Dear Matthew,
Turkey has been using diplomacy and dialogue for many years now, but it has not helped reduce the terrorist attacks. Why?Because it is not just our problem.Middle East is the playground of major powers, not just of regional states and tribal puppet leaders.If you could read, listen and follow the developments close enough, you would get the heart of the issue:PKK is supported by many of the European states.This support comes in several crucial forms and dimensions;as you indicated 'the record speaks for iself '.What about the published official records on the Western support for PKK? This has even become a diplomatic topic between Turkey and European Union member states.Besides, overbearing tone of yours adds insult to the injury: was Britain attacked by the Iraqis before it helped invade Iraq in 2003? We are under continous attack since that date, and has done everything for dialogue. Those who have double-standards suddenly become deaf when they do not want to hear.

Baris Caglar, Ankara, Turkey

We have to defanse our land.

Iskender Kuru, Istanbul, Turkiye

Did this writer, with his deep insight, also predict that the invasion of Iraq would be a disaster?

Peter Donson, Southwell,Notts, UK

To Volkan,

Self-Defence is legal, but Turkey's PKK threat does not come just from Iraq but also within its own borders. The PKK threat is a Turkish problem. Even Erdogan said in the summer that Turkey has to first solve its PKK problem at home before going into Iraq.

Dialogue is the only way the PKK problem will be solved. It has been a Turkish problem for more than 30 years and you still haven't solved it. You have carried out more than 24 incursions and still you haven't solved it. The record speaks for itself.

Matthew Spearson, London, UK

The Times should be ashamed of calling "rebels" what is officially recognised as a terrorist organisation both in the EU and the US. Why don't you call Al Kaida fighters "rebels" too?

Tansel , Brussels,

Actually Mike of Sydney, the correct term is 'Kurdish Administration of Northern Iraq' established by the US during their 1991 invasion/incursion to protect the Kurdish and Kuwaiti people from Saddam's regime. It was in essence called the 36th paralell. A strategic move planned years ahead to create a Federated Iraq, which is taking longer than planned. The actual plan was to create a Kurdish state in northern Iraq, cause instability in Turkey's south east to get the Turkish Kurds living in the region to unify with the Northern Iraqi's. The aim is to control the petroleum reserves which are more economic in Turkey now (with advances of Technology) as well other minerals which may replace the crude oil shortages. There is more between the lines and words which the reader/listener must interpret. Always conisder who has economic interest to a situation before commenting. The sun actually sets in England now, but prior to 1920 it never set and never rose in the Kurdish region....

Dogan, Melb, Australia

I really dont understand. Self defence is leagel in every countries law. Imagine, there is a terrorist goup in the neighbour of your country and attack your border and kill your soldiers. Do you think that your goverment wait for dialogue. Please be reasonable....Make your cooment as if this event occur in your country.

Volkan ERBÄ°L, ANKARA, TURKEY

To Thomas Ward from Katama, USA:

You have no idea. The PKK is an indigenous organisation comprised essentially of Turkish citiziens and predominantly based inside, and with active operations in, Turkey. Erdogan himself has confirmed both this and the effectiveness of a full-scale invasion; hence Michael Evans' statement which correctly suggests that the demise of the PKK lies through domestic initiatives not a cross-border military deployment.

To Mike from Sydney, Australia:

You too have no idea whatsoever. I suggest you first research and then make any comments. Iraq is governed through federalism- the northern Iraq region is currently its only federate entity. Just as you would call California a state so too can the Kurdish entity be called a Kurdish state. Both have their borders defined but are not independent of Baghdad or Washington. Its borders are clearly defined in this regard. Michael Evans' has thus not erred in his reference.

Ralph Aldin, London, UK

Military solution in a terrain that is dominated by mountains border cannot be met. The world must put pressure on all parties to start constructive and genuine dialogue. The demands of PKK are not clear, but the rights of Kurds in Turkey must be met. It is too true that Turkish military is desperately seeking to invade the Kurdish area of northern Iraq; this may lead to more refugees, coupled with pain and misery for people in the area.

H Marph, London,

"The solution to the PKK problem will never be achieved by military action." Interesting how attacking others is to solve problems, but if others attack you it wont solve any problems WHAT IS WITH THE BRITISH DOUBLE STANDARD!! Why didn't the brain dead "leaders on both sides of the Alantic forsee this PKK problem and by doing so........take measures to prevent the situation from reaching where it currently is?? The answer is::: As long as they are killing other peoples children for high ideals (lies & propaganda) there is no problem. Should those whoes childern you are killing & whose lives YOU are trying to arrange...shoot back...or....retaliate.........(The) "problem will never be achieved by military action." Does neocon money contribute too such blindness?? Can we send the "Coalition of the willing" leaders to the Hague to answer???

Thomas Ward, Katama, USA

"Kurdish State", "Kurdistan"? since when have they established a state independent of baghdad? Where are the boarders??

Mike, Sydney, Australia