Turkey’s Dual Relationship with Iraq: Ankara, Baghdad and Erbil

Description

This article explores Turkey’s shifting relationships with Baghdad and with the Kurdistan Regional Government. It argues that Baghdad’s sectarianism led to a cooling of Ankara’s relationship with Baghdad, while shared energy interests brought Ankara and Erbil closer together. It considers the impact of the threat posed by Islamic State on these relationships, and concludes that Ankara’s stake in Erbil is ultimately likely to endure.