Iraq, Turkey, economy, politics, security

The main aim of this study is to analyze the reasons behind the deterioration of political relations between Turkey and Iraq that started after 2010 and reached its peak in 2012, despite continued good economic relations. Rising of “trading state” concept in Turkey which attempted to create a zone of economic interdependence with neighboring countries is elaborated through analyzing the reasons why good economic relations between two countries was not reflected at the political sphere. Related with the political problems in Turkish-Iraqi relations, references to the increasing economic relations between Ankara and Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) and its reflections on Baghdad - Ankara relations is offered. Rise of sectarianism in Iraqi politics is shown as an important factor for the declining relations. Kurdish problem and the PKK attacks on Turkish–Iraqi relations are elaborated. The Turkmen issue and their rights in Iraq after 2003 and its impact on Turkey–Iraq relations are analyzed. In addition to the effect of domestic and regional factors in Turkish–Iraqi relations, implications of the Arab Spring, especially the Syrian crisis is analyzed as a factor further deteriorating the relations between Turkey and Iraq. Finally, this study reaches conclusions regarding the history, current state, and prospects of Turkey–Iraq relations and the broader regional context.