The Dissolution of the PKK: Exploring their Interests and What Lasting Peace Requires

In May 2025, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced that it would set in motion a process of dissolution. This historic disbandment was given further legitimacy when disarmament commenced in July, followed by a withdrawal of forces in October. The international response to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive. While Kurdish diasporas were initially sceptical, cautious optimism is now predominant. Türkiye’s direct neighbours in Iran and Iraq also welcome the initiative that could bring more stability to the region, even though Kurdish public opinion in Iraq is more divided due to a complicated web of internal Kurdish politics. Recently, Türkiye also showed some goodwill by giving lawyers access to Abdullah Öcalan, the PKK’s leader who has been imprisoned since 1999. All the while, the process has been slow, updates have been published sparsely, and the details of the deal remain the subject of speculation.






