Rethinking Turkey-Iraq Relations: Unveiling the Complexities for a Sustainable Partnership

When it comes to the diplomatic landscape of the Middle East, the relationship between Turkey and Iraq occupies a crucial position. Stretched across cultural, historical, and geopolitical realms, the ties between these neighboring nations have witnessed numerous ups and downs throughout the years.

The Historical Backdrop of Turkey-Iraq Relations

Understanding Turkey and Iraq's historical relationship is essential in grasping the complexities that shape their current interactions. Ancient Mesopotamia, the birthplace of civilization, encompassed large parts of modern-day Iraq and influenced the Anatolian region, which constitutes most of present-day Turkey.

Rethinking Turkey-Iraq Relations: The Dilemma of Partial Cooperation (Middle East Today)

by Asher Susser (1st ed. 2016 Edition, Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
File size	:	757 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	276 pages
Hardcover	:	420 pages
Item Weight	:	1.68 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.94 x 9.21 inches

FREE

Throughout centuries, the empires that rose and fell on these lands established intricate interconnectedness, through conquests, trade routes, and shared cultural practices. However, with the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Turkey and Iraq faced the challenges of defining their national identities and navigating the post-colonial era.

The Geopolitical and Security Dynamics

The geopolitical and security dynamics play a significant role in shaping Turkey-Iraq relations. The two nations share a lengthy border, which has been a cause for both cooperation and tension. Iraq's internal struggles, including sectarian conflicts and the rise of ISIS, have had spillover effects on Turkey's security concerns.

Moreover, Turkey has also faced criticism regarding its military intervention and airstrikes targeting Kurdish militants in Iraq, further straining bilateral relations. The Kurdish question, with its various dimensions, remains a central point of contention between the two nations.

Economic Interdependence: Trade and Energy

Economic cooperation and interdependence between Turkey and Iraq have been significant drivers of their relationship. Energy plays a paramount role in this aspect, as Iraq possesses vast oil reserves and Turkey serves as a key transit country for Middle Eastern energy exports to global markets.

Additionally, trade between the two nations has witnessed significant growth in recent years, reaching billions of dollars annually. However, economic cooperation faces challenges such as stemming from bureaucratic hurdles, political instability, and disagreements over oil revenues distribution.

Shared Cultural Heritage and People-to-People Contacts

The shared cultural heritage and people-to-people contacts between Turkey and Iraq foster deep connections that extend beyond diplomatic relations. Historical sites, religious pilgrimages, and cultural exchanges contribute to a sense of belonging and understanding among the people of these nations.

However, political tensions and security concerns have impeded some of these interactions, limiting the potential benefits that can arise from increased people-to-people contacts. Overcoming these obstacles could enhance mutual understanding and pave the way for a more sustainable partnership.

Potential for Regional Collaboration

Given their geographical proximity and common challenges, Turkey and Iraq have the potential to collaborate on various regional issues. This includes cooperation in combating terrorism, managing refugee crises, and promoting stability in the volatile Middle East region.

Furthermore, both nations could contribute to the development of infrastructure projects, fostering economic ties beyond energy cooperation. Such collaboration could have a transformative impact on the overall regional dynamics.

Rethinking Turkey-Iraq Relations: The Way Forward

It is evident that rethinking Turkey-Iraq relations requires acknowledging the intricate web of historical, geopolitical, economic, and cultural factors that shape their interactions. By addressing their shared challenges, leveraging mutual interests, and promoting open dialogue, the two nations can pave the way for a more sustainable and beneficial partnership.

In , the complexities within Turkey-Iraq relations demand a comprehensive reevaluation to overcome the existing obstacles and unlock the immense potential for cooperation between these two strategic actors. By doing so, they can shape the future of the Middle East and foster stability, development, and collaboration in the region.

Rethinking Turkey-Iraq Relations: The Dilemma of Partial Cooperation (Middle East Today)

by Asher Susser (1st ed. 2016 Edition, Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
File size	:	757 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	276 pages
Hardcover	:	420 pages
Item Weight	:	1.68 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.94 x 9.21 inches

FREE

This book explores key historical episodes to understand the reasons and consequences of the enduring partiality problem in cooperation between Turkey and Iraq. Notwithstanding their mutual material interdependence and common cultural heritage, these two close neighbors have stayed far from achieving comprehensive cooperation. The author examines contextual-discursive dynamics shaping Turkey-Iraq partial cooperation around critical events, such as the Saadabad-Baghdad pacts, the Gulf War, the US Invasion, and the war against ISIS. Leading pro-government Turkish daily newspapers of the period are analyzed to highlight ambivalent ontological-rhetorical modes and ambiguous political narratives-frames that perpetuate paradoxes of partiality in Ankara’s rationalization and contextualization of cooperation with Baghdad and Erbil.