The Iraq conflict and its security implications for Turkey (2003-2007)

Abstract

This thesis evaluates the security threats posed to Turkey after the March 2003 invasion of Iraq. The newly emerging federal, democratic Iraqi state and its political, economic and ethnic make up is analyzed in detail in order to demonstrate the threats it may pose to Turkish national security. The thesis looks at the links between the terrorist organization the PKK and the Kurdish Regional Government in Iraq, as well as outlining mistakes of Turkish foreign policy in the region that have led to the current impasse. The Turkmen minority in Iraq, the status of Kirkuk and other disputed territories, as well as Iraqi and Kurdish legislation on Iraq’s energy resources are also analyzed. This thesis aims to draw a roadmap for Turkish foreign policy in the region that would avoid past mistakes and address security concerns for the future, while guaranteeing Iraq’s territorial integrity.