Energy Crossroads: Shifting Dynamics in the Troubled Triangle between Ankara, Erbil and Baghdad

Policy Update (GPoT Center) no. 8, January 2014

Emanuela Pergolizzi *

Iraq, Turkey, and the Kurdistan Regional Government are in tense political relations over recent energy politics and regional dynamics. While major international interests related to oil and gas resources might currently be at stake, historic mistrusts and deeper political challenges seem to stand in the way of a peaceful trilateral cooperation. While energy deals with the Kurdistan Regional Government grow apace, Ankara seems to stand both as an active gambler and a key facilitator.

The domestic and region al dynamics unfolding in Turkey will likely be indicators of whether a durable peace situation can succeed over long standing political obstacles and historical tensions between the countries

* Emanuela Pergolizzi completed her Bachelor’s degree in International Relations at Bologna’s University in Italy and she is currently finishing a Double Master Degree between the University of Turin and Sciences Po Grenoble in France. She has been an intern at the Global Political Trends Center in Istanbul during the researches for her Masters’ thesis. She contributes as a freelance writer for some Italian and English web magazines.

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