Rojyar J Ali
2024 / 12 / 30
With the expiration of the Lausanne Treaty’s political relevance, the Middle East is heading towards a major geopolitical reshuffle. This transformation, spearheaded by influential global powers such as the United States, Israel, France, and Britain, is paving the way for a new reality in the region—one that could witness the emergence of an independent Kurdistan. Fully aware of the seismic shifts underway, Turkey is desperately attempting to obstruct these changes through a combination of deception and political manoeuvring. Below is an in-depth analysis of these attempts and the future trajectory of the region.
Turkey and Ö-;-calan: A Repeated Historical Betrayal
Turkey perceives the establishment of a Kurdish state as a -dir-ect threat to its regional ambitions. Consequently, President Erdoğ-;-an has been courting Abdullah Ö-;-calan, leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), in an effort to persuade him to abandon the armed struggle in exchange for his release.
Turkey’s Objectives:
• Dismantle the self-administration of Rojava (Western Kurdistan) by pressuring Ö-;-calan to urge his supporters to disarm and relinquish their national aspirations.
• Eliminate Ö-;-calan once this goal is achieved, echoing Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s betrayal of Kurdish MP Hasan Khairy. Atatürk had manipulated Khairy into sending a telegram of support for the Lausanne Treaty, only to execute him later.
The Kurdish Stance:
The Kurdish people and the self-administration in Rojava must remain vigilant against Turkish ploys aimed at dismantling their autonomy. Aligning with supportive international powers, particularly the United States and Israel, is essential to secure freedom and rights for all components of Rojava.
Turkey’s Failed Outreach to Israel
To undermine the Middle East’s new project, Turkey has sought to strengthen ties with Israel by offering various security and economic incentives, including:
• Ensuring Israel’s security from the Syrian front.
• Supporting Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights and other parts of Syria.
Why These Attempts Fail:
Israel understands that its national security is intrinsically linked to the establishment of Kurdistan, which serves as its only strategic ally in the region. The Kurdish-Israeli alliance not only enhances stability but also curtails Turkish influence, rendering Turkey’s overtures ineffective.
US-Turkey Relations: A Strategic Reality Check
Turkey has also attempted to win over the United States by offering cooperation in areas such as:
• Assisting in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
• Countering Iran and ISIS.
• Managing prisons holding ISIS fighters in Rojava.
The US Perspective:
The United States is well aware of Turkey’s neo-Ottoman ambitions and its support for Islamist extremist groups. Washington views the establishment of Kurdistan as a strategic guarantee for its interests in the region and Israel’s security, making the Kurdish state a cornerstone of its long-term strategy.
Syria’s Political Landscape: Turkey’s Desperate Gambit
To thwart the Kurdish project, Turkey has -dir-ected Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to seize control of Syria.
The International Response:
• While the United States and Israel agree on the necessity of regime change in Syria, they do not support allowing Turkish-backed terrorist groups to dominate the country.
• Both powers oppose any Turkish attempt to revive the Ottoman Empire´-or-extend its influence across the Middle East.
The Road to Kurdistan’s Independence
It is anticipated that Rojava will begin with a federal´-or-decentralised governance structure during a transitional phase that may last several years. Over time, Rojava and Southern Kurdistan will unify, forming the nucleus of a greater Kurdistan.
Key Steps Forward:
• Strengthen coordination among Kurdish leaders and their Western and Israeli allies.
• Prepare for the transition from federalism to the unification of Kurdish regions within a single state.
• Establish a secular, democratic system that ensures equality for all ethnic and religious communities in Kurdistan.
The Historical and Geographical Identity of Kurdistan
The name “Kurdistan” is not a modern nationalist creation but has ancient roots. The region has been known as “The Land of the Kurds” for millennia, as evidenced in Sumerian, Assyrian, and Hittite texts.
The first official use of “Kurdistan” as a political and geographical term was by the Seljuk Sultan Sanjar in the 12th century, who incorporated it into Seljuk decrees to denote the Kurdish homeland. During the Ottoman Empire, the term “Kurdistan” was formalised on official maps, extending from northern Antakya to Khuzestan in Iran—an unequivocal recognition of the region’s Kurdish identity.
Significance:
The term “Kurdistan” reflects a historical reality, deeply rooted in geography and culture, far removed from any racial´-or-nationalist ideology.
Future Expectations
The declaration of an independent Kurdish state appears inevitable, driven by growing international alliances and geopolitical shifts. With the support of major powers like the United States and Israel, combined with the Kurdish people’s unwavering determination, the dream of an independent Kurdistan is closer than ever.
Conclusion
The establishment of Kurdistan will mark a turning point in Middle Eastern history, creating a stabilising force that safeguards international interests and regional peace. The Kurdish-Israeli alliance, in particular, promises to serve as a model of strategic cooperation, laying the foundation for a new era of progress and coexistence in the region.
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