Peace between Turkey and Syrian Kurds?

Turkey and Syrian Kurds have been at odds since the Kurds in northern Syria consolidated their power during the war in Syria. The relations worsened further upon the recent victories of the Syrian Kurds against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Yet despite the two group?s reciprocal dislike, rapprochement looms on the horizon.

The Democratic Union Party (PYD) seized the town of Tal Abyad on Syria border about one month ago, which had been under ISIL control for nearly two years. In this way, Syrian Kurds secured a 250-mile border with Turkey and united two of their three cantons, namely Kobane and Cezire.

In the aftermath of this development, it has been reported that the PYD has been blocking the return of Arab and Turkmen refugees to Tal Abyad who had fled from the town during the clashes. 

Highest ranks in Ankara claimed that the PYD is conducting ethnic cleansing and trying to form an independent Kurdish state along Turkey?s southern borders. President Erdo?an warned, ?Turkey would never allow the establishment of a state in Syria?s north. We will continue our fight in this regard no matter what it costs.?

Moreover, officials have been comparing the PYD to ISIL, some even claiming that ?the PYD is more dangerous than ISIL.?

The PYD, on the other hand, has been accusing Ankara for supporting Islamist jihadists against the Kurds in Syria.

Amidst these reciprocal accusations, I talked to a high level official in Ankara last week and shared his remarks in this column. He had displayed his want for a rapprochement with the PYD, the dominant Kurdish party in northern Syria, by saying ?there is the possibility of reconciliation with PYD and a belief that their attitude will change in a positive way.? ...