Two terrorist attacks in 20 days; first 12, then 9 casualties...

So, what triggered the resurgence of PKK terrorism?

Rather, we should ask: What made the U.S. reactivate PKK terrorism against Turkey? It's now a widely acknowledged fact that the PKK is the tool, while the U.S. is the "main source" of terrorism.

There are two answers to this question, one directly related to Turkey and the other to the region:

U.S.-PKK TERRORISM AND SWEDEN'S APPROVAL

From the U.S. perspective, PKK terrorism is a stick used against Turkey. Washington often resorts to this tactic to coerce Ankara into aligning with its political objectives.

The most pressing issue between Washington and Ankara currently is Sweden's NATO membership. The U.S. is using both carrot (F-16 sales) and stick (PKK terrorism, directly shooting down a UAV) tactics against Turkey.

Consider this timeline:

On October 5, 2023, the U.S. shot down a Turkish UAV targeting PYD (PKK's Syrian branch) bases in Syria. The Pentagon openly declared that "the UAV, which approached within half a kilometer of U.S. forces, was perceived as a threat and shot down by F-16s."

On October 23, 2023, Erdoğan signed Sweden's NATO accession protocol and sent it to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM).

On December 22-23, 2023, the PKK attacked a Turkish base in northern Iraq: with 12 martyrs.

On December 26, 2023, Sweden's NATO accession protocol was approved by the TBMM Foreign Affairs Committee.

On January 12, 2024, the PKK attacked a Turkish base in northern Iraq: with 9 martyrs.

QUESTIONING THE U.S. PRESENCE

Now to the regionally related answer to our initial question...

October 7 marked a significant change in our region: The U.S.'s military presence in Iraq and Syria is being questioned. This scrutiny is not just in words but in actions targeting U.S. bases in the region. Syrian and Iraqi governments are demanding the U.S. withdraw from their territories, while various forces target U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria, partly due to America's support for Israel's attacks in Gaza.

A critical point here is the U.S. response to Baghdad's demand for withdrawal: The U.S. insists that the ISIS threat persists in the region!

However, this threat is non-existent. ISIS has always been a "useful enemy" for the U.S., introduced in the region for its benefit. For instance, on the anniversary of Qasem Soleimani's assassination on January 3, 2024, bombs exploded during memorial events in Iran, killing 103 people.

During this period, the PKK also targets Turkey...

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE?

The PKK terrorism targeting Turkey in December and January and the ISIS terrorism targeting Iran in January both represent "American terrorism." The U.S.-U.K.-Israel triangle is sending a message to Iran, Turkey, and the region through PKK and ISIS terrorism.

October 7 signifies a turning point against the U.S. military presence in our region. The quadrangle of the Black Sea, Eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea, and the Persian Gulf, including the Belt and Road's central corridor and the Iraq-Turkey-centered Development Path, are critically important for both regional and global struggles.

The U.S. is trying to cover its weakness in this struggle with terrorism.

In this situation, Ankara needs to position itself according to this reality. The responses to American terrorism are clear:

1. The Turkish Grand National Assembly should reject Sweden's NATO membership.
2. The Kürecik Radar should be shut down, and flights from İncirlik Air Base should be stopped.
3. Ankara should normalize relations with Damascus and develop cooperation between Ankara, Damascus, Baghdad, and Tehran against the U.S. military presence in Iraq and Syria.