But even the generals must finally realize that the status quo is no longer tenable. Seizing the chance to end the debilitating war presents considerable risks to Turkey, which sees itself under siege from a hostile alliance between Greece, Russia, Syria and Iran. But the war s continuation means growing political repression in Turkey, final exclusion from Europe, severe economic strain, and further polarization of Turkish society. Turkey s evolution into a modern industrial power cannot advance until the Kurdish question is settled. The vital question now facing Turkey is whether the brutal Ocalan is better at the end of a rope or heading up a legitimate Kurdish party agitating for autonomy or independence.
History teaches defeated foes shown mercy often turn into useful partners.
Freeing Ocalan is a gamble worth taking. Eastern Anatolia s impoverished Kurds need jobs, water, and agricultural projects far more than an mini-Stalinist state led by Ocalan or his ilk. Sharing Turkey s growing prosperity with the Kurds, not more stalemated war, is the best way of keeping Turkey united, and its Kurdish subjects at peace.