Turkey has launched waves of airstrikes against elements of a Kurdish separatist group known as the P.K.K., with its allies the Y.P.G. (who work closely with America relaying intelligence and coordinates for potential airstrike targets). The resulting strikes help Kurds seize territory along the Turkish border. Turks don’t want Kurds on their border. Kurds have historically sought an independent state, which the Turkish government strongly opposes. The peace rally bombing has come just weeks away from a re-run of an inconclusive general election. For so long a beacon of stability between Europe and the Middle East, Turkey is fighting Kurdish militants in the east and struggling against violence from Syria. Until now most violence in Turkey took place in the Kurdish areas, but twin bombing at a peace rally close to government and intelligence buildings in the heart of Ankara has caused even Turks to be afraid of shopping centres and open spaces. The residents of Turkey just want a normal life. See also: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/08/12/world/middleeast/turkey-kurds-isis.html?_r=0