Azernews.Az

Sara Rajabova, AzerNews Staff Writer

The Kurdish issue, which has always been in the focus of the international community`s attention, recently became more pressing following the events in Syria. Also, discussions have begun on the formation of a Kurdish state in the country. Under these circumstances, what will be the actions by Turkey and how real is establishment of such a state in Syria?

PKK militants intensifyattacks on Turkish-Syrian border

Kurdish terrorist groups have stepped up activity on the Turkish-Syrian border, reports say. Clashes between the Turkish army and Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants have intensified in recent weeks east of Turkey`s southeast border with Syria. Ankara is reportedly concerned over PKK`s exploiting the chaos in Syria to expand its influence. According to the Turkish press, the PKK terrorist group-related militants have taken control over four cities in northern Syria. They have no problems with Damascus and Western observers believe there are no clashes between the Kurds and armed opposition or government troops. As the situation in Syria becomes more strained by the day and the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime is obvious, government troops cede the control of the cities and settlements in the north-west of the country to the Kurds, according to reports.

Turkish FM blames Syrian president for arming PKK

Turkey`s Foreign Minister last week accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of arming the Kurdish militants, Reuters reported. Ahmet Davutoglu told Turkish media that Assad had given weapons to the PKK, which has established a presence in the towns of Kobani and Afrin in northern Syria. However, there was no immediate comment from Damascus. In an interview with a Turkish newspaper, Assad denied that Syria had allowed the PKK to operate on Syrian territory close to the Turkish frontier. Turkey suspects a major Syrian Kurdish movement, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), of having links with PKK. Turkish analysts believe Assad let the PYD take control of security of some towns in northern Syria to prevent locals from joining the rebel Free Syrian Army (FSA).

Assad`s desire of revenge to Turkey

The Debka news website known for its closeness to Israeli intelligence, interpreted the easy capture of power by the Kurds in the regions they inhabit as Bashar al-Assad`s desire to take revenge against Turkey. According to The Debka, Assad intentionally allows PKK presence in the Kurdish regions. The website claims Assad laid the blame for the loss of his ministers and relatives in an explosion in the National Security Center in Damascus on Turkey and therefore, uses PKK for causing trouble for Turkey.

A Kurdish administration in Syria?

Member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (parliament) from the Nationalist Movement Party, the former Industry and Trade Minister Ahmet Kenan Tanrikulu has said it is possible that the developments in Syria would lead to the formation of a few small states in Syria. One of these possibilities is forming a Kurdish administration there. Certainly, the regional developments will change with Assad`s stepping down. The signs of this happening are visible now. Turkey should be ready for events that may occur in the region, otherwise, it could expect dire challenges.

Russian historian and expert Stanislav Tarasov believes that if Damascus issues orders on granting autonomy to the Kurds and begins federalization of the country, it will change the entire situation in the region. In particular, it will cause hardship for Turkey in case official Kurdish opposition emerges on the political scene of Turkey. Therefore, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is now one of Assad`s harshest critics and has raised the possibility of military intervention in Syria if the PKK becomes a threat there.

According to some analysts, the formation of a Kurdish autonomy in Syria is not realistic. Orientalist, senior lecturer of Baku State University Aida Baghirova considers that a redrawing of borders in the region would not be an easy process. Besides, the key players in the region have a common opinion suggesting that Syria is expected to remain a unitary state.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton`s last visit to Turkey is evidence of that. In a meeting with Turkish officials Clinton noted that the U.S. shares Turkey`s determination that Syria must not become a haven for PKK terrorists either now or after the departure of the Assad regime. Praising Turkey`s leadership in the Syrian conflict, Clinton also said she shared Ankara`s resolve to prevent the outlawed PKK from using the neighboring country as a base. Clinton stated the significance of joint struggling of the United States and Turkey against the PKK terrorist group.

It is necessary to take into consideration the staunch rivalry between the Kurdish groups, including PKK, in the ideological and political sense. Indeed, some powers, including Syria led by Bashar al-Assad, may seek to take advantage of the Kurdish problem. The shattering Syrian regime could take revenge against its political opponent -- Turkey.

This fact is also confirmed by recent statements by Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan, who said Turkey would not allow to establish a Kurdish state in northern Syria, considering such formation a terrorist one.

If we consider that the establishment of a Kurdish state in northern Syria would give Kurdish autonomy access to the Mediterranean Sea and ensure its export capabilities. Ankara will hardly agree with this course of events and Turkey`s position on the issue is understandable.