Kurdistan The Quest for Representation and Self Determination

Lungthuiyang Riamei

This is a remarkable and timely book for several reasons: an acknowledgement from India of the central importance of the Kurdish situation to the politics of Western Asia; and of the worldwide significance of Kurdish models of political organisation for humanity’s common attempt to progress towards what Abdullah Ocalan calls a ‘democratic civilisation’.

— Felix Padel
Anthropologist, Writer
An engrossing and powerfully argue; elegantly written history of a nation which is struggling to take back its identity and right to self-determination for many years.

— Dr. Mahnaz Zahirinejad
Visiting Professor, Polish Academy of Sciences Warsaw, Poland
The author has made tremendous efforts to bring thoughtful insights into the Kurdish issues, which remain as one of important agenda of international institutions, regional powers and global politics.
— Dr. Kannan Ambalam
Assistant Professor, Wollega University Nekemta, Ethiopia
At the time when Iraq and Middle East has once been thrust into public consciousness by ISIS, this book offers insight into the struggles of minority in the region- the Kurds. An engrossing read of the past with the potential to deal with the present.
— Arunima
Associate Editor, CNN-IBN
New Delhi
The insightful treatment of the Kurdish plight makes the perspective provided by this book is unique and stimulating. The author’s research and presentation of the book is extensive and academically very stellar.
— Aditya Sikder
Senior Consultant- Human Capital, Deloitte New Delhi
Kurdistan, the name given to the Kurds’ historical homeland, is a landlocked region that lies at the crossroads of Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. After the fall of Ottoman Empire the Kurdish people were promised independence by the treaty of Sevres in 1920. The Kurds are known as a nation without borders and consider as a stateless people. Aftermath of the Arab Spring in 2010, Kurdistan has witnessed an increase in nationalism and a shift in geo-politics. The book examines the various models which could be acceptable solution to the Kurdish problem in West Asian region. It also evaluates the role of the Kurdish diaspora placing Kurdish issue in the international forum. The Kurdish Peshmerga and YPG militia maintains one of the strongest forces confronting against the ISIS in West Asian region.

Lungthuiyang Riamei Lungthuiyang Riamei , PhD currently teaches at the Department of Political Science, Gargi College, Delhi University.

Contents
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Preface
Acronyms
1. Introducing Kurdistan
2. Establishment of the Kurdish Regional Government in Iraqi Kurdistan
3. The Kurdish Conflict in Turkey
4. Political Situation of the Kurds in Iran and Syria
5. International Positions on the Kurdish Problem in the Middle East
6. The Question of Kurdish Self-Determination: Challenges and Prospects
7. Conclusion
References
Chronology of the Kurdish National Movement
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
Index