Turkish incursion into northern Iraq.

By: Alejandra Diaz-Gil

For Europeans, Turkey is certainly a delicate term. Although Ankara's candidacy for membership of the European Union (EU) was introduced eight years ago, it is still in negotiations for its adhesion to the block.

Now, the possibility of an imminent Turkish incursion into northern Iraq against the Workers Party of Kurdistan (PKK) has put the Europeans, strong opponents of military intervention in a difficult juncture. However it must be said that there is a “tacit consent” of Europe, so far.

There coud be two main reasons that justify this "tacit consent:

First, the United States, the EU and Turkey have included the PKK on the list of terrorist organizations, and all kinds of action to combat terrorism can not be subject to any criticism.
Secondly, the EU is putting many obstacles to Ankara in its process of accession to the bloc, so now the Twenty-seven can not risk worsening relations.

This incursion undoubtly will have positive consequences:Military action can relieve the pressure of public opinion within the country and at the same time strengthen Turkey's presence in Iraq, so that when U.S. and British troops withdraw from Irak, Ankara may exercise greater influence in the neighboring country.

Most important of all is that, ultimately, Turkey could prevent the establishment of an independent Kurdish state in northern Iraq and to contain the Kurdish separatist movement in southeastern Turkey.