As Türkiye undertook its terror-free initiative, several intellectuals had anticipated early on that this process would inevitably extend beyond national borders, evolving into a broader vision for a terror-free region. The Republic of Türkiye, having consolidated its position as a regional power, has increasingly sought to contribute to the stability of its neighboring states. Yet, for all its external engagements, a persistent internal challenge remained: the continued existence of the PKK as a terrorist organization.
Though the PKK has in recent years been weakened and is largely incapable of conducting acts of terror within Turkish territory, its presence in the Qandil Mountains and some other parts of Iraq, and in certain regions of Syria has preserved its status as a threat to Ankara. A key question emerged: would the PKK's self-dissolution be limited to Türkiye, or would it also include its affiliated groups in Iraq, Iran, and particularly Syria?
Terrorist organizations are known for their skill in propaganda. In Syria, the YPG and its affiliates had long exaggerated their military capabilities, often claiming to be stronger than the Syrian state itself. However, when the Syrian people – who largely desire to get together under a unitary state – faced the YPG and its affiliates in recent clashes, it quickly became clear that these groups were far less powerful than they had claimed. In just one week, the Syrian National Army managed to defeat the terrorist factions and restore the state's authority across the country.
It was during this very period of conflict that Syria's president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, made a landmark statement. He declared that, from that moment on, Syria’s Kurds would be recognized as equal and full citizens, with the same rights and status as all other Syrians. There would no longer be any need for separatist movements or for struggles to secure basic rights.
As these developments unfolded, the YPG recently announced its own dissolution and its integration into the Syrian national state. Concurrently, it was disclosed that Ferhat Abdi Şahin, one of the group's ringleaders, would become an adviser to al-Sharaa, acting as a statesman in Damascus.
Once the path to peace is set forth, the acts of negotiation, reconciliation, and forward-looking planning become considerably more straightforward. What has now become clearer is that the era of adversary, denial, and marginalization policies characteristic of the Assad period is ending. In the new Syria, Arabs, Kurds and Turkmens are preparing to continue their coexistence as equal partners in a common national identity.
Significant progress was also made on the Turkish side of the equation. Parliament ratified the framework legislation on counterterrorism, while a specialized commission was established to oversee the process. The commission’s inaugural meeting was chaired by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, underscoring Ankara’s structured and determined approach to the issue.
As the terror-free Türkiye vision gradually evolves toward a terror-free region, Iraq too has unveiled a stability package concerning its own future. Beginning in September, all terrorist groups have been called to lay down their arms and either surrender or integrate into the Iraqi National Army.
It is increasingly apparent that the dissolution of the PKK, in the context of Türkiye's anti-terror initiative, has also served as a pivotal milestone for Syria's stability. Iraq's own path toward stability appears to be proceeding in measured steps in the same direction.
Looking ahead, Türkiye will no longer need to expend additional military effort to secure its borders with Syria and Iraq; these will be safeguarded in the same manner as any other international border. Turkish military capabilities will therefore be deployed in line with the state's strategic priorities on the national and international stage.
Naturally, establishing stability in Syria and Iraq inherently reinforces Türkiye's own domestic stability. In recent times, Türkiye has further reinforced this balance through a range of multilateral alliances, including the Mecca alliance, thereby consolidating its role as a pillar of regional order.
