New Challenges in Turkish–Iraqi Relations After 2003

Abstract

This research provides a comprehensive study of the new challenges facing Turkish-Iraqi relations after 2003, in light of the fundamental transformations witnessed by the Iraqi political system and their regional repercussions. The research highlights six main axes that represent the dimensions of the challenges between the two countries: security challenges represented by the presence of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), the dilemma of border insecurity and recent security memoranda, the thorny water disputes and Turkish dam projects (the GAP project), the management of strategic resources (human, technological, and natural), the impact of political instability in Iraq on Turkish strategies, and finally, the nature of regional competition and balance with Iran and other powers on the Iraqi scene.