Speculation about a maze of alliances and strategic manoeuvres aimed at reshaping the Middle East, particularly in the aftermath of the Gaza conflict, is intensifying as Turkey prepares for a major operation against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in northern Iraq.
An article published in Asharq Al-Awsat suggests that the Iran-allied Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), with Iran’s backing, have reached a key agreement between Baghdad and Ankara to eradicate the PKK. However, it acknowledges that challenges to this goal may remain in the Sinjar (Shengal) region of Iraq.
According to the article, the PMF in Iraq, which is closely linked to Iran, has emerged as a key player in a crucial pact between Baghdad and Ankara aimed at eliminating the PKK. This Iranian-backed agreement goes beyond military operations against the PKK and points to broader arrangements for the post-Gaza war era in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Iraqi sources quoted in the article indicate that Tehran has approved Turkish actions in Iraq. One Iraqi politician noted the conspicuous presence of the PMF during official consultations between the two nations.
However, Sulaymaniyah and Sinjar, which lie on the edge of the Turkish buffer zone and overlap with Iranian interests, require different political and security arrangements from Ankara.
The Yazidi homeland of Sinjar has been plagued by severe violence, particularly during the rule of the Islamic State (ISIS), resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians and the displacement of many more. Located on the border between Turkey and Syria, Sinjar is now home to both the PKK and the PMF. These groups were instrumental in ousting ISIS from Sinjar and have gained the support of Yazidis in the area who have lost faith in the ability of the Kurdistan Region and Iraqi security forces to protect them from future threats.
Over the years, an alliance has developed between the PMF and the PKK in Sinjar during confrontations with the ISIS extremist group. The nature of this alliance remains ambiguous, with claims that the PMF provides safe havens for the PKK leadership in exchange for logistical and military support.
Furthermore, tensions between Turkey and the ruling Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Sulaymaniyah pose a challenge to Turkey that could disrupt these plans. A Kurdish source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Turks are trying to neutralise the PKK in Sulaymaniyah by forging a new relationship with Bafel Talabani, head of the PUK, including exploring opportunities for partnership with him and resolving differences with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in Erbil (Hewler).
While the sources quoted in the article remain anonymous, the information presented remains speculative. However, analysts also stress the PKK’s stronghold in the mountainous Kandil region along the Iraqi-Iranian border and the need for Tehran’s cooperation in any operation.
