Gul visits Talabani- First such trip in 30+ years

SE Times article - Gul makes landmark visit to Iraq

Turkish President Abdullah Gul embarked on an important visit to see Iraqi President Jalal Talabani on Monday. What makes it important? Other than the fact that it is the first visit from Ankara to Baghdad in over thirty years, the two leaders have some pretty daunting issues to deal with.

The first and foremost of these issues is the Kurdish Worker's Party (PKK.) Operating out of northern Iraq, this group launches attacks into Turkey's southeastern provinces. The goal of the PKK is to establish an independent socialist Kurdistan. Were it not for their Marxist-Leninist leanings, drug trafficking, kidnappings and bombings, this group could almost be considered freedom fighters. In fact, American politicians constantly use Saddam Hussein's mistreatment of Kurds in this region as a reason for the American-led invasion.

Gul wants Iraq to take a strong stance and eliminate the threat of the PKK to Turkish civilians. Iraq's constitution prohibits armed activities, but dealing with the Kurds is something very difficult because of the past atrocities committed against them. Also, it is important to note that Talabani is himself of Kurdish descent, which may or may not alter his perspective on the situation.

Also on the agenda for these two leaders are economic concerns. Trade between the two nations will be crucial to their success in the years to come. They will be dealing with water allocation from the Tigres and Euphrates as well.