Two sides set to retrench over civilian deaths

THE Kurdish conflict is a stain on Turkey’s efforts to brand itself the regional model for a mainly Muslim democracy.

Kurds make up one fifth of the 74-million population. Many have assimilated but a significant number want an autonomous state in the south-east. Rebels regularly use northern Iraq as a base.

Turkey has attempted some reconciliation, allowing Kurdish-language institutes, television broadcasts and private courses. But activists say more needs to be done. Most Turks, however, support military action against the PKK as a terrorist group.