Ankara was also worried that Barzani’s visit would spark protests. The increase in Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) activities over the last month and its peak following an attack in İskenderun last week created a tense political atmosphere in Turkey prior to Barzani’s visit. In the eyes of the public, Barzani and the PKK were the same. They were different fingers on the same hand. As a result, Barzani was as responsible as the PKK for the deaths.The PKK was aware of how the Turkish people connected the two together. One of the main reasons the PKK increased its activities was actually to consolidate this connection. Since İskenderun is the only port that would enable the PKK’s envisaged “Kurdistan” to open out to the sea, it was chosen as the place to carry out a “welcoming” stunt for Barzani. One of the main reasons why the PKK activities increased, particularly in İskenderun, prior to Barzani’s visit to Turkey was to make Barzani’s visit unsuccessful. If Barzani forms an alliance with Ankara, it will inhibit the PKK from being able to remain in northern Iraq untroubled.
Moreover, the PKK sees Turkey as its own turf. It does not want Barzani to create a political ground in Turkey. Barzani, however, will continue to develop closer relations with Turkey despite the PKK because Barzani needs Turkey in order to minimize and balance out Arab nationalism, which is increasing in Iraq as the US’s political and militaristic weight in the country decreases, and pressure from Iran and Syria. In Barzani’s eyes, Turkey is part of the West. It is a gateway to Europe and the country with the biggest Kurdish population. Plus, Kurds in Turkey are economically and politically strong. In Turkey, Kurds can freely pursue and defend their democratic rights.
After Barzani delivered his speech at the meeting organized by the Middle East Strategic Research Center (ORSAM) in Ankara on June 4, he responded to questions from foreign diplomats and businessmen. Barzani likes to speak calmly and concisely. His responses to the questions were short and simple. At meetings he prefers to speak in Kurdish because he is not fluent in English. But backstage he speaks English.
The Iraqi Kurdish leader indicated that they would be pleased if visa requirements between Turkey and Iraq are removed when the time comes. Noting that his visit marked the beginning of a new period for bilateral relations, Barzani said: “It’s normal for there to be bilateral relations. I share [Turkish Foreign Minister] Ahmet Davutoğlu’s opinion.” He explained that Turkey is the biggest country with the most companies in the Kurdistan region and added that “we foresee a bright future in which we will be able to build strong relations in every aspect.”
Barzani noted that they held successful meetings with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu and Interior Minister Beşir Atalay and explained that the talks were dominated by a common mindset. Noting that efforts were under way to set up a new government in Iraq, Barzani gave assurances that the Kurdish region will help the country as a whole to overcome obstacles in establishing a government.
In the end, despite the PKK’s provocations, Barzani’s visit to Turkey did not lead to protests in the streets. This is a point that needs to be taken into consideration. The first reason for this is that, in a large portion of Turkish political parties, including nationalist parties and civil society organizations, there is no opposition to improving relations between northern Iraq’s Kurds and Turkey. The second reason is that Israel’s bloody attack on a Turkish aid ship sparked anger and strongly shocked the Turkish public. This is why Turkey’s agenda was mainly shaped by Israel and not Barzani.
