More Talk, Same Old Trouble
Turkish President Erdoğan and Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani have reportedly discussed deepening their countries' relationship, focusing on economic and infrastructure projects like the Development Road. Mainstream reports spin this as simple regional cooperation, painting a picture of two sovereign nations amicably working towards shared prosperity. Apparently, all is well and progressing.
Curiously, these friendly overtures consistently gloss over a few inconvenient facts. Turkey has maintained a military presence in northern Iraq since the 1990s, ostensibly to combat the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). This involves dozens of bases and frequent incursions, often without Baghdad’s explicit consent, violating Iraqi sovereignty. In 2021 alone, Turkey conducted 300 airstrikes in Iraq,
a number rarely highlighted by outlets heralding 'strengthened ties.' One might wonder why Iraq, a nation still struggling to rebuild after decades of conflict, finds itself continually negotiating with an occupying force for economic projects. This isn't just about roads; it's about control over water resources, oil, and strategic pathways reminiscent of colonial-era resource grabs, where
stronger neighbors dictate terms to a weaker one. The language of 'cooperation' conveniently avoids discussing the power imbalance. So, while the diplomatic niceties continue, the underlying dynamics of Turkish encroachment and Iraqi vulnerability remain untouched. This pattern, where regional strongmen leverage economic incentives against security concessions, is as old as nation-states