Nation of Kurds Essay Example for Free

Nation of Kurds Essay The challenges revolving around deeper political, cultural and societal understanding has been one of the tenets surrounding ethnic conflict. With the diversity of cultures around the world, the creation of norms and practices among dominant groups often creates a clash among members of the minority – ethnic groups which in turn necessitates into conflicting ideals and values. Thus, the process of ethnic conflict occurs during the eventual analysis of how groups view the current status quo as a barrier for their practices and norms. Defining Ethnic Conflict In defining ethnic conflict, various scholars have come up with various interpretations on as to how such problem emanates. Due to the variety of conflicts and problems created by the said incident, creating a standardized definition would only broaden the scope of such area. Seeing this, various approaches have been made and created several theoretical bases for the explanation of the realm of ethnicity. Seeing this, it may be right to define ethnic conflict to be â€Å"particular kind of such disputes about political, economic, social, cultural or territorial issues between two or more actors in which at least one of them is an ethnic group that defines causes, consequences and potential solutions of the conflict along an actual or perceived discriminating or otherwise distinctive ethnic divide† (Wolff, 2006). The creation of such conflicting patterns necessitates groups to conduct violent means to address the issue and change the status quo. â€Å"Given the lack of agreement on both substance and process, parties tend to turn very often and easily to force-based options, because force seems to be the only common language that both sides understand and honor† (FPDL, 2006). In the end, there is a need for dialogue to cater better understanding and create necessities for change. â€Å"The potential of conflict to generate learning, stimulate creativity and deepen relationships is realized only if we are able to understand its underlying causes and to mutually recognize and respect each other right to address own needs† (FPDL, 2006). The Kurds: A brief historical review The Kurdish people in general are relatively large in number and comprise of various settlements living in various countries. â€Å"In 1987, estimates suggested that probably numbering close to 16 million Kurds, inhabits the wide arc from eastern Turkey and the northwestern part of Syria through Soviet Azerbaijan and Iraq to the northwest of the Zagros Mountains in Iran, represented the population of what has been referred to as Kurdistan† (Global Security.org, 2008). Kurdish movement in various places in the world can be attributed to many factors that have been evident in history. These significant events have been significant in migration of Kurds in different countries and societies. These examples â€Å"such as the failure and collapse of the Mehabad Republic in 1946, collapse of the movement in Southern Kurdistan in 1975, the use of chemical weapons by the Iraqi government against Halabja, Badinan and other areas of Iraqi Kurdistan, and the refugee exodus from there after the uprising and aftermath of the Second Gulf War in 1991† (Sheikhmous, 1998, p.1) Throughout history, the Kurdish people have sought for independence and the recognition as a national entity. However, all the bloody revolts that have been made were all in jeopardy as no movements have ever been successful in the practice. â€Å"Some of the frequent Kurdish revolts in the twentieth century have sought autonomy; others avowedly aimed at complete independence in a sovereign state† (Harris, 1977, p.113). In the end, such events catapulted the rise of many conflicts among neighboring states. This in turn ended up in the escalation of violence and conflict within the region. Inter-ethnic conflict The process of inter-ethnic conflict among the Kurds can be seen in their neighbors such as Iraq and Turkey. On the other hand, there are also incidents of conflict in the Southern Kurdistan and mainly involves the Iraqi KDP and KDPI. â€Å"Among the most obvious types of inter-ethnic conflicts are those that have taken place between the Kurds and the majority ethnic groups i.e. the Arabs and their power elites, since the establishment of the state of Iraq in the 1920’s and their inclusion into the state against the will of their own majority† (Sheikhmous, 1998, p.2) Conflict against neighbors Similarly, occurrence of conflict can also be cited by Kurds against several states bordering the region; namely Turkey, Iran, Syria and Iraq. These conflicts primarily occur due to the intervention of these states in the country’s political affairs and clashes with other ethnic groups. Kurdistan geographical position became an instrument for several states to equally pursue their interest over such region. This is done by â€Å"supporting one or the other party in the competition for power and resources, by inciting incidents of disagreements and war, and by luring one or the other party with false promises and temptations† (Sheikhmous, 1998, p.3) On the other hand, the same situation applies for Kurdish movements. They in turn are guaranteed support only to realize in the end that they become just pawns in the overall plans of each neighboring state. â€Å"The Kurdish movements, too, due to their consideration for their own sectarian interests only, rather than those of the Kurdish nation as a whole, become an easy prey to these cynical games of medieval power politics by the governments of these regional states† (Sheikhmous, 1998, p.3) In the end, the welfare of placed under jeopardy due to such interference and intervention of other states. Creating Solutions Seeing this, there are varied solutions practiced and suggested to improve the current scenario of ethnic conflict within the region. Neutral states can act as both mediators and negotiators in the peace talk’s process between two competing parties. â€Å"Strong mediation by forceful negotiations from the United States and Europe might be able to convince the two Kurdish parties in Iraqi Kurdistan and to return to a peaceful process with formation of a wider new coalition government and holding a new democratic elections under international supervision† (Sheikhmous, 1998, p.3). Economic benefits may be included in the talks so as to encourage parties and states to comply. With the help of international organizations such as the UN, the process can effectively create confidence-building measures and improvements in the region torn by continued conflict and violence. â€Å"A lifting of UN sanctions on Iraqi Kurdistan together with an increased package for economic aid will certainly influence the parties towards more cooperative relations because they will become more self reliant and escape influence from Iraq, Turkey, and Iran as a result of sanction busting along their borders along their borders for customs duties† (Sheikhmous, 1998, p.3). Lastly, peacekeeping solutions can be enforced and help create a better democratic society. In addition, there needs to be an active involvement among groups who partake in the process to create a civil society that addresses the concerns of these ethnic groups. With the â€Å"establishment of interest groups and institutions for the advancement and strengthening of a civil society together with institutions for the preservation of human rights and respect the rule of law together with well trained cadres in conflict resolution would further enhance cooperative relations within Kurdish society† (Sheikhmous, 1998, p.4). References FPDL (2006) What is Ethnic Conflict. Retrieved July 14, 2008 from http://209.85.175.104/search?q=cache:-wSNN0zz3F8J:www.fpdl.ro/WHAT_IS_ETHNIC_CONFLICT_EN.doc+defining+ethnic+conflicthl=tlct=clnkcd=1gl=ph Global Security.org (2008) Kurdistan – Kurdish Conflict. Retrieved July 14, 2008 from http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/kurdistan.htm Harris, G.S. (1977) Ethnic Conflict and the Kurds in Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science. 433. Retrieved July 14, 2008. pp. 112-124. Sheikhmous, O. (1998) Factors for Cooperation and Conflict in Southern Kurdistan. Retrieved July 14, 2008 from http://www.aina.org/articles/sheikhmous.pdf Wolff, S. (2006) Ethnic Conflict and How to explain It: An Overview of Relevant Theories Defining Ethnicity and Ethnic Conflict. Retrieved July 14, 2008 from http://209.85.175.104/search?q=cache:yMs7ugglbUEJ:www.stefanwolff.com/teaching/ethnic-conflict/downloads/lecture-1-notes.doc+defining+ethnic+conflicthl=tlct=clnkcd=7gl=ph