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Why is Erdogan attacking PKK not Daesh?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivers a speech during Presidential Culture and Arts Grand Awards ceremony at the presidential palace in Ankara, on December 9, 2015. (AFP Photo)

The terrorist attack in Suruc, allegedly perpetrated by Daesh, has precipitated airstrikes on the terrorist group by Turkey. But crucially, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also took the opportunity to strike the PKK and potentially reignite open conflict.

The PKK has so far responded by killing over 150 Turkish soldiers. More attacks by both sides are expected. Kurdish protesters have hit the streets in Istanbul and Ankara. The EU has warned against further conflict.

On this episode of Infocus, against the background of the recent Turkish elections, we ask why, when Daesh terrorists are clearly the greatest threat to the Middle East, is Turkey taking this opportunity to attack PKK. Erdogan has said there is no timescale for the attacks indicating it could be a long campaign. The PKK meanwhile says Turkey has now broken the ceasefire. More war, is this what the Middle East needs right now?


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