The Kurdish Spring: A New Map of the Middle East

by David L. Phillips

Overview

Kurds are the largest stateless people in the world. An estimated thirty-two million Kurds live in "Kurdistan," which includes parts of Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran—today's "hot spots" in the Middle East. The Kurdish Spring explores the subjugation of Kurds by Arab, Ottoman, and Persian powers for almost a century, and explains why Kurds are now evolving from a victimized people to a coherent political community.

David L. Phillips describes Kurdish rebellions and arbitrary divisions in the last century, chronicling the nadir of Kurdish experience in the 1980s. He discusses draconian measures implemented by Iraq, including use of chemical weapons, Turkey's restrictions on political and cultural rights, denial of citizenship and punishment for expressing Kurdish identity in Syria, and repressive rule in Iran.

Phillips forecasts the collapse and fragmentation of Iraq. He argues that US strategic and security interests are advanced through cooperation with Kurds, as a bulwark against ISIS and Islamic extremism. This work will encourage the public to look critically at the post-colonial period, recognizing the injustice and impracticality of states that were created by Great Powers, and offering a new perspective on sovereignty and statehood.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781412856805
Publisher:	Transaction Publishers
Publication date:	02/28/2015
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	268
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

David L. Phillips is director of the Program on Peace-building and Rights at Columbia University's Institute for the Study of Human Rights. Phillips served as foreign affairs expert and senior adviser to the US Department of State during the administrations of Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama.

Table of Contents

Part 1; 1: Betrayal; 2: Abuse; 2: Kurds in Iraq; 3: Kurds in Turkey; 4: Kurds in Syria; 5: Kurds in Iran; 3: Progress; 6: Self-Rule in Iraq; 7: The Imrali Peace Process; 8: From Syria’s Ashes; 9: The Second Iranian Revolution; 4: Peril and Opportunity; 10: The End of Iraq; 11: International Response; 12: The Path to Independence; List of Abbreviations

Editorial Reviews

"For decades, David Phillips has championed the cause of human rights in Kurdistan. He is one of the few experts on all parts of Kurdistan which makes this book such a useful survey of a place and people that are now at the center of US foreign policy." —Ambassador Peter W. Galbraith; author, The End of Iraq “The author analyzes the root causes of the Kurdish problem in the aftermath of World War I and briefly sketches the situation of the Kurds in the four states until the end of the 1990s. He describes the achievements by Kurds in certain parts and examines the collapse of the Iraqi state, which could pave the way to an independent Kurdistan. The book is written with empathy and understanding toward the Kurds and as such might be an important contribution for lay readers and even to policy makers.” —Ofra Bengio, The Middle East Forum “[A]n insightful account of the Kurds’ ongoing journey into statehood . . . a rich and detailed guide for those who want to introduce themselves to the Kurdish struggles . . . the book also presents a thorough analytical perspective grounded in adequate historical knowledge to help comprehend the current stakes and actors.” —Esin Duzel, Kurdish Studies “The Kurdish Spring tells an important story about the historic betrayal and abuse of the Kurds. It also describes current challenges presented by Iraq’s near collapse and the rise of ISIS. David L. Phillips is well qualified to discuss the future of Kurdistan. He has been on the ground for twenty-five years, offering insights as both a scholar and practitioner. The Kurdish Spring is finally hopeful, as Kurds make progress towards their security and sovereignty.” —Bill Richardson, former Governor of New Mexico “Few scholars know more about the intricacies of the Kurdish challenges than David Phillips. He not only knows all the key players but he also understands the political dynamics of the Kurdish nationalism in today's evolving Middle East. The Kurdish Spring is a must read for anyone seeking to understand the history and impact the Kurds play in the region today.” —Nancy Soderberg, former deputy national security advisor and alternate representative to the United Nations “The Kurds are now winning new friends globally because they are seen, particularly in Iraq, as a bulwark against IS and a ‘moderate security buffer against spiraling violence in Iraq’. Understanding the Kurds’ past, present and future is vital . . . [and] this readable, succinct, candid, and authoritative book by an American ‘activist Professor’ who has spent 25 years travelling extensively throughout the four Kurdistans admirably fills the gap. . . . Whether the Kurds can stay in Iraq or embrace independence, they need informed friends to help maximise the potential of this progressive, youthful, secular and potentially pivotal place in the Middle East. This timely book should be studied by those who want to understand or lend a hand.” —Gary Kent, Progress “The Kurdish Spring gives the reader excellent insight into an important group in a difficult region of the world. . . . . a great read.” — Don Delauter, The Voice of North Carolina “[T]he most concise account on the history of the Kurds of Iraq, Turkey, Syria and Iran since David McDowall’s seminal book “A Modern History of the Kurds” . . . It is an updated, a very fresh information arsenal on the Kurdish issue and Kurdish history. There is no doubt that it will take its rightful place on the bookshelves of everyone around the world concerned with the issues of the Middle East.” —Cengiz Çandar, Al-Monitor

From the Publisher