Will Turkiye end its military presence in northern Iraq?

Turkey and Iraq reached an agreement this week to gradually transfer control of a Turkish military base to the Iraqi army, ending decades of Turkish military presence in northern Iraq. Baghdad committed to confronting armed groups that Ankara considers a security threat, though implementation faces significant obstacles.

For decades, the Turkish military has been active in northern Iraq.

Citing security threats from Kurdish fighters, Ankara established a number of bases in the region. Cross-border attacks were common, and relations with its neighbour soured.

But this week, the two countries reached an agreement for Turkish forces to gradually transfer control of a military base to the Iraqi army.

For its part, Baghdad pledged to tackle the armed groups that its neighbour says pose a security threat.

But what could the hurdles be to this deal?

Presenter: Dareen Abughaida

Guests:

Omer Ozkizilcik – Non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council

Kamaran Palani – Senior fellow at the Middle East Peace and Security Forum

Jennifer Gavito – Former US acting principal deputy assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs

Will Turkiye end its military presence in northern Iraq?

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