Turkey's Campaign Against Kurds Costs the US $55 billion

• 08.11.2015, 15:56
•  Near East,  World

Turkish authorities continue attacks on Kurdistan Workers Party's (PKK) positions. In response Kurdish rebels arrange attacks on security forces and structures that have strategic importance. According to Anadolu News Agency, during two weeks of air strikes 390 militants of PKK were killed, more than 400 were injured. Among them 4 PKK leaders and 30 women. At the same time more than 20 security officers were killed.

The campaign against Kurds causes significant financial and economic losses to Turkey. In 2013 when peace process started, Turkish authorities assured the public that because of the confrontation with PKK  country faces considerable economic losses, thus, they said the peace process has economic advantages. The Economy Ministry released a report, which covered the 1986-2012 period. The economic loss was estimated $1.2 trillion, Al-Monitor reports. In short, the AK Party was trying to prove that the Kurdish conflict was a burden on the Turkish economy. However, today Erdogan is ready to risk and face the worst economic consequences, in order to protect his political interests.

In the context of political instability and terrorist attacks the tourism sector has taken a serious blow. Many countries, among them Russia, Great Britain, Iran are warning their citizens against traveling to Turkey. They call on their citizens not to travel to Turkey by land or avoid ground routes regarding the reports of possible threats to public transport in Istanbul. The Armenian Foreign Ministry has not yet made such statement. The Turkish Hoteliers Federation has estimated the tourism sector will lose $5 billion in revenues by the end of the year, calling for urgent measures.

Al-Monitor reports that the Turkish currency has fallen since the Suruc bombing. The slump on the Istanbul Stock Exchange, meanwhile, has reached an alarming level. Exports are also in poor condition. Turkish exporters were already badly hit by the wars in neighboring Syria and Iraq. People have begun to shut shopping malls following police warnings of possible attacks in crowded areas, especially in big cities.

In general Turkish authorities campaign against PKK has cost at least $55 billion since July 20. Specialists say this amount will rise as long as the conflict between PKK and authorities continues. And in the case of early elections, Turkey will need more $215 million.

However, it is clear that Erdogan intends to continue his actions as long as needed to "punish all the Kurds".