The PKK’s Future: Real Dissolution or Strategic Shift?

Tomorrow @ 10 AM ET - The PKK’s Future: Real Dissolution or Strategic Shift?

A discussion of the PKK's potential disarmament, the SDF's deal with the government in Damascus, and ongoing civil strife in Syria.

In late February 2025, Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), called for the group’s disarmament and dissolution as part of a broader peace initiative with Türkiye, potentially ending a 40-year conflict that claimed approximately 40,000 lives. In response, the PKK declared an immediate ceasefire and expressed willingness to discuss disbanding, provided Öcalan could participate in the process. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have also now reached a deal with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-led government in Damascus, agreeing to integrate "all civil and military institutions" into the new Syrian state.

Join us for a panel discussion on whether the PKK’s dissolution will materialize, its implications for U.S.-Türkiye relations, the future of Syria, and Türkiye’s ongoing rivalry with Iran for regional dominance.

March 2025

14
10:00 AM ET

Join us for a timely and important discussion with:

Gönül Tol

Gönül Tol is the founding director of the Middle East Institute’s Turkey Program and a senior fellow with the Black Sea Program. She is the author of "Erdogan's War: A Strongman's Struggle at Home and in Syria". Tol has taught at GWU’s Institute for Middle East Studies and the College of International Security Affairs at the National Defense University.

Burcu Ozcelik

Dr. Burcu Ozcelik is a senior research fellow for Middle East Security within the International Security department at RUSI. With over 15 years’ experience in geopolitical risk analysis, security and threat assessments, and strategic advisory in both the public and private sector, Burcu specialises in the MENA region, Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Steven Simon

Steven Simon is a senior research fellow at the Quincy Institute and distinguished fellow and visiting professor at Dartmouth College. From 2011-2012, he served on the National Security Council staff as senior director for Middle Eastern and North African affairs. He also worked on the NSC staff, 1994 – 1999, on counterterrorism and Middle East security policy.

Adam Weinstein (Moderator)

Adam Weinstein is deputy director of the Middle East Program at the Quincy Institute. He previously worked for KPMG’s international trade practice. Adam’s current research focuses on security, trade, and rule of law in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Middle East. He has conducted extensive research travel in Pakistan, Iraq, and the greater Middle East.

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