Delegation approved to visit jailed PKK leader

Abdullah Ocalan, who has spent fourteen years in prison, represents a political thorn in the side of Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government. Though Turkey has put the kibosh on the possiblity of freeing Ocalan, the delegation of pro-Kurdish politicos -- itself the outcome of a delicate negotiation process ongoing since early January -- could advance a framework for talks to end the 28-year-long war between the Kurdistan Worker's Party and the Turkish state.

The Prime Minister is facing considerable opposition to a proposed constitutional reform, likely to go to a referendum in March, that would create a new and more powerful role for the presidency in Turkey (a slot he would then go on to fill). A high-profile domestic accomplishment could be a useful tool for advancing that agenda.