Current Geopolitical Situation in West Asia
West Asia is in a state of major change, with key events like the Palestinian issue, the rise of an extreme-right Israeli government, and Iran's weakened position in negotiations.
The region faces shifts due to the loss of regional proxies, U.S. pressure tactics, and the downfall of the al-Assad regime in Syria.
Oil price decline and regional instability are threatening economic stability, while political upheaval continues, with U.S. President Donald Trump visiting the Gulf next month.
Kurdish Struggle for Statehood
Kurds, the largest ethnic minority without a state, are spread across Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria, with a population of 35-45 million.
Despite historical attempts for statehood, like at the Treaty of Sevres in 1920, the Kurds have been suppressed by regional powers, particularly Turkey.
Kurdish efforts for autonomy have led to conflicts, such as the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party)’s insurgency in Turkey and the Self Defence Force (SDF)'s role in Syria.
Kurdish Conditions in Different Countries
In Turkey, Kurdish repression has fueled decades of conflict, and although Turkey has softened policies recently, political integration remains elusive.
In Syria, the Kurdish SDF have gained significant control, supported by the U.S., but face challenges with Turkey and the reduction of American presence.
In Iraq, the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) has autonomy but faces opposition from Baghdad and other regional powers like Turkey and Iran.
In Iran, Kurds face less repression but are still subject to economic deprivation and cultural suppression, especially with the weakening of the Iranian state.
Prospects for Kurdish Statehood
With weakening central authority in Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran, Kurdish proto-states have emerged in these regions, but without a unifying ideology or international support.
The creation of a Kurdish state depends on regional instability and whether the West supports such a move.
Despite these opportunities, the Kurds face opposition from regional powers, and their future remains uncertain, encapsulated by their proverb: "Kurds have no friends, except the mountains."
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