PKK terrorist group postpones elections in N. Syria: Turkish media

Multiple prominent Turkish columnists with close ties to the government report that the PKK/YPG terrorist group’s so-called local elections in northern Syria will be postponed due to increasing pressure from Türkiye.

Highlighting that the issue has turned into a stress test between Türkiye and the U.S., Abdulkadir Selvi writes, “It is reported that PKK/YPG had to postpone the elections planned on June 11 due to pressure from Türkiye. However, it does not mean that the danger has passed.”

McGurk’s plan

Selvi points out that U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Brett McGurk is behind the plan. Although the U.S. Department of State didn’t deem the elections illegitimate, they criticized their timing. Selvi argues that there’s never a suitable time for such elections, given that the PKK is a terrorist group, drawing parallels to Daesh conducting elections in Syria.

Second Israel plan

Selvi believes that Türkiye’s determination has temporarily averted the threat. However, the long-term plan to establish an autonomous PKK administration and eventually a terrorist state persists. He asserts that Israel is involved, aiming to create satellite terrorist states with the PKK at the forefront.

There was an attempt to establish a terror corridor from the Iraqi border to the Mediterranean, which Türkiye disrupted with military operations. However, Selvi argues that the U.S. and Israel are now trying to create a PKK satellite state in Syria, calling this the “Second Israel” plan. He emphasizes the need for Türkiye to use military power in PKK-controlled areas to eliminate this plan.

Mexican standoff

In her column for Turkish daily Hurriyet, Hande Firat asserts that Syria is in a deadlock akin to a Mexican standoff and also hosts a “Balance of Terror”.

Actors may choose to postpone the elections to prevent disrupting the balance of terror. Otherwise, all parties are aware that Turkey will not recognize the legitimacy and will take all necessary steps to prevent the establishment of a terrorist state.

Hande Fırat

Syria’s delicate balance: A ring of fire looms

In his column for Turkish daily Sabah, Okan Muderrisoglu mentions that the YPG terrorist organization is preparing for local elections in line with its agenda of gaining control and legitimacy in northern Syria. However, Muderrisoglu emphasizes that without the approval of the terrorist organization, neither voting nor candidacy is possible. He also states that even elected mayors cannot take action without the YPG’s permission.

The situation in Syria is balanced on a precarious edge. Everyone has frozen their positions. Any disruption to the status quo is unfavorable for anyone. If any of these actors attempt to alter the balance, it could turn the situation into a ring of fire.

Okan Müderrisoglu