“EU distinguishes between PYD and YPG despite their similarities”
Ali Babacan, the leader of Turkey’s DEVA Party, has refused to label the PYD/YPG as a terrorist organization during a recent program he attended. He claimed that while the groups share similar roots, they do not fall under the definition of a terrorist organization outlined by the EU and many countries.
Babacan’s ambiguous response has led to criticism and confusion from some who expected a clear stance from the political leader. The PYD/YPG has been a hot button issue in Turkey, as the Turkish government has labeled the groups as terrorists due to their alleged affiliation with the PKK, a militant Kurdish group that has carried out attacks in Turkey.
Turkey and the US have had a strained relationship due to the latter’s support for the PYD/YPG in the fight against ISIS in Syria. However, the PYD/YPG’s allegiance with the PKK has made it difficult for Turkey to overlook their actions in the region.
Babacan’s statement may have repercussions for the DEVA Party, which is positioning itself as a centrist alternative to the ruling AK Party and the opposition CHP. Some have criticized Babacan for his lack of clarity on such an important issue, which could result in a loss of support from those who view the PYD/YPG as a legitimate threat to Turkey’s security.
As the Turkish political landscape continues to shift, it remains to be seen how Babacan’s statement will be received by the public and other political parties. For now, the PYD/YPG question remains a contentious issue in Turkey’s political sphere.
