Roots and Causes That Created the PKK Terrorist Organization
Abstract
It is important to understand the factors leading to the Kurdistan Workers' Party's (PKK) foundation to take the necessary steps to avoid current and new terrorist activities in Turkey. This thesis research examines three main incentives that led to the PKK's creation and continuation beyond any governmental policies or colonial arguments. Besides many others there are three main instruments through which the PKK found the means to start and develop an armed campaign: Turkey's political atmosphere in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s; Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the PKK; and foreign ambitions over Turkey. The main objective of this thesis is to find out what has made the PKK unique and what sets it apart from other illegal organizations and terrorist groups. A study of the origins of the group and its leader, this thesis demonstrates the PKK's ability to orient itself to the shifting environment in Turkey and in the world, and how it benefited from the chaotic atmosphere of Turkey during its foundation years. Successive chapters will touch upon the group s leader Abdullah calan as well as the countries that supported the PKK. The conclusion will suggest possible long-term peace and stability solutions that Turkey might take.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA589796
Entities
People
- Idris U. Eyrice
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School