Separate issues, solutions

Although the cause of the PKK’s initial emergence was the discontent of the Kurds in the country, columnists agree that the two are entirely separate issues today and therefore require two separate solutions.

The Star’s Sedat Laçiner says that although there might seem to be a link between the Kurdish question, terrorism, regional development and the re-shaping of the Middle East, they are definitely separate. The terrorism problem, he notes, is a multi-dimensional one, having internal, foreign, economic and political causes. Therefore, the resolution has to be multi-dimensional as well. We can’t end violence with security policies alone. But, on the other hand, if we are attacked, then it is inevitable that we will respond. Furthermore, no reform can be achieved in the shadow of violence, and taking security measures that are moderate and in line with the law will save us time and also prevent terrorism from growing. But we also have to grant every citizen equal rights, with or without terrorism. There can be no negotiation on this. And the only negotiation with terrorists can relate to under what conditions they will lay down their arms. In sum, Laçiner says, the PKK problem, which is no longer about Kurds and is more of an active part of Middle Eastern politics, cannot be overcome by merely making reforms in our country or by lessening our security weaknesses. The fight against terrorism is a fight requiring many steps that should be taken simultaneously. If we take these steps together, we will solve the problem. If they are taken separately, then we will see the opposite of the outcome we expect.

Bugün’s Gültekin Avcı, on the other hand, focuses on the “Wise Men” delegation, which is made up of members from nongovernmental organizations seeking to produce solutions to the country’s Kurdish question. Avcı says this delegation has a pretty big goal of “removing the blockage before Turkish politics.” The columnist says he really hopes the delegation proves successful. However, progressing with as relative a concept as “wise men” is as difficult as walking on icy ground. In fact, the project of “wise men” was stillborn, because the Kurdish issue is a political one. As this project, under the slogan “no political actors in the project,” hopes to resolve it through wisdom alone -- although it is not clear on what basis they are regarded as “wise” -- it is destined to fail.