The PKK, which started its attacks in 1984, has since claimed the lives of thousands in Turkey. However, despite years of fighting, Turkey has been unable to bring an end to PKK terrorism. This latest attack has prompted many to think about what Turkey should or should not do to develop new strategies to fight terrorism. Milliyet’s Fikret Bila thinks the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government is at a crossroads in the fight against terrorism following this latest attack. “The government, along with the other parties represented in Parliament, has to determine its attitude at this crossroads. There are two choices for politicians: Fulfilling the military’s demands by amending laws on the fight against terrorism and continuing with the same legislation without making any amendments,” Bila writes. He acknowledges that there will be a political cost for either choice, noting that it is actually not possible to wage a war against terror without paying a political cost. “If politicians make the first choice and amend counterterrorism laws in line with the military’s demands, it will be criticized for not sufficiently ensuring human rights and democracy. Some circles will criticize such amendments in terms of EU law and standards. If they make the second choice, this time they will be criticized for not taking effective measures in the fight against terrorism,” Bila explains.
Sabah’s Erdal Şafak does not agree with the argument that the EU, which Turkey aspires to join, may criticize measures Turkey takes for a more effective fight against terrorism or a Turkish incursion into northern Iraq to hit PKK bases there. “The fight against terrorism continues to be a priority issue in the EU. In addition, there is no consensus among EU states on issues such as detention time or interrogation of suspects,” Şafak writes. In his view, there will be no problems between Turkey and the EU if the new counterterrorism measures are in line with the sprit of a democratic state of law, if their limits are well adjusted and they are clearly explained. “What saddens most is the fact that Turkey is dealing with the terror problem at a time when it needs to concentrate on its economy in the wake of a global financial crisis hitting the entire world,” Şafak says.
Radikal’s Cengiz Çandar suggests that if Turkey wants to get results, contrary to PKK goals, it should take the following steps: “Turkey should have closer ties with the Kurdish administration in northern Iraq. Turkey’s relations with Baghdad should continue to improve with care. Turkey should give special importance to cooperation with the US at a time when presidential nominee Barack Obama seems likely to win the presidential elections. Put aside initiatives that are aimed at settling the Kurdish issue, these are things the PKK wants not to happen. Then, Turkey should make them happen. It should make clear that its reason is to not be caught by the PKK’s trap or help it achieve its goals.”
