Kurds
All topics-
Germany′s arms exports to the Islamic world
Profiteering from terrorism
Germany's massive arms exports are helping shore up autocratic regimes in the Middle East. The policy is short-sighted and driven by economic interests, writes Markus Bickel in his highly informative analysis ″Die Profiteure des Terrors″. By Claudia Mende
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Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Securitising Turkish foreign policy: Turning back the clock
Turkey′s armed forces chief is due to visit Tehran this week, the trip is the latest by the region′s top generals in and out of Ankara. This military traffic is being seen as evidence of a foreign policy increasingly dictated by security concerns, last seen in the 1990′s. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul
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Middle East
Ending Iraq′s humanitarian crisis: Trust the people
Provided its leaders correctly reassess the changing regional and domestic dynamics and agree to allow all Iraqis, regardless of their sect and cultural orientation, to choose their own political and civil structure, the country can still overcome the horrors of the past 14 years. Essay by Alon Ben-Meir
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The Kurdish people
Nishtiman music project: Transcending what divides
They come from Iraq, Iran and Turkey; some live at home, others in exile – all, however, are Kurds. The musicians of the Nishtiman ensemble have a mission – to restore the cultural integrity of their homeland. By Stefan Franzen
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Kurdistan
The future of a people: Good Kurd, bad Kurd
When it suits the political agenda of those in power, the Kurds are seen as good patriots. The rest of the time, they are condemned as villainous traitors. It′s a situation that is repeated in Turkey, Syria and – argues Hoshang Ossi – within the Kurdistan Workers′ Party (PKK) itself
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Iraq
Kurdish referendum for political relevance: Papering over the cracks
The planned independence referendum for the Iraqi region of Kurdistan, argues Denise Natali, not only reflects ongoing tension with Baghdad, but also intra-Kurdish political rivalries that could trigger further conflict
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Interview with Turkish writer Aslı Erdoğan
"It's my country too"
Celebrated Turkish novelist Aslı Erdoğan was imprisoned for four months in Turkey last year. Despite the awful experience and the pressure being exerted on her, she refuses to be cowed. Writing, she says, is a responsibility. Interview conducted by Ceyda Nurtsch
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Kemal Kiliçdaroğlu's "Justice March"
Turkey's emboldened opposition
In Turkey, where President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's government has been working to centralise political power, opposition parties have lately had few reasons to be optimistic. This month's massive rally in Istanbul was a rare exception. By Sinan Ülgen
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The Kurdish football club Amedspor
"Disciplinary measures are unfortunately part of our team identity"
Despite fielding a succession of repressive measures, the Third-League club Amedspor from Diyarbakir is clocking up the sporting victories. For Kurdish fans from Istanbul to Hakkari, the team represents a beacon of hope in difficult times. By Sonja Galler
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Battle for Syria
Trump's constructive ignorance
The U.S. war on terror is creating more terrorists and will further destabilise the Middle East. Only in Syria could Trump's military determination potentially contribute to a negotiated solution, says Kristin Helberg
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Turkish referendum: Kurdish voters still undecided
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The achievements of Erdogan
With me or against me
The Turkish president is adept at cultivating his own public image. Speaking of national unity, he mobilises supporters and denounces opponents. National unity, however, vanished long ago. Erdogan’s divisiveness is exacerbating the country′s problems. Commentary by Timur Tinc