Turkey is classified as a “brown country” with both democratic and authoritarian features, but democracy, legality, and citizenship rights effectively disappear in southeastern Turkey.
The jailed founder of a Kurdish nationalist group has called for the movement to lay down its arms, but Kurdish forces seem unwilling to as long as Turkish strikes continue.
Talks in Baghdad focus on energy ties, oil exports, and water concerns.
Kurdistan leaders mark 37 years since the Halabja massacre, demanding justice and recognition for victims.
Strengthening ties between the Kurds and Israel could counterbalance Turkish and Iranian ambitions, promote regional stability, and redefine power dynamics in the Middle East.
The big question now is whether the PKK will actually heed this call by Ocalan and if PKK affiliates will agree.
If successful, the move could have wide-ranging implications for the region, while ending a conflict that has killed more than 40,000 people.
Regional leaders welcome calls for the PKK to lay down arms and dissolve.
Under current considerations, Kurdistan is where Iran’s logistical access to its proxies can be disrupted.
Iran’s regime now finds itself facing increasing dissent and challenges at home, with many groups opposing the regime.