By Saman Shali
Every nation has the right to have a unified identity. Some have a unified identity under the umbrella of nationalism; others have it through religion or economic interests. For example, the Arab States across the Middle East and North Africa identify as “Watan al Arabi,” the Arab Homeland. At the same time, the European Union has its identity under the umbrella of an economic union.
Most Islamic nations are divided between Sunnis and Shiites, creating different axes. The Sunni Crescent begins with Turkey and sweeps southward toward Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, encompassing the Gulf countries (the old Ottoman Empire). Turkey and Saudi Arabia usually compete to take the leadership of this Crescent. On the Shiite side, Iran leads its Crescent (the old Safavid Empire), which begins with Iran and moves westward toward Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Some maintain that the Crescent begins with Pakistan and Afghanistan, spilling over to the Gulf countries. Iran has successfully reached Israel’s borders, which is an existential threat to the latter. In this regard, the Iranian President Advisor Ali Younis has stated that “the Middle East is an Iranian Empire and Baghdad is its capital.”
Additionally, there is one more important Crescent in the Middle East—the Kurdistani Crescent, whose aim is to unite all parts of what has previously been referred to as the Greater Kurdistan region. It begins in Northern Kurdistan (or southeast Turkey), encompasses northwestern Iran, and takes in northern Iraq (Southern Kurdistan), moving west into northeastern Syria (Eastern Kurdistan). Unlike the religious or sectarian ones, the Kurdistani Crescent is based on a multinational consensus that believes in freedom, human rights, democracy, pluralism, and peaceful coexistence.
The geography of the Kurdistani Crescent reveals that it encompasses a region for peace and stability because it separates the other crescents from one another. Due to their experience living as an ethnic minority in several other nation-states, Kurds believe in coexistence in a multi-ethnic region with several religions and ideologies that enable maximum freedom for all citizens and inhabitants. This is the only solid foundation for those living inside the Kurdistani Crescent, allowing them to build a robust infrastructure that will last for generations.
The geography and geopolitics of Kurdistan also drew the attention of the world and Gulf leaders to the Kurdistan Crescent, especially after the fierce fight against ISIS (Da’esh) terrorists. The Kurdistani Crescent cuts through others in the Region, protecting the Gulf nations’ security and the West’s interests.
That said, there is a lot of essential work left for the Kurds to generate further international support and attract the western world to Kurdistan. Kurdish leaders from all parts are responsible for putting forth a unified strategic plan for the people of Kurdistan.
First, the rule of law in the semi-liberated Kurdistan Regions is one of the most critical elements to success. For example, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq and the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration for North and East of Syria (ANNES) must demonstrate the rule of law and establish institution-based governance rather than parties. This will result in building trust between the political entities and the people.
Second, military unity is perhaps the only tool left for Kurds to defend their land, given the historical betrayal by the international and regional powers. This can only be achieved by unity in the fighting forces. For example, since 1991, the KRG has failed to unify the Peshmerga forces. The people and western powers have applauded the recent attempts by the KRG leaders to unify several Peshmerga divisions. Likewise, in Syria, the ANNES should bring what is known as “Roj Pesh,” who are Syrian Kurdish Peshmergas, to the Syrian Democratic Force (SDF) ranks. By doing so, the AANES will win further support and step forward in its relationship with the KRG.
Third, holding the overdue Kurdish National Congress for all parts of Kurdistan in the participation of all political parties and public figures. In the past and present, the regional powers and Kurdish division prevented the Kurdish National Congress from holding. Nonetheless, the time is right for a National Congress to overcome the disputes or, at minimum, agree on the general Kurdistani interest, and to have one strategic agenda. Such congress can lead to more economic cooperation between the KRG and the AANES. A Kurdish congress will also elect, even if symbolic, members to represent each part of Kurdistan, similar to the European Union or the Arab League.
Fourth, the new constitution drafted in this case of the KRG must include the full rights of the minorities in the Kurdistan Region, including the main principles of peace, freedom, human rights, democracy, and free speech. Likewise, the AANES in the future once they win international legitimacy. Believe entirely in empowering and supporting the role of women and youth in politics, government, civil society, and the community.
The above points only make the Kurdish Crescent more attractive to the interests of Western and Gulf States. Despite pressure from Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria on various Kurdish groups to achieve “divide and conquer”, the Kurds are still more determined to unite and survive than to be divided and weakened. Likely… The world will unite and respect brave and free nations. The people of Kurdistan are free and fearless, but unfortunately, they are not united. Leaders can change that.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here represent those of the author and not necessarily those of the MIRS.