Turkey and Iraq Enhance Security Cooperation

In a significant diplomatic development, Baghdad has postponed the anticipated announcement regarding the end date for U.S.-led coalition activities in Iraq, citing recent "developments." This decision comes on the heels of a newly signed agreement between Turkey and Iraq aimed at enhancing military, security, and counter-terrorism cooperation. The agreement was formalized on August 15 in Ankara by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, marking a pivotal moment in bilateral relations. During a joint press conference, Fidan emphasized the agreement's "historic importance," highlighting plans for joint coordination and training centers to bolster counter-terrorism efforts. Hussein described the accord as unprecedented in the history of Iraq and Turkey, reflecting a commitment to collaborative action against shared security threats, particularly the PKK, which both Turkey and the U.S. classify as a terrorist organization. The agreement follows a series of high-level security discussions and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent visit to Baghdad, his first since 2011. Erdogan reiterated the need for joint measures against the PKK, underscoring the urgency of the collaboration. Meanwhile, the postponement of the U.S. coalition announcement has intensified calls within Iraq for the withdrawal of coalition forces, particularly after recent U.S. strikes on militant targets. The U.S. military presence in Iraq is governed by an agreement with Baghdad, and earlier this year, both nations established the U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission to outline a timeline for reducing coalition activities.