After 40 years, with 40,000 people killed, and without securing a Kurdish homeland, the banned Kurdistan Workers Party, the PKK, is ending its war against the Turkish state. This signals the end of one of the longest conflicts in the world - a historic moment for Turkey, its Kurdish minority, and neighbouring countries into which the conflict has spilled over. A spokesman for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party said it was an important step towards a country free of terror. But what will the PKK get for disarming and disbanding? So far the government has made no promises – publicly at least. Sheltering inside a tea shop from a sudden violent hail storm that battered the ancient city of Diyabakir, Necmettin Bilmez, 65, a driver, was sceptical about what might follow. "They [the government] have been tricking us for thousands of years," he said. "When I get an ID card in my pocket saying I am Kurdish, I will believe everything will be solved. Otherwise, I don't believe in this." Sitting nearby on a small woven stool, Mehmet, Ek, 80, had a different view. "This has come late," he said. "I wish it had happened ten years ago. But still anyone from any side who will stop this bloodshed, I salute them," he said, tipping the top of his flat cap. "This conflict is brother on brother. The one who dies in the mountains [PKK] is ours and the soldier [from the government] is ours. "We are all losing, Turks and Kurds." He wants an amnesty for PKK fighters – like many here - and the release of jailed Kurdish politicians. "If all that happens it will be a beautiful peace," he said. In this majority Kurdish city in south-eastern Turkey - the de facto Kurdish capital - we found a muted response to PKK's announcement. The city has been scarred and reshaped by the conflict. Turkish forces and the PKK battled in the heart of Diyarbakir in 2015. You can still see the rubble of buildings flattened by the Turkish army. Many local people told us they welcomed peace, or the idea of it, and wanted no more deaths - Turkish or Kurdish. "No one has achieved anything," said Ibrahim Nazlican, 63, drinking tea in the shade of the towering city walls, which have guarded Diyarbakir since Roman times. "There is nothing but harm and loss, on this side and on that side. There are no winners." The conflict has ranged from the mountains of northern Iraq – which became PKK headquarters in recent years - to Turkey's biggest cities. Outside an Istanbul football stadium in 2016, a PKK affiliate carried out a double bombing killing 38 police officers and 8 civilians. Many Kurds and Turks are hoping this is the end of a dark chapter, which has claimed 40,000 lives The PKK decision lay down its arms followed a call in February by its jailed leader, Abdullah Ocalan, who said there was "no alternative to democracy". For now, the 76-year-old remains in his cell in an island prison off of Istanbul, where he has been held since 1999. To his supporters, he remains a heroic figure who has put their cause on a global agenda. They want him released. Menice, 47, is among them. She insisted his release was the key to a new dawn for the Kurds, who account for up to 20% of the Turkish population. "We want peace, but if our leader is not free, we will never be free," she said. "If he is free, we will all be free and the Kurdish problem will be solved." She is surrounded by family photos of loved ones who have died fighting for the PKK - which is classed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the UK, the US and the EU. She has lost five relatives including her brother and her oldest son Zindan. He joined the PKK at 17, and was dead at 25, killed in a Turkish airstrike three years ago. Menice's eyes fill with tears as she tells us how he used to help her with the housework. His path may have been mapped out from birth. "We named him Zindan [meaning cell] because his father was in prison when he was born," she told us. One large photograph hangs on the wall shows Zindan alongside his brother, Berxwendan, who followed his footsteps "up the mountain" to the PKK, when he reached the age of 17. Berxwenden is now 23. His mother did not know if he was alive or dead until he sent his family a photo of himself during Ramadan in March. Menice is hoping her surviving son may now come back. "I hope Berxwendan and his friends will come home. As a mother, I want peace. Let there be no killings. Hasn't there been enough suffering for everyone?" But does she believe that there can be peace between Turkey and the Kurds? "I believe in us, in Ocalan, and our nation [the Kurds]," she said firmly. "The enemy [the Turkish authorities] has forced us not to believe in them." However, pro-Kurdish political parties have some leverage. Erdogan needs their support to enable him to run for a third term as president in elections due in 2028. For its part, the PKK has been hit hard by the Turkish military in recent years with leaders and fighters hunted down in drone warfare. And regional change, in Iran and Syria, means the militant group and its affiliates have less freedom to operate. Both sides have their reasons for doing a deal now. That may be grounds for hope.
Scepticism and cautious hope as PKK takes historic step to disband
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"PKK Announces Disbandment in Historic Move Toward Ending Conflict with Turkey"
Bbc News
8.6
TruthLens AI Summary
After four decades of conflict that has resulted in approximately 40,000 deaths, the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has announced its decision to disband and end its armed struggle against the Turkish state. This move marks a significant turning point in one of the longest-running conflicts globally, with implications not only for Turkey but also for its Kurdish minority and neighboring regions that have been affected by the violence. While Turkish officials, including a spokesperson for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have hailed this development as a crucial step toward a terror-free nation, there remains a palpable skepticism among the Kurdish population regarding the government's intentions. Many in the city of Diyarbakir, a Kurdish stronghold, expressed doubts about the sincerity of the Turkish government, citing a long history of unfulfilled promises. The sentiments ranged from cautious optimism to outright skepticism, with older residents recalling the pain and loss that the conflict has inflicted upon both communities.
The end of hostilities follows a call from the PKK's imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, who has advocated for a democratic resolution to the Kurdish issue. However, for many Kurds, the release of Ocalan remains a pivotal factor in achieving lasting peace. Families affected by the violence, like that of Menice, who lost multiple relatives to the conflict, are hopeful yet wary. They desire not only peace but also recognition and rights for the Kurdish people within Turkey. As the Turkish government seeks support from Kurdish political factions ahead of upcoming elections, both sides appear to have a vested interest in pursuing a peaceful resolution. The announcement by the PKK has sparked discussions about amnesty for fighters and the release of political prisoners, raising hopes that this historic decision could pave the way for a more inclusive and peaceful future for all involved.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a significant development in the Kurdish-Turkish conflict, highlighting the PKK's decision to disband after a protracted struggle. This moment carries weight not only for Turkey and its Kurdish minority but also for its regional neighbors. The reactions of local residents illustrate a complex mix of hope and skepticism, indicating the deep-seated mistrust and the desire for genuine resolution.
Public Sentiment and Skepticism
The reactions from individuals like Necmettin Bilmez and Mehmet Ek reveal a divide in public opinion. While Bilmez expresses skepticism about the government's intentions, Ek emphasizes the need for reconciliation and amnesty for PKK fighters. This duality reflects a broader societal sentiment where hope for peace is tempered by historical grievances and distrust towards the state.
Government Response and Promises
The article notes the absence of clear promises from the Turkish government regarding the PKK's disbandment. This lack of assurance contributes to public skepticism. The historical context of broken promises in the peace process adds to the uncertainty that many Kurds feel. Local sentiments suggest that tangible steps, such as legal recognition and amnesty, are crucial for building trust.
Impact on Society and Politics
The potential for this development to influence Turkish society is significant. If the government takes steps towards reconciliation, it could foster a more stable social environment. Conversely, failure to address Kurdish demands might lead to renewed tensions. The article indicates that the government's actions in the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the future of Turkish-Kurdish relations.
Economic Implications
In terms of economic impact, a peaceful resolution could lead to increased investment in the southeastern region of Turkey, which has suffered economically due to the ongoing conflict. However, if skepticism prevails and violence resurfaces, it could hinder economic progress and deter foreign investment.
Support from Communities
The article highlights that support for the PKK's disbandment may come more from the Kurdish community, which has long been affected by the conflict. The sentiment for peace resonates with those who have experienced loss on both sides, indicating a desire for unity and healing.
Global Context
From a global perspective, the resolution of the Kurdish conflict could alter regional dynamics, particularly in relation to Turkey's position in the Middle East. It might also affect Turkey's relationships with other nations, especially those invested in Kurdish autonomy, such as Iraq and Syria.
AI Influence in Reporting
There is no indication that AI was used in writing this article; however, the structured presentation of perspectives suggests a careful curation of voices that reflect the complexity of the issue. It appears to be aimed at providing a balanced view rather than pushing a specific narrative.
In summary, the article offers a nuanced portrayal of a historic moment in the Kurdish-Turkish conflict while capturing the mixed emotions of a community at a crossroads. The overall reliability of the report seems strong, as it presents multiple viewpoints and acknowledges the historical context of the conflict.