interim security zones

Security zones could affect election in southeast, local politicians argue

On Thursday the military announced new “interim security zones" in the regions of Şırnak, Hakkari and Siirt in the face of cross-border raids by the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) that have claimed at least 10 lives this week alone. But the area also includes constituencies that will produce nine members of the next Parliament. Some locals say the security crackdown will hamper campaigning and robust political competition but elections officials at the Supreme Election Board (YSK) yesterday quickly dismissed the claim.

Iraq minister offers Turkey talks

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari has told the BBC his government is ready to discuss with Turkey how to deal with the PKK Kurdish separatists.

BBC's Sarah Rainsford in Istanbul said on Friday 8 June that Turkey has sent thousands of its troops to the border...

an that although many Turks would argue such a move would be fully justified politically, most fear the military would be dragged into a quagmire. Whilst a unilateral intervention might well win votes at the general election next month, our correspondent adds, analysts warn it would spell disaster for Turkey's relations with the US and EU in particular.

This week I have heard much talk of Turkeys role in The Greater Middle East Project I found this recent article in Turkish Daily News. And here is the map