Kurds

There is hope in eastern Syria that Kurdish politics could become more open to different Kurdish political parties.

Kurdistan leaders mark 37 years since the Halabja massacre, demanding justice and recognition for victims.

Syria’s Kurds demand a constitutional rewrite, rejecting the new Islamist-led government’s centralized power structure.

Strengthening ties between the Kurds and Israel could counterbalance Turkish and Iranian ambitions, promote regional stability, and redefine power dynamics in the Middle East.

If Ocalan's declaration does not by itself signal the conclusion of the PKK-Ankara war, what is it nevertheless likely to herald? And does the declaration have broader regional implications?

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi says he welcomes Israeli support to protect Kurdish achievements, as regional tensions and security challenges persist.

The big question now is whether the PKK will actually heed this call by Ocalan and if PKK affiliates will agree.

Regional leaders welcome calls for the PKK to lay down arms and dissolve.

Five members of the seven-strong preparatory committee are either in HTS or close to the group, and there are no Druze or Alawite members, both of which are significant minorities in Syria.

NATO member Turkey has long backed Syria's armed and political opposition to ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, who was toppled in late December.