The impact of U.S.-Turkey relationship in Iraqi Kurdistan, 2003-2011 /
This study investigates the impact of United States-Turkish relations on Iraqi Kurdistan during 2003-2011, where the relations between US-Turkey deteriorated after the US occupation of Iraq in 2003, and following the Turkish Parliament's decision not to allow US troops to pass through its terri...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Kuala Lumpur :
Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia,
2013
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://studentrepo.iium.edu.my/handle/123456789/7013 |
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| Summary: | This study investigates the impact of United States-Turkish relations on Iraqi Kurdistan during 2003-2011, where the relations between US-Turkey deteriorated after the US occupation of Iraq in 2003, and following the Turkish Parliament's decision not to allow US troops to pass through its territory into Iraq and open a front in the north. The Iraqi Kurds took advantage of this opportunity and provided support and backing of the US forces and participated with the Americans in the fight against Baghdad. This study attempts to answer important questions regarding the impact of US-Turkish relations on Iraqi Kurdistan. It points out the ensuing rift in US-Turkish relations and the US dispensing of Turkey as a strategic ally in the region and the stepping up of the Iraqi Kurds to fill this role. Furthermore, this study identifies the historical ties and strategic interests between the US and Turkey and the importance of the latter's geo-strategic position in US foreign policy. All these factors have justified America's view that Turkey is an indispensible ally and led them to sacrifice the Kurds and their cause once again in 2007, as it has done in the past. The passing and enforcement of Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution, which relates to solving the problem of Kirkuk and other disputed territories between Baghdad and Erbil has been postponed indefinitely to appease Turkey. On the other hand, this study has found that US-Turkish relations witnessed a positive impact on the Kurdistan region of Iraq and have gone through phases of engagement and estrangement between the two countries. The Kurds exploited the deterioration of relations between the US and Turkey in 2003; they approached the US and relations normalized in 2007. This allied status with the US has had a positive impact on the Iraqi Kurds and the US has been able to convince Turkey to acknowledge the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq. Subsequently, the Prime Minster of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, visited Erbil and participated in the opening of Erbil International Airport in 2011. This study recommends that the United States to work towards consolidation of democracy in Iraq and not to allow the emergence of new dictators in Iraq. It turns specifically to the authority of a single party, the Da'wa party of Prime Minister Nūrī al-Malik, as it is dedicated to improving the Iraqi Constitution and resolving outstanding disputes between Baghdad and Erbil is considered to be a source of strength and unity in Iraqi society. Without such a foundation, interests of the US and its ally in the region, Turkey, are at risk. |
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| Physical Description: | xi, 137 leaves : ill. charts ; 30cm. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 129-137). |