prison for many years, Öcalan is still seen as the key figure for guiding the peace process. MPs want permission to meet him and hear his ideas for how peace can last.

End political crackdowns – Kurdish politicians say constant arrests of opposition figures weaken trust in peace. They argue that punishing political voices, especially from opposition parties, makes it harder to create unity.

Why Trust Is Important

The MPs say trust is the biggest problem. If fighters give up their weapons but are then arrested or jailed, others will not follow the peace path. As Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit explained, “Disarming and then going to prison is not a solution. People want to live, work, and take part in society freely.”

This shows that legal guarantees are necessary. Without them, the peace process risks failing, and violence could return.

Political Tensions in Turkey

These Kurdish lawmakers also criticized recent government actions against the opposition. One high-profile example is the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, from the main opposition party CHP. Such arrests, they argue, damage democracy and reduce confidence in the peace process.

They also called on President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to support the peace commission and lower the tone of political speeches that divide communities. They believe a calmer political climate would make peace easier to achieve.

DEM Party’s Role

The Democratic Equality Movement (DEM), which represents many Kurdish voters, is taking part in the new parliamentary commission. Even though they have disagreements with the ruling party, they see this commission as a chance to push for reforms that could finally end the decades of conflict.

Their participation shows they want to work within the system and not against it. They believe that even slow progress is better than returning to violence.

Why This Peace Effort Matters

The conflict with the PKK lasted more than 40 years. Generations of people in Turkey’s southeast have lived with fear, arrests, and violence. Entire villages were displaced, and thousands of families lost loved ones.

Now, there is a chance to end this painful chapter. But for peace to work, fighters must feel they have a future in Turkey. That means jobs, education, and the ability to live freely without constant suspicion.

Opening communication with Abdullah Öcalan may also help because many PKK members still listen to his voice. If he supports peace, his followers are more likely to stay committed to it.

Finally, reducing political pressure on opposition groups would help create trust across society. Peace requires not just an end to fighting but also a fair and open political environment.

Kurdish lawmakers in Turkey are asking the government to act faster in the peace process with the PKK. They want a new law to protect fighters who give up weapons, permission to talk with jailed leader Abdullah Öcalan, and fewer arrests of political opponents. They say these steps are needed to build trust and make peace last after decades of war.

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