Will KRG be next target of Turkey's Gulenist purge?
Though the Gulen movement has long been a major player in education, business and public facilities in Iraqi Kurdistan, observers doubt that the Turkish government will let its influence hinder relations between the two important trading partners.
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey — Since the July 15 coup attempt, Turkey has been busy seizing assets of the suspected instigators, members of the Fethullah Gulen movement. When that task is done, Turkey may then turn to Gulenist assets abroad. There are many who believe Turkey will target Gulenist activities and assets next door in Iraqi Kurdistan.
Yet the large presence of Gulenists there won't necessarily disrupt relations between Turkey and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Despite tensions between the two, Turkey remains a significant trading partner for the KRG.
In 1991, during the last days of the Gulf War, the United Nations Security Council declared a no-fly zone that left northern Iraq under Kurdish rule.
This was the onset of a new era. Although its status was undetermined, the region drew worldwide attention. Among those first interested was the Gulen movement, which was just making a name for itself in Turkey and the world. While the Kurds were just taking their first steps to control the region, the Gulen movement initiated assistance missions.
