Wednesday, December 28, 2011

The U.S. Interest in Addressing Germany's PKK Problem

The U.S. Interest in Addressing Germany's PKK Problem
By Cuneyt Yilmaz
December 28, 2011

The presence of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Europe is fast becoming a prism through which the Turks view their ties with Europe, especially in Germany.

U.S.-Turkish relations are experiencing a period of close cooperation. At the same time, Turkey's ties with its European allies are under pressure. The presence of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Europe is fast becoming a prism through which the Turks view their ties with Europe, especially in Germany, where the PKK has a significant infrastructure. The United States can encourage action against PKK networks in Germany and subsequently take credit for such action with the Turkish public, thus preventing further deterioration in ties between America's European allies and Turkey at a time of improving U.S.-Turkish relations.

More: Washington Institute