"The recent formation of Kirkuk's local government represents a significant diplomatic victory for Iran at Turkey's expense on the regional level.
Yesterday, Turkey's ruling AKP party declared the election of a PUK governor "unacceptable," criticizing the exclusion of the Turkmen Front, KDP, and certain Arab factions. Conversely, the pro-Iranian Shia-led coalition government in Baghdad has thrown its full support behind the new governor.
Historically, northern Iraq, unlike the rest of the country, has been viewed as falling more within Turkey's sphere of influence, while the southern regions have maintained closer ties with Iran. However, recent developments suggest a shift in this dynamic. The formation of local governments in both Kirkuk and Nineveh appears to be effectively transforming these two provinces into Iran-friendly territories. The alliances shaping these new local administrations are predominantly aligned with Iranian interests.
Prior to the December 2023 local elections, the political landscape in these two governorates was more ambiguous, with governors generally perceived as more sympathetic to Turkish interests even through the Hashd presence made Iran's influence clearly visible in both Mosul and Kirkuk. In light of these changes, Erbil and Duhok can now be considered the last remaining strongholds of direct Turkish influence in the region.
This geopolitical realignment carries significant implications for the balance of power in northern Iraq and the broader Middle East. It potentially signals a weakening of Turkey's traditional influence in the area and a corresponding expansion of Iran's regional clout."
@Kartal1, I thought we should have won in the field and then lose at the table, but more so it looks like we're losing both in the field and the table recently.
Turkey argues that NATO should not cooperate with Israel until the war in Gaza is over.
