By Salam Abdullah
Tragedies and heart-wrenching disasters in our history are so numerous that they cannot be counted. From the mass killings of early Islam, labeled as “Conquests” (Fituhat), to the Umayyad and Abbasid eras, attacks were launched against Kurdish tribes—examples of which are too many to fit within the folds of this writing. During the era of the Ottoman Caliphate, this situation continued; one by one, they destroyed Kurdish emirates through various methods, always relying on killing and massacres. Examples abound for anyone wishing to study history.
It is evident that this situation did not end after the First World War, which resulted in the division of the land of the Kurds across four countries. Instead, it continued in various forms. The massacres of Dersim in Turkey, Qarna in Iran, and Halabja in Iraq are the most prominent examples of these aggressions committed unjustly against our nation—crimes that were covered up with baseless excuses. All these crimes passed largely without an outcry; the world, both democratic and Islamic, turned a blind eye. The silence and inaction of Islamic countries regarding the chemical bombardment of Halabja and the Anfal campaigns remain a glaring example, staying as a black stain on the foreheads of those countries.
However, the crime this time against the Kurds of Rojava (Western Kurdistan)—after all the sacrifices made to destroy the terrorist organization ISIS—is a cause for pause and contemplation. It is unjustifiable. A people who gave 15,000 martyrs and casualties for the sake of the democratic world and civilization are now, as a “reward,” facing military attacks by soldiers and former ISIS terrorists aimed at their annihilation. This is a matter of deep questioning and shock! Yet, despite this, our people in all parts of Kurdistan are standing united, facing them bravely and revolutionarily.
This fervor and enthusiasm of our people, both inside Kurdistan and abroad, is unprecedented in its unity and solidarity. They have poured into the streets and squares of the world’s major cities, shouting at the top of their lungs to shame this aggression. Today, in more than 50 countries worldwide and in the diaspora, demonstrations and protests are expressing anger toward the authorities of Syria and America, who are playing a dishonorable role against those who sacrificed their lives for freedom, democracy, civilization, and humanity—people who should not have been treated in such a way.
This awakening of our people across Kurdistan and the world demonstrates the unity of our nation and its persistence on its legitimate demands. The Kurds, as a nation, will not compromise on their demands, showing their unity to both friend and foe, and will surely achieve the results of their struggle and resistance.