Bahçeli's İmralı move divides the AKP: Differing views on a new peace process

The İmralı process, initiated by MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli with his call for PKK terrorist organization leader Abdullah Öcalan to "speak in Parliament," has caused major divisions within the AKP. The statement that "there is nothing to fear from meeting with Öcalan," which came from the commission established under the roof of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) following Bahçeli's proposal, has laid the groundwork for the emergence of different views within the ruling party.

BAHÇELİ'S INITIATIVE DIVIDED THE RULING PARTY

While the İmralı process was expected to gain momentum, differences in approach to the reconciliation process have come to the fore within the AKP. Nefes columnist Nuray Babacan summarized these differing perspectives within the AKP as follows: "There are different views among the party's Kurds, those active in the state's internal affairs, and those who look at it from a Central Anatolian perspective." Detailing how these three different approaches within the AKP would affect the process, Babacan explained the reason for President Erdoğan's distant stance toward the process. Babacan expressed the view that Erdoğan is not very "enthusiastic" because of these differences.

Babacan stated that AKP members of Kurdish origin believe that developments in Syria are negatively affecting Turkey's policies. This segment is in favor of developing positive relations with all structures in Syria. Stating that Kurds within the AKP argue that "there is no sensitivity regarding the rights of Kurds," Babacan expressed that the dream of members in this group is to create a Kurdish region in harmony with Turkey, similar to the one in Northern Iraq.

Another group, which defends traditional state policy, sees the use of Kurds by foreign powers as problematic. While this group approaches the reconciliation process more cautiously, it criticizes the policies and long-term plans of Western countries in the region. Babacan reported that there are those within this group who say, "Western countries have prioritized the fragmentation in the region and the security of Israel over the last 40 years."

TURKEY NEEDS TO SOLVE ITS OWN PROBLEM

Babacan pointed out that another view within the AKP emphasizes the importance of Turkey solving its own problems internally. Those who hold this view argue that one must be careful during the reconciliation process to reduce the influence of foreign powers.

AKP'S FAILED ATTEMPT REVEALED

On the other hand, the words of US Ambassador to Ankara and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, who made a scandalous statement regarding US policies in Syria, also shook the agenda. Barrack had made a striking comment about Turkey's domestic politics, stating, "Trump told Erdoğan that we would give him the legitimacy he needs." Following this statement, it was claimed that the AKP's attempts to have Barrack removed from office were unsuccessful.

Babacan shared information in AKP lobbies that pressure was put on the US for Barrack's removal, but no results were achieved. Babacan reported the information that "action was taken to remove some high-level diplomats regarding US policies in Syria, but the removal of Ambassador to Ankara Barrack was blocked."