This policy outlook seeks to analyse the main points of contention between Turkey and Iraq in a bid to assess if the differences can be addressed and resolved in the foreseeable future.
Relations between Turkey and Iraq have been fluctuating for decades. However, despite several minor fallouts between Baghdad and Ankara, the two neighbours have managed to avoid a major crisis in relations. At the same time, attempts to strengthen bilateral ties have been interrupted due to several factors. A recent visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to Ankara was hailed as a positive step by state media in both countries, amid reports and official statements suggesting that Turkey and Iraq are in the process of resolving many of their differences. This policy outlook seeks to analyse the main points of contention between Turkey and Iraq (which include the PKK terror threat, KRG oil exports, and water flow from the Tigris River) in a bid to assess if the differences can be addressed and resolved in the foreseeable future.
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