Iraq, Turkey, and the Challenges of National Security
Ahmed Hassan Ali
This paper examines the primary strategic objective in Turkish policy toward Iraq, which is closely tied to Turkish national security. Turkey’s strategy in Iraq can be summarized in three main pillars: national security, economic interests, and regional influence.
In summary, Turkey seeks to achieve three strategic objectives in Iraq:
Guaranteeing Turkish National Security: Turkey views Iraq as a potential security threat due to the presence of armed Kurdish opposition groups on the Iraqi-Turkish border, its fear of the establishment of a Kurdish state in northern Iraq, and the spread of terrorism in western Iraq during the ISIS era and the continued presence of its cells today.
Protecting Turkish Economic Interests: Turkey considers Iraq a vital trading partner, exporting industrial and agricultural products to Iraq, importing oil and natural gas, and viewing Iraq as an indispensable market.
Enhancing Turkish Regional Influence: Turkey aims to strengthen its presence in Iraq, thereby playing a prominent role in the region and the world.
