Things can easily get out of hand

It is without question that the recent Turkish incursion into northern Iraq is serious. Its latest military action - if continued - would carry with it unwelcome long-term ramifications which would affect many countries in the region.

The offensive which started last Thursday aims at quelling members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), according to Turkish officials. But given that the attacks against the PKK are taking place on Iraqi soil, the issue could not be simplified as Turkey has done so far. Iraq's foreign minister Hoshyar Zebari warned of escalations resulting from Turkey's actions. "This is a limited military incursion into a remote, isolated and uninhabited region. But if it goes on, I think it could destabilise the region, because really one mistake could lead to further escalation," he said. A Kurdish regional leader also warned of "massive resistance" if civilians come under attack.

It is important that Turkey reconsiders its latest military adventure in Iraq. This is being said given the volatility of the entire situation in the area. It is also critical for the Iraqi government to be active in finding and reaching a solution that is immediate and lasting as there is no need for the tensions to escalate further.