MEF Dispatch: The Kurdish Struggle in the Shadow of Turkish Aggression

The Kurdish Struggle in the Shadow of Turkish Aggression

By Ahnaf Kalam ● Jan 06, 2025

Smart Brevity® count: 5 mins...1385 words

Domestically, we ask why jihadists launch attacks on Christmas and other holidays (hint: they’re non-Islamic). We then analyze Turkey’s incursions into Syria and describe our Action Alert through which you may tell Congress to end this unwarranted and dangerous aggression. Next, we look at Turkey’s emerging role as an aspiring nuclear power and its air corridors aiding Hezbollah. We argue that the Kurds’ lack of great leadership hobbles their struggle for independence and urge Washington to change its view of the PKK in order to weaken Turkey’s leverage over U.S. policies in Syria. Finally, we examine Israel's call for caution amidst Syria's leadership change.

ICYMI: "Syria and the Captagon Trade: What Now?" with Gregg Roman

Captagon, a highly addictive amphetamine-style stimulant, has ravaged the Middle East in recent years. The fall of Bashar al-Assad revealed Syria's role as the global epicenter of Captagon production, a $10 billion-a-year drug trade that sustained the Assad regime’s grip on power and fueled its war economy. Production facilities have been uncovered even in air bases. The industrial-level production facilities and smuggling networks disbursed billions of capsules per year. How will criminal networks respond to the disruption? Will the new Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham authorities eradicate this operation or continue it? What policies should the U.S. and allied governments adopt?

Gregg Roman is director of the Middle East Forum. In 2014, he was named one of the ten most inspiring global Jewish leaders by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. He has written for the Hill, the Forward, the Albany Times-Union, and other publications. He attended American University in Washington, D.C., and the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in Herzliya, Israel.

To watch the full podcast episode, click here.

MEF Action Alert: Tell Congress to Stand with U.S. Allies and Stop Turkish-Backed Incursions in Syria

Following the collapse of Syrian dictator Bashar Al-Assad’s regime, Turkey seized the opportunity to coordinate an assault on the autonomous zone in northeast Syria, absorbing territory once held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The Syrian National Army (SNA), a Turkish proxy army of criminals and jihadists, currently surrounds the border city of Kobane, an SDF stronghold, while Turkey bombards the town with artillery and airstrikes.

Turkey has refused to abide by the terms of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire around Kobane and has continued attacks against civilian targets in the area. The situation is rapidly deteriorating, and now is the time for lawmakers to show resolve and stand behind America’s closest ally in Syria. To abandon our Syrian partners now would be to consent to their extermination.

By signing up, you can send letters to your elected officials in the House and Senate asking them to stand behind the SDF, a key U.S. ally in the fight to defeat ISIS and prevent its resurgence. Your letters will also call for crippling sanctions against Turkey if it continues directing attacks on U.S. allies, while pushing to designate elements of the SNA involved with committing serious war crimes and human rights abuses against Syrian minorities.

Click here to join the campaign and take action now!

Why Jihadists Wage War on Christmas (and Other Holidays)

Islamist groups target holidays like Christmas, viewing them as violations of Islamic principles.

Why it matters: Understanding the ideological motivations behind these attacks is crucial for developing effective countermeasures.

This and other holiday attacks represent "sudden jihad syndrome," when seemingly normal Muslims abruptly became violent.

Historical context: Medieval Islamic scholars like Ibn Taymiya and Ibn al-Qayyim have long condemned non-Islamic celebrations.

Their teachings continue to influence modern Islamist rhetoric, as seen in figures like Yousuf al-Qaradhawi.

Keep paying attention: Westerners too often lose interest in jihadist violence after the dust settles.

The West must keep this civilizational threat at the forefront of law enforcement and policy decisions regarding immigration, Islamism, and the ever-present threat of jihadi violence.

To read the full article, click here.

Turkey Replacing Syria as Air Corridor to Hezbollah

Turkey's airspace has become a new corridor for Iran's weapon shipments to Hezbollah, raising serious geopolitical concerns.

Why it matters: This development suggests a shift in regional alliances and could escalate tensions in the Middle East.

The facilitation of arms transfers over Turkish airspace indicates Ankara's alignment with Iranian interests.

Strategic implications: Mahan Air's rerouting over Turkey highlights operational adjustments by the IRGC amid Syrian airspace restrictions.

This cooperation could bolster Hezbollah's capabilities, affecting regional stability and security dynamics.

Actionable steps: The U.S. must engage diplomatically with Turkey to address this issue and sanction Mahan Air.

Strengthening sanctions and pursuing diplomatic avenues are vital to curbing Iran's influence and ensuring regional security.

To read the full article, click here.

Will Turkey Become as Great a Nuclear Threat as Iran?

Turkey's pursuit of nuclear capabilities could pose a significant threat, rivaling Iran's nuclear potential.

Why it matters: Turkey's nuclear aspirations, shielded by NATO membership, complicate international efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.

Erdoğan's strategic use of NATO commitments provides Turkey with a protective barrier, limiting preemptive actions against its nuclear developments.

Strategic parallels: Turkey mirrors Iran's nuclear strategy, using civilian energy projects to potentially mask military goals.

The operational status of Turkey's Russia-built nuclear plant raises concerns over proliferation-proof assurances.

Diplomatic challenges: As a NATO ally, Turkey leverages its position to impede Western interventions, creating a diplomatic conundrum.

Washington must navigate complex alliances while addressing Turkey's nuclear ambitions to maintain regional stability.

To read the full article, click here.

The Kurds Will Never Succeed Without Great Leaders

The Kurds' struggle for independence is hampered by a lack of unifying leaders who prioritize national interests over tribal divisions.

Why it matters: Without strong, cohesive leadership, the Kurdish quest for autonomy may remain unfulfilled, perpetuating internal strife and vulnerability to external pressures.

The Kurdish leadership has been marred by infighting and nepotism, hindering progress toward a unified national identity.

Historical context: The legacy of Mullah Mustafa Barzani, while pivotal, set a precedent for tribal politics over nationalism.

His prioritization of family interests over broader Kurdish unity has led to enduring rivalries and fragmentation.

Emerging hope: Figures like General Mazloum Abdi demonstrate potential for a new leadership model that transcends traditional barriers.

Abdi's success against ISIS highlights the possibility of effective governance and military leadership beyond tribal loyalties.

To read the full article, click here.

Washington Should Rethink Its PKK Terror Designation

The U.S. should reconsider its designation of the PKK as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, citing potential benefits for regional stability.

Why it matters: Delisting the PKK could strengthen U.S. alliances with Kurdish groups in Syria and Iraq, enhancing cooperation against common threats.

This move would address Kurdish grievances and signal U.S. reliability as an ally, potentially fostering trust and collaboration.

Inconsistencies in policy: The U.S. has shown flexibility with other groups, like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, prompting calls for similar pragmatism toward the PKK.

The PKK's shift from Marxist origins to seeking peaceful resolutions reflects a significant evolution deserving reevaluation.

Strategic implications: Removing the PKK's terror designation would weaken Turkey's leverage over U.S. policies in Syria.

It could also alleviate pressures on Kurdish regions, aiding in their stabilization and development efforts.

To read the full article, click here.

As European and Arab Leaders Rush to Meet Syria’s New Leader, Israel Calls for Caution

Ahmed al-Sharaa's rise as Syria's leader prompts both optimism and concern, with Israel urging allies to remain cautious.

Why it matters: As Western nations engage with Sharaa's government, Israel warns against overlooking his jihadist past, emphasizing the potential risks of legitimizing his leadership.

European leaders are eager to see stability in Syria, but Israel stresses the importance of scrutinizing Sharaa's intentions.

Diplomatic engagements: France and Germany's recent visits to Damascus highlight a willingness to support Syria's transition.

However, there is skepticism about Sharaa's promises of inclusivity and peace, especially given his history with jihadist groups.

Regional implications: Sharaa's leadership could reshape regional dynamics, especially concerning Israel's security interests.

Israel is wary of Syria becoming a conduit for Iranian influence or weapons transfers to Hezbollah, posing new challenges to regional peace efforts.

To read the full article, click here.

From the effects of Turkey's actions in Syria to the potential realignment of Kurdish policies and Israel's strategic recalibrations, this edition of MEF Dispatch analyzes emerging strategic developments to keep you informed about this crucial region of the world.

Sincerely,
Ahnaf Kalam
Digital Media Specialist
Middle East Forum

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