(Torchia, 2007) However, there has been suggested that there are now more serious controls at the Iraqi border for the convoys of food that cross everyday in Northern Iraq to the Kurd population in the region. This initiative however can also be seen as a social measure against the population who is left without food resources and in precarious conditions. The fact that the level of development is dramatically lower than in the Turkish parts of the country is already common knowledge; therefore imposing economic limitations would only reduce the possibilities of the Kurdish population and not necessarily the financial strength of the PKK.
In is rather hard to have a clear view on the best means to react to the actions taken by terrorist groups, and especially nationalistic terrorism. This type of terrorism, although it has a rather long history, employs new methods of applying violent pressure on the society, thus endangering the level of security in the country. The killings and kidnappings the PKK conducts represent indeed a criminal threat for the society and must be dealt with as responsible as possible.
From a personal point-of-view, I consider that violence is not necessarily the answer for establishing the order in the Turkish society. Indeed, the perpetrators must be brought to justice and even their trials could be transformed in examples for the groups they belong to. However, justice in its purest form must be applied, without any biased attitude. Otherwise, the convictions would be considered legal acts of revenge against the Kurds and in return, they would demand more bloodshed.
Secondly, I consider that the PKK threat could be dealt with in the framework of human security issues through a strong dialogue between the two parties, the Turkish authorities and the Kurdish ones. A certain agreement that would put an end to violence on the streets of Ankara or Istanbul could be reach, should the political will be that strong.
Finally,...
The Kurdish parts represent some of the poorest areas of the country and the population is socially and economically separated from the rest of Turkey. This can be considered a favorable environment for the development of all sorts of terrorist activities and plans. The Turkish state should be more involved in trying to improve the quality of life in these regions in order to present a more cooperative attitude towards the Kurds.
Overall, the criminal threats facing Turkey are especially the results of the terrorist activities of the PKK. The measures taken by the state are strongly based on violence and cross border attacks in neighboring regions where Kurds and supporters of the PKK live. At the same time, economic measures against the Kurds which have social consequences are undergoing in both Turkey and Iraq. However, it may be that a more peaceful and dialogue based approach would offer more results in trying to put an end to the continuous conflict between the Turks and the Kurds.
References
Cerrah, Ibrahim. "The stance of a democratic society against terrorism: Turkey's approach." The Journal of Turkish Weekly. 2006. 11 November 2007. http://www.turkishweekly.net/comments.php?id=2061
China News. Turkey steps up measures to fight against PKK. 2007. 11 November 2007. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-10/10/content_6859265.htm
Federation of American Scientists. The Kurds in Turkey. 2007. 11 November 2007. http://www.fas.org/asmp/profiles/turkey_background_kurds.htm
Torchia, Christopher. "Turkey Threats Lift Rebel Kurds' Profile." 2007. Find Law website. 11 November 2007. http://news.lp.findlaw.com/ap/i/629/10-30-2007/cee3004ffc4e69c9.html
Torchia, Christopher. "Turkey begins economic measures against groups linked to Kurdish rebels." MSNBC website. 2007. 11 November 2007 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21568496
