"Hans-Jakob Schindler, terrorism expert and director of the Counter Extremism Project (CEP), calls this "an explosive situation": "Something resembling peace is currently emerging between Turkey and the PKK; initial negotiations are underway," says Schindler. For decades, there have been bloody clashes between Turkey and the PKK, which is classified as a terrorist organization in many countries. Now leader Abdullah Öcalan has called on the PKK and all its affiliated groups to lay down their weapons. Initial talks have taken place between him and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "The Turkish government's main aim is to prevent a Kurdish autonomous zone in Syria," explains Schindler."