Efforts by Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to break old taboos and resolve the Kurdish question in Turkey are historic and unprecedented. In modern democracies, unitary and federal states, all citizens, regardless of their race or religion, are proud to be part of their own countries. Often, their differences even strengthen their countries. During times of war, or natural disasters, all citizens hurry to help and support each other. No one asks what is the race or religion of the victims. The US, the UK, Germany and other countries, are good examples where people are proud to be part of their states and also proud to be part of the federal country itself.

Scotland even prints its own version of the British Pound. It has its own government and Parliament. This system of a ‘country within a country’ has made the United Kingdom stronger. When fighting terrorists in Afghanistan, soldiers from all parts of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) are fighting together as British troops and carry one flag. This is at a time when the Kurds of Turkey are not pushing for a Scotland-like solution inside Turkey; all they want and need are basic human, cultural and political rights within the Turkish state. 

As the most forward-looking government Turkey has ever produced, Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdoğan, is working on a historic initiative to address the Kurdish issue in Turkey. The timing is suitable. There is positive feedback from many Turkish citizens from all walks of life. Kurds, in and outside Turkey, are also looking forward to concrete steps that will ensure peace and prosperity for all citizens of Turkey.

What is important now is to find a peaceful solution to that conflict. History teaches us that there is no military solution to ethnic issues. As an observer and independent journalist, I believe that the Turkish government should continue their efforts toward finding a peaceful solution to the conflict with the PKK. Turkey has more important issues to focus on, like membership in the European Union. A peaceful, stable and prosperous Turkey where “all” its citizens enjoy their natural rights will increase its chances of membership in the EU and possibly even expedite the process.

Possible suggestions to end the conflict could be: The Turkish Government taking brave steps to recognize the Kurdish language and culture and facilitate their use in the predominately Kurdish areas of Turkey, incorporate ethnic Kurdish citizens into important government departments and positions like the Foreign Ministry and the diplomatic corps, issuing an amnesty to the PKK and the release of Kurdish political prisoners,  and also to widen social and economic assistance to the impoverished southeast.

Taking the above-mentioned steps would never be interpreted as making concessions, rather it will be recorded in history as brave steps that helped put an end to bloodshed.

The PKK on its part must renounce violence and its outdated revolutionary slogans and lay down its arms and commit itself to a peaceful solution. Violence does not pay; and the PKK’s presence in the mountainous border areas made those beautiful scenic areas off-limits to the people of Iraqi Kurdistan.

On the other hand, Turkey must also continue consulting and working with the Kurdistan Regional Government, which also suffered from the PKK violence and counter action by Turkey. The KRG leaders, especially Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, made tremendous efforts to improve relations with Turkey and foster stronger economic ties between both private sectors. Hundreds of Turkish companies are working in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Cars with Turkish plate numbers are a familiar scene on the streets of the region.

Moreover, as we look into the future, we see that the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is rich in natural resources, especially oil and gas. Turkey needs energy and the Kurdistan Region has it. The region is a close and friendly market for Turkey. In return, the Kurdistan Region can benefit from Turkish industries and investments. The potential for mutual cooperation is bottomless.

Kurdish intellectuals and writers, especially in Europe, must voice their support for the full membership of Turkey in the European Union. Iraqi Kurdistan Region is better off with an EU member as its neighbor.

As for the role of the US, UK and EU countries in this process, they can play an important role in talking to the Turkish military generals (their NATO partners) and encourage them to support the Turkish government’s efforts to resolve the Kurdish issue in Turkey. The budget Turkey is allocating to fund its war against the PKK could be used for better projects. The sooner the war ends the better for all.

Peace and stability in Turkey’s Kurdistan is vital for all the peoples of Turkey and also for Iraqi Kurdistan. It is also in the interest of America and Europe. Supporting the initiative of the Erdoğan government to resolve the Kurdish issue in Turkey, is a moral responsibility of everyone, East or West.