By: Dr. Adnan Bozan 

The conflict between the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and Turkey is one of the most complex disputes in the region, spanning decades marked by repeated waves of violence and military confrontations, as well as multiple attempts to find a political solution—none of which have succeeded. This conflict, which began in the 1980s, has evolved from a limited armed confrontation into a regional issue with deep security and political dimensions, making it one of the most sensitive files in Turkish and regional politics. Despite previous attempts at dialogue and the declaration of ceasefires at various intervals, all these efforts have failed due to several factors, ranging from a lack of trust to external interventions and shifting domestic and regional political balances.

The lack of trust between the two sides is the biggest obstacle to any genuine peace initiative. Turkey views the PKK as a threat to its national security and refuses to recognize it as a legitimate political entity with which negotiations can take place. Meanwhile, the PKK sees Turkish state policies as being based on the denial of Kurdish rights and the repression of the Kurdish people. These conflicting perspectives deepen the divide and make it even more difficult to reach viable and implementable solutions on the ground.

No peace initiative between the PKK and Turkey will be feasible unless it is placed under international supervision to ensure the implementation of agreements and establish mechanisms for monitoring and accountability. Past experiences have shown that the absence of international guarantees makes any agreement vulnerable to collapse as soon as political dynamics shift or internal pressures emerge on either side. This was evident during negotiations in the early 2000s, where dialogue initiatives were announced but ultimately failed due to the absence of an international body to ensure the implementation of agreements and prevent either party from withdrawing at the first opportunity.

The regional dimension of this conflict also makes it impossible to resolve without involving international actors. External interventions, whether by regional or global powers, have further complicated the situation, as each party has used the Kurdish issue as a political or security bargaining chip. Therefore, any agreement that lacks international support and sponsorship will remain fragile and incapable of withstanding political and military pressures. The presence of an international monitoring mechanism would help build trust between the parties, reduce military escalations, and create a more favorable environment for a lasting political resolution.

The continuation of this conflict without a comprehensive and sustainable solution will only lead to further tensions and instability in the region, affecting not only Turkey and the PKK but also neighboring countries with interconnected interests in this issue. Unilateral initiatives or military-based approaches will not yield positive outcomes; instead, they will lead to further escalation and unrest. Achieving genuine peace requires serious political will from all parties, as well as dedicated international efforts to find a fair and lasting solution that guarantees the rights of all parties and puts an end to a conflict that has dragged on for too long and burdened the entire region.

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