The end of one stage and the beginning of another
Historical overview:
The Kurdish people, who have lived on their historical land for thousands of years in Mesopotamia and its surroundings, repelled invasions and occupation attacks by local and global powers, coveting the wealth of their lands and their position in a sensitive strategic geography linking Africa with Asia and Europe. Their lands witnessed long conflicts between the Romans and the Persians, between the Ottomans and the Safaween Persians, and between the Ottomans and the Russians, and they played an active role in them, and established many semi-independent emirates.
When the oppression against the Kurds intensified, they declared numerous revolutions and uprisings against the Iranian and Ottoman – Turkish governments. The World War I /1914-1919. had a major impact on the Middle East. After the Ottoman rule of the region extended for 400 years, the Ottomans adopted a policy of Turkification, assimilation, and genocide against all peoples. Protests against the injustice of Ottoman rule increased, and the atmosphere became ripe for massive revolutions against the Ottoman presence, initiated by the Kurds in 1800. (Al-Baban, Al-Badrakani, etc.). And the outbreak of the Great Arab Revolt in 1916, to finally expel the Ottomans from the Arab countries in 1918. However, the British and French were planning to divide the region between them and form small states, through the Sykes -Picot Agreement in 1916. The Sevres Agreement in 1920 was not implemented to grant the Kurds self-rule, and was completely ignored in a new, final agreement called the ‘’Lausanne’’ Agreement in Switzerland in 1923, to please Turkey, which relinquished its claim to Mosul and Kirkuk, and pledged to preserve the rights of the remaining nationalities in Turkey. According to it, Ottoman Kurdistan was divided among the modern states (Turkey, Iraq, and Syria).
During this analytical study, we will seek to: To shed light on the recent historical situation in the region, and the circumstances of the emergence of the modern Kurdistan Freedom Movement represented by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to gain the rights of the Kurdish people through democratic change in Turkey and the region, we will address its history of struggle from its founding , through the launch of the armed struggle and the unilateral ceasefires several times, to open the way for a peaceful solution . We will also address the reason and method of the kidnapping and capture of the leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (Abdul Allah Ocalan). And the echoes and repercussions of his recent (Peace Project and Democratic Society) launch. What are his thoughts about this? What prompted the Turkish government to accept the idea of a peaceful solution after decades of denial and campaigns of war, killing, and displacement? How did the recent “peace phase” begin, which brought the Kurdish issue to the fore again and the necessity of resolving it through politics, law and rights, and became the talk of the town? How were the reactions? International and politicians, the leadership of his party – PKK – and the Turkish government? As a result, we will analyze and ask: Will this process succeed as its counterparts have succeeded in other places? For example: The (Great Friday) Peace Agreement of 1998 between Northern Ireland and Britain ended the thirty- year war? Likewise, the peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC revolutionary movement, which ended more than half a century of war that led to more than 300 A thousand dead and missing and 6 million displaced, after long negotiations between 2012-2016. And the (National Peace) Agreement in 1991 in South Africa, ending the apartheid regime and establishing the foundations of democracy and the freedom fighter (Mandela) and (De Klerk), the last president of the apartheid regime in 1993, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize equally? What are the potential obstacles? Where will this peace process go? What is required to be worked on by all parties for it to succeed? What are the expected scenarios?
First: The conditions and circumstances surrounding the region
After the end of World War II in 1945, the world was divided into two camps: the socialist camp, which worked to spread socialist ideas and support national liberation movements, while the capitalist camp, under the pretext of defending freedoms and democracy, supported dictatorial regimes and military coups. The Cold War between them intensified, and the world was affected by this conflict: The Arab-Israeli conflict intensified, especially after the declaration of the State of Israel in 1948, and the Palestinian factions launched resistance against the Israeli occupation, along with the spread of national liberation movements in the Middle East. In Turkey, the Kurds contributed to the establishment and leadership of leftist youth organizations and the establishment of relations with liberation movements around the world, such as (the leftist factions in Palestine).
On the Kurdish issue: After the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923 under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk until 1938 and the declaration of the end of the Ottoman Empire, it was based on a single national identity and the imposition of Turkish culture on all the peoples and components of Turkey by force. The Turkish state began to apply the most severe and violent methods of genocide, assimilation and displacement against the Kurdish people, especially after the numerous uprisings. Its successive governments practiced a policy of fighting the aspirations of the Kurdish people in the four parts; the Kurd became ashamed and disgusted with his identity, and did not speak Kurdish even in his home. The Turkish regime concluded agreements and treaties with the countries occupying Kurdistan and others.
After the Kurds despaired of the results of the Lausanne Conference, they declared several revolutions and uprisings, all of which ended in failure as a result of the use of excessive force and violence by the Turkish state, which declared that “Kurdistan” had been buried and cement was poured over it, and the Kurds were described as mountain Turks. After the fall of Republic of Mahabad /1946/ Eastern Kurdistan, and the collapse of the revolution of Mulla Mustafa Barzani /1961-1975/ following the Algiers Agreement, at which time the Kurdish people lost hope of salvation and fell into a slow death slumber.
In the 1960 and 1970, socialist movements emerged in Turkey, led by students and intellectuals (Turks, Kurds, and others) against the parties and governments that emerged from the “Committee of Union and Progress,” which had a Turkish nationalist ideology and joined the Western alliance and “NATO” to confront the communist tide. However , they were either suppressed or domesticated , and the leftist movements were unable to confront them, especially after the military coups in ( 1960-1971-1980) , until a Kurdish figure appeared among them by the name of (Abdullah Ocalan), who gathered around him a number of university students with ( left-wing socialist ideology), Kurds and others, who were convinced that it was necessary to change the government in Turkey by spreading democracy in order to grant its people freedom and justice, and they emphasized that democracy could not be widespread in Turkey without obtaining The Kurds have their rights ; so their movement began with the phrase (colonized Kurdistan) in 1973 from Ankara.
Second: The emergence of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and its struggle
After despair had crept into the souls of the Kurdish people of salvation, especially since the Kurdish parties of a classical nationalist nature had not offered them anything, nor had the leftist and socialist parties , which had been completely undermined, and the military coups had put an end to democratic reform and suppressed all aspirations for freedom and democracy, it was inevitable that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) would emerge , adopting a new approach to socialism and national liberation movements, criticizing “constructed ” socialism, savage capitalism, and the unjust course of history against the Kurds and all oppressed peoples. It reached the conviction that it was necessary to save societies from the clutches of capitalism and its creation, the nation-state, and to achieve the right to self-determination for the Kurdish people, through an international (national – class) struggle. When the proponents of these ideas were confronted with violence and persecution, they were forced to organize themselves, and a group of its cadres declared the party advanced on 11/27/1978 and chose (Abdullah Ocalan) as their leader.
1-The Military Coup and Emergency Laws: Following the military coup on September 12, 1980, led by General Kenan Evren, a state of emergency was declared. Thousands of opponents were killed, generally by “unknown perpetrators.” The most severe forms of violence were used against civilians, and the party’s supporters, in particular, were persecuted. This forced some of its cadres to flee to Lebanon, to join Palestinian organizations, and join their leader, Ocalan, to reorganize and train. Some cadres were arrested and tortured in prison, forcing some to choose martyrdom to express their refusal to surrender and their unafraid of death. They burned themselves to death or went on a hunger strike in ‘’Amed ‘’Prison in 1982, which became known as the “Prison Resistance. “
2-The start of the armed struggle: As a result of the great violence practiced by the military junta, and as a result of the practice of the most severe types of physical and spiritual torture against prisoners, and the persecution of unarmed civilians, the decision was made to return to the homeland and begin the armed struggle. Through the second conference held in 1982, the launch was on August 15, 1984, with a few dozen fighters, led by the martyr Masum Korkmaz (Akid), and their numbers increased, with thousands of young men and women joining them in the mountains.
3-Announcement of a ceasefire: After ten years of war with all types and categories of the Turkish army, which used the most modern heavy weapons against them, it was met with great heroism by the Kurdistan People’s Liberation Army and massive popular uprisings starting in 1990. And then against the practices of the ruling regime, until the party leader, Ocalan, reached the conviction that the revolution had reached a state of balance with the government, and that the continuation of the war and tragedies was useless. It was necessary to move to another stage of the struggle. A unilateral ceasefire was declared on March 17, 1993, after exchanging letters about it with the then Turkish Prime Minister (Turgut Ozal), through the mediation of the late “Jalal Talabani”, but the war merchants and the deep state foiled it by assassinating ” Turgut Ozal and some military leaders, and the declaration also failed the second time /1995/ and the third time /1998/ during the era of ‘’Najm al-Din Erbakan – Masoud Yilmaz’’.
4-The assassination attempts and the international conspiracy against Abdullah Ocalan: Throughout the years of war, the Turkish government used every method of war, using the latest military technologies and unlimited support from NATO and Israel, committing numerous crimes and internationally prohibited weapons, using all types of private warfare, burning villages and displacement. It believed that if the movement was fragmented from within or its leader, Abdullah Ocalan, was assassinated, then the “rebellion” would end, as he claims, especially the assassination attempts on May 6, 1996 in Damascus. It concluded agreements with the defunct Iraqi regime, and the Adana Agreement of 1998. With Syria, following Turkish pressure and behind its America (NATO) on Syria to stop Syria’s support for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, until a plot was planned to kidnap him in an international piracy from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on 2/15/1999. After a sham trial, he was sentenced to death and transferred to life imprisonment in 2002.
5-Other Peace Initiatives and a Roadmap: The plot was foiled when Mr. Ocalan acted wisely, called for a change in the party’s approach and name, launched a new peace initiative, and called for a ceasefire (unilaterally). However, the party resumed its military operations in June 2004 as a result of the state’s counter-violence. When Erdogan declared in ‘’Amed -Diyarbakir’’ in 2005 that he He considers the Kurdish issue his own and that he will solve it. The PKK did not hesitate to declare a ceasefire and hold peace negotiations, but the state did not respond and arrested many politicians and media professionals. The Turkish governments did not take important steps to achieve Kurdish demands, such as recognizing the Kurdish identity and language and exercising their political freedom, but the Turkish state practiced its previous policy of denial. In prison, Mr. Ocalan proposed several peace initiatives, including the “2009 Roadmap” to solve the Kurdish issue in Turkey. To show good faith, he called on his supporters to return peace groups (military and civilian) to their homeland, but they were arrested and tried. After the elected mayors were arrested and the leaders of the DTP were imprisoned on June 1, 2010, and after Mr. Ocalan stated that “ the conditions for a democratic political struggle have disappeared ,” he withdrew from it, the leadership of the PKK issued a statement to public opinion in which it clarified that the strategy of democratic political struggle had ended , and emphasized that the solution to the Kurdish issue was linked to self-democracy based on the “revolutionary people’s war.”
AKP leadership entered into a tight dilemma as a result of the resistance operations, especially in (Zap, Uramar, A delegation from the AKP sent to Imrali asked Ocalan for a ceasefire to hold a referendum on a new constitution. The ceasefire was declared between August 13 and September 20, 2010, and the party adhered to it. However, the PKK leadership took a position against the change in the basic constitution and called for a boycott. It approved the protocol presented by its leader based on the results of the meetings between the AKP and the PKK. Despite all the pressure, Erdoğan postponed his decision until after the elections of June 12, 2011.
6-Oslo negotiations: Negotiations resumed in 2012 in Oslo, Norway. A peace letter from Ocalan was sent to Newroz Amed in 2013, followed by the formation of the Committee of Wise Men. Peace talks continued in Europe in 2015, and the ‘’Dolmabahce Agreement, with its ten points proposed by Mr’’. Ocalan, was reached. However, the dominant forces and the deep state continue to undermine all efforts at peace and openness, by shutting down political parties close to the Kurds, arresting their leaders—even parliamentarians—and thousands of their members, and dismissing elected mayors.
The Turkish state was dealing with the issue tactically, sometimes taking the approach of getting closer to the Kurds in order to win elections or to show that it does not oppose peace and that it is a democratic state. For more than four years, it cut off their leader’s contact with the outside world on the remote island and placed him in isolation within isolation, in order to pressure him to announce surrender. In exchange for improving his situation, Mr. Ocalan describes the prison as like a ‘’coffin.”
Third: The latest peace initiative, how did it start and why at this time?
1-Bahceli’s Surprise Initiative: It began with the leader of the Turkish Nationalist Movement (MHP), Mr. ‘’Devlet Bahceli’’, giving a speech in parliament to his party’s representatives on 10/22/2024. He put forward an initiative that surprised all observers by calling for Ocalan to come and address the representatives of the DEM party. In parliament, he calls on his party members to lay down their weapons and surrender to the state, then he can be given the right to hope. After the ruling alliance in Turkey between the Justice and Development Party ( AKP ) and the Nationalist Movement Party ( MHP ) despaired of eliminating the Kurdistan Freedom Movement , and after it used all means and methods of illegal war , Turkey became internationally isolated and fell into internal and external crises due to the consumption of all its forces in that war ; It has made contradictory , pragmatic diplomatic and economic alliances to establish itself as a regional power. There is also the impact of the war in Gaza and Lebanon on the region, and the contradictions of the Turkish state in declaring its support for the Palestinians in Gaza while at the same time not severing its relations with Israel. However, due to its failure to eliminate and undermine the Kurdistan Freedom Movement forces and end the “Democratic Autonomous Administration” region in northern and eastern Syria – declared since 2014 – and the developments in the war between Israel and Iran and the possibility of changing the map of the region as announced by “Netanyahu”, the Israeli Prime Minister, Turkey rushed to establish alliances in the region to prevent it from being affected by change. It was doing the impossible to meet with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and he hoped for that until the last moments before his fall, in order to protect and save his weakened government. The meetings with the new leaders in Damascus after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime were of no use, nor was his support for the mercenaries of the National Army in crossing to the east of the Euphrates through the Tishrin Dam gate. Today, he has no choice but to return to the Kurdish card for rescue. It seems that Turkey is very afraid of changing the strategic reality in the region, which is about to shape the map of the Middle East a hundred years after Lausanne. Likewise, America, NATO countries, and Israel are disturbed by Turkey ’s actions that contradict their interests, in dealing with Iran and Russia, which are hostile to America and the West in general, and its clear support for ISIS. The goal of the Turkish ruling authority’s initiative is Blocking the path to Western and American-Israeli interference in the region, and using the Kurdish issue as a pressure factor to reshape the region anew, especially after the developments in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, and the exit of Iran and Russia from the region.
2-Mr. Ocalan’s response and the position of his party’s leadership on the call: Ocalan’s response came After a meeting with his nephew Omar Ocalan, he said: “If the appropriate conditions are available, I have the ability to change the current developments to a political rights basis. I have the theoretical and practical ability to do so. I can propose the path (method) and I can bring my comrades into political work[1].” Mr. Murad Qarayilan, the co-chair of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), also responded to his leader’s message, saying: “We have officially announced that we will support the process that Leader Apo will develop, and that our movement and party will rely on Leader Apo, and they have strong faith, and we have no problem in this regard.” [2]
efforts of the DEM Party in conveying the messages of Imrali and working to spread it: The leadership of the Peace and Democracy Party (DEM) met with Mr. Ocalan in prison. Imrali Several times, after meeting with political parties, parliament, various circles, and imprisoned politicians from their party, delegation member Parvin Buldan said, “The meeting is a historic step, and the country is witnessing a historic phase, and all parties must act very responsibly at this stage.” Meetings were also held with numerous parties in southern Kurdistan, and statements were made B – That all positions were positive, and to solve the issue, the constitution that works to deny others and creates an undemocratic system must be abolished first and foremost, and work must be done to build a decentralized solution, and the only solution that has emerged is to build the foundations of democracy and peace with all peoples. The DEM delegation stated: “The leader ” Apo’’he is clear in his position regarding the peoples of Turkey, the peoples of the Middle East, and the democratic solution to the Kurdish issue. We must not waste this historic opportunity. Parliament must fulfill its responsibilities. Mr. Ocalan’s working conditions must be improved, his isolation must be lifted, and he must be provided with health care. He must be released immediately. Pulling Turkey back to the democratic path is the only solution to save it from crises. “
Fourth: The message of peace and democratic society
After the Imrali delegation visited again and met with Mr. Ocalan[3], which lasted for 4 hours, the long-awaited message was published on February 27, 2025, at a press conference. under the title (Peace and Democratic Society), and among what was stated in it was:
- The circumstances of the founding of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party occurred during the Cold War era in the world, and in this environment, the denial of the Kurdish truth and the prohibition of freedoms, especially freedom of thought were prevalent.
- The constructed socialist system of that century shaped the environment in which the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) emerged, influencing its theory, program, strategy, and tactics. In the 1990s, due to internal factors such as the collapse of constructed socialism, the decline of identity denial in the country, and the advancement of freedom of thought, the PKK surpassed its original purpose and became increasingly repetitive. Therefore, like others, it has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be dissolved.
- The various nation-states, federations, administrative autonomy, and cultural solutions that are the necessary outcome of extreme nationalism cannot be a response to the sociology of historical society.
- Respect for identities, freedom of thought, democratic organization, and the socio-economic and political construction of all components are only possible in the presence of a democratic society and political space.
- The language of the era of peace and democratic society must also be developed in accordance with this reality.
- The call made by Mr. Devlet Bahceli, the will shown by the President of the Republic, and the positive approaches of the other parties created this process. I also call for disarmament in this process, and I bear historical responsibility for this call.
He addressed the members of his party, saying: “Just as every contemporary society and party was not forcibly ended, you must also voluntarily hold your congress and make decisions; all groups must lay down their weapons, and the PKK must dissolve itself “.
This message resonated greatly with all concerned parties and the international community, and the response of the PKK leadership to their leader’s call was anticipated.
Fifth: The most important decisions and outcomes of the 12th Conference of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party
The 12th emergency congress of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) was held between May 5-7 and was officially announced on May 12 by the congress bureau[4]. The statement read: ‘Our congress was held under difficult circumstances… The congress discussed leadership issues, martyrs, veterans, the party’s organizational existence, the method of armed struggle, and the construction of a democratic society. It made historic decisions that mark the beginning of a new phase for our freedom movement… The 12th extraordinary congress of the party assessed that the party’s struggle has shattered the policies of denial and extermination against our people and has brought the Kurdish issue to the point of resolution through democratic politics. In this way, the party has completed its historical mission. Therefore, the congress decided to dissolve the party’s organizational structure and end the method of armed struggle, with this process being managed and implemented by leader Öcalan, thus bringing an end to activities conducted in the party’s name”. The statement also emphasized that Leader Ocalan adopted the perspective of a shared homeland and a democratic Republic of Turkey, in which the Kurdish and Turkish peoples are foundational elements. He understood the concept of a democratic nation as a framework for resolving the Kurdish issue. The Kurdish uprisings throughout the history of the republic, the historical dialectic of Kurdish-Turkish relations spanning a thousand years, and the leader’s 52-year struggle have demonstrated that the solution to the Kurdish issue lies in a shared homeland and equal citizenship. Furthermore, the current developments in the Middle East, within the framework of the Third World War, make the reorganization of Kurdish-Turkish relations inevitable”.
Sixth: Echoes and repercussions of the conference statement
The Congress’s decision did not come from despair or weakness. As General de Gaulle said, ” He who does not win the war does not make peace.” The modern Kurdistan Freedom Movement is at the height of its strength and is capable of change and peacemaking. Turkey’s leaders today have not changed out of sake for the Kurds or democracy; they are forced to do so. The heroic struggle of the PKK and its supporters brought the revolution to this important stage in the historic Kurdish liberation struggle. The PKK has left its mark on Kurdistan, Turkey, and the Middle East for half a century, from its founding to the present day. It has intervened in Kurdish history which was heading toward destruction and disorve. The struggle has expanded through political, social, and intellectual movements and initiatives. Change and transformation have been adopted as the basis for the tools that lead to goals such as peace, freedom and a democratic society.
- Ankara welcomed the decision, describing it as ” historic and very important” and a spokesman for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) asserted that it represented ” a decisive turning point toward a Turkey free of terrorism” without addressing what Turkey would offer in return.
- The Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) welcomed the decision, describing it as of great importance to the Kurdish people and the Middle East, calling for a legal framework for the solution. For his part, the President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani, praised the decision, considering it a boost to regional security.
- The United Nations and the United States, as well as some European leaders welcomed the decision. Observers expect that this step will ease tensions in the region and open the door to greater cooperation with Turkey.
Implications of the decision on the regional scene:
- On the Turkish scene: The decision represents a historic opportunity for Turkey to end one of its longest-running internal conflicts, which has drained its resources, affected its stability, and created problems for it with many countries, especially its ally, the United States. It also opens the door for Turkey to join the European Union and play its role as a competitor to Iran and Saudi Arabia in the region.
- On the Iraqi and Syrian arenas: The decision will lead to the establishment of balanced relations with Turkey, which will render the Turkish military presence in the north useless and resolve the water issues with it. It will also lead to a redrawing of the balance within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and for southern Kurdistan to become an important corridor for trade routes and investment. This began with the visit of the Prime Minister of the Regional Government (Masrour Barzani) to Washington on the 23rd of last month and his signing of several commercial contracts and important agreements in the field of energy.If the peace process proceeds peacefully, it will accelerate the Kurds’ consolidation of their presence and rights in the new Syria, and their effective participation in its construction without Turkish pressure and dictates.
Future challenges, obstacles and implementation problems
Despite the historic significance of the resolution, which generated satisfaction among most of the region’s stakeholders and peoples, there remain several obstacles that may stand in the way of its full implementation
1- Political Guarantees for the Kurds: Some observers doubt the Turkish government’s willingness to grant greater political and cultural rights to the Kurds following the party’s dissolution, especially given the lack of clear constitutional guarantees (as Turkey has a history of failing to uphold agreements and treaties). For the peace process to succeed, the conditions of Abdullah Ocalan must be improved so he can effectively steer the peace process and engage with all parties. Additionally, thousands of political prisoners accused of “terrorism” must be released, with priority given to the sick. Furthermore, Turkey must halt its attacks on guerrilla forces, as the conference was held under bombardment, despite the PKK’s unilateral ceasefire declaration on March 1. Of course, committees must be formed to amend the constitution.
2- The Future of Fighters and Leadership: The fate of thousands of fighters and political figures presents a major challenge. Will a general amnesty be granted, allowing them to engage in political activities through the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) or another platform? Or will a new party be established? Statements from congress members suggest that dissolving the party and laying down arms does not signify the end of the revolution but rather the conclusion of one phase. They will transition into a new stage and continue their struggle through political and legal means.
3- Position on Regional Affiliates: Turkey insists on direct weapon surrender and demands the dissolution of all regional branches and affiliates, particularly in Syria and Iraq, which may conflict with varying political contexts in these countries. Mazloum Abdi has declared that the PKK’s decision to lay down arms is an internal Kurdish-Turkish matter that does not concern them. He also emphasized that the Turkish government must accept the Autonomous Administration and cooperate with it and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), just as it has done with Southern Kurdistan.
What did the party offer and what was Abdullah Ocalan’s role?
The party, under the leadership of its leader Ocelan,played a historic and important role in the rise of its people from slumber to national struggle, rebellion against state policies, and the establishment of its existence, through an intellectual cultural, and social renaissance. It transformed the issue of its freedom into a global one, and Ocelan’s thought spread among leading philosophers and sociologists. And the international academics and Nobel Peace Prize winners, who called for his release, after they had become acquainted with his modern thought through his books, valuable pleadings and expressive letters; all of that paved the way for this (historic decision), and his great role in the revival of the free Kurdish personality and people cannot be overlooked. Mr. Ocalan[5], says in his letter dated May 18, 2025 “What we are doing is a major paradigm shift”.
Conclusion
Between optimism and caution, the PKK’s decision to dissolve itself represents a historic turning point, not only for the Kurdish issue in Turkey, but for the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East as a whole. If the peace process succeeds, it could usher in a new era of stability and coexistence in the region.
The Turkish government must take steps on its part to open up prospects for achieving peace. Since both sides are proceeding cautiously, it is better for the peace process to proceed step by step, and the government must move quickly, as Mr. Devlet Bahceli said[6]:Peace is not a bird with one wing, and” Ocelan is the first wing.” This means that the PKK has carried out its move,and there is a need for concerted efforts among all components of the Turkish people to promote dialogue and community participationachieve peace and stability, and build a shared future based on coexistence and understanding. The first step begins with Parliament and changing the constitution that was drafted by the coup-plotting military junta 45 years ago because today all domestic, regional, and international circumstances have changed. But the scene remains fraught with challenges and complexities, especially since the success of this phase will require wisdom and goodwill from all parties, as well as clear oversight and implementation mechanisms and addressing the obstacles that may be caused by the extremist nationalist parties , which consider it a major concession, as well as by the parties that support conflicts and wars, and to ensure the absence of disruption and a smooth transition in the country from the stage of struggle for power and with the Kurds in the struggle for existence, to the stage of peace and construction.
Duran Kalkan, a member of the PKK’s presidential council, commenting on the outcomes of the 12th conference, in the name of (PKK), has ended and has played its historical role, but the struggle has not ended. This is a new phase[7]. This is a response to those who thought that “dissolving the party and laying down arms” was the end of the revolution. Rather, he confirms that it is the end of one phase and the beginning of another new phase. Therefore, it is a change from the method of military struggle – which has performed its duties – to the method of political and legal (rights) struggle, to revive peace and democratic society. They will not expect everything from the state, but rather to raise the level of struggle and force it to make concessions. The Kurdistan Freedom Movement has become a third force in the state, and if an alliance is made with others, it will become the first force.
Ultimately, there remains hope that this decision will mark the beginning of the end of a long humanitarian tragedy and an opportunity to build a better future for the peoples of the region and for both parties to the conflict, especially the Kurds, who have suffered decades of marginalization and violence. It will also pave the way for their effective contribution to planning for a life filled with peace, justice, and security on their historic land and with their neighbors.
Walid Muhammad Bakr – Aleppo – 6/2/2025
[1] https://ronahi.tv/ar/%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AF-%D9%85%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B1-43-%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D9%85%D9%86–%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%82%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%B9-%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%B1-%D8%A3%D9%88%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86
[2] https://anfarabic.com/%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86/qrh-ylan-adha-asrrtm-ly-shn-alhrb-fankm-stskhrwn-113963
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- [5] https://www.almoubadara.com/view/1045
[6]https://ronahi.tv/ar/%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D9%87%D8%AC%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%8A%D8%AA%D8%B7%D9%84%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A9-%D8%B4%D8%B9%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9/
[7]https://anfarabic.com/%D8%AB%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%A9-%D9%88%D9%85%D8%AC%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%B9/dwran-kalkan-hzb-almal-alkrdstany-ady-dwrh-ly-akml-wjh-119051
