A Blog by the Editor of The Middle East Journal

Putting Middle Eastern Events in Cultural and Historical Context

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Davutoğlu Says ISIS, PKK May Be Behind Ankara Bombings. Wait . . . WHAT?

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu is quoted as saying that the PKK and ISIS may both be responsible for the devastating Ankara bombings:
As we deepen the investigation, based on the [information obtained about] Twitter accounts and IP addresses, there is a high possibility that Daesh [Arabic name for ISIL] and the PKK have played an effective role in the bombing.
Uh, but wait. Aren't the PKK and the Islamic State bitter enemies, with the the PKK scoring major successes against ISIS in Kurdistan?

Well, yes. The Middle East is full of conspiracy theories in which claims are made of improbable alliances, such as allegations that the US and Iran are plotting against the Gulf, or Israel and the Muslim Brotherhood against Egypt. But usually we don't hear this sort of thing from a Prime Minister, especially the Prime Minister of a major regional power and a NATO member as well. It's the realm of sensational newspaper reports or talk show hosts. (Though at least the Freemasons weren't included.)

About the only thing the PKK and ISIS have in common is the hostility of the Turkish government in the midst of a highly divisive election campaign. But then, the region still has an Alice in Wonderland feel (and I don't mean just the "Off with their heads!" part):
"Alice laughed: "There's no use trying," she said; "one can't believe impossible things."
"I daresay you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was younger, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."
 Through the Looking Glass

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Of course, and the PKK would want to blow up a march composed of peaceniks, made up of HDP Kurds and labor unions! Even ex-President Gul called the head of the HDP to express condolences for what is an increasing number of violent attacks on Kurdish civilians. ISIS sees the Turkish Kurds as an extension of the northern Syria PYD and a good way to take revenge for the success of the latter. The young Turkish Kurds who were killed in Suruc were aiming to go to Kobani to help with the rebuilding of schools.