A suicide bomber denoted an explosive device in close proximity to the interior ministry building in Ankara (Turkey’s capital), resulting in two wounded police officers. However, a second assailant had a shootout with another officer which resulted in the death of the assailant. The PKK (the Kurdistan Workers’ Party) took responsibility for the attack. The PKK is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union; the bombing coincided with the opening of the parliament. In response to the suicide bombing in Ankara, Turkey targeted Kurds through air strikes/air raids in northern Iraq. Concluding the attack, the Turkish interior ministry said, “About 20 targets of the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) group were ‘destroyed’ in the aerial operation, including caves, shelters and depots,”(AL JAZEERA).
Historically, Turkey and Iraq have had notably cooperative and tense moments. However, both fight for recognition in the Middle East and support opposing proxies. Yet, both countries have shared cultural heritages along with being composed of predominantly Muslim populations. Nonetheless, their differences are highlighted through their opposing ideals. Abdul-Latif Rashid (Iraq’s president) stated: “My country does not accept the repeated Turkish strikes or the presence of Turkish bases in the Kurdistan region and I hope to come to an agreement with Turkey to solve this problem”(AL JAZEERA). Turkey’s response to the bombings from PKK was justified by their sovereignty. However, through Abdul-Latif Rashid’s statement, it is evident he believes otherwise. Erdogan (Turkey’s President) informed members of parliament that agreeing on a new constitution was a priority for the new session. The parliament speaker said its agenda would not surrender to “terror”. Turkey’s parliament is expected to consider ratifying Sweden’s bid to join NATO.
As a non-government actor, the PKK (recognized as a terrorist group) connections to Iraq make Iraq responsible for the suicide bombings. This means that Iraq threatened Turkey’s sovereignty. On an individual level of analysis, Turkey’s president, Erdogan, may seek to join NATO for protection against these terrorist attacks. Erdogan would want to protect the citizens of Turkey and their country as a whole. However, on a global level of analysis, this may allow Turkey recognition in the Middle East (being connected to world powers such as the US), the very thing they are competing for against Iraq. Iraq and Turkey’s support of opposing ideals could lead to further disputes between the two countries.