Kurds

Being a Proxy: The History of Cooptation Offers Lessons to Learn - Are the Kurds Learning Them?

SWJED — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 20:27:38 +0000

Being a Proxy: The History of Cooptation Offers Lessons to Learn - Are the Kurds Learning Them? SWJED Wed, 11/13/2019 - 3:27pm

They know the drill. Emerging threats, foreign intervention, local alliances, and historic letdowns. Abandonment should not come as a surprise. Great powers have instrumentalized Kurdish nationalism for grand strategy, but cooptation implies agency from the proxy—a willingness to offer its strategic advantages for support or protection. U.S. withdrawal in face of the Turkish incursion in Kurdish-controlled northern Syria shines a light on the challenges of proxy warfare.

From Proxy Wars to Direct War Between Iran and Saudi Arabia: America’s Options

SWJED — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 07:33:19 +0000

From Proxy Wars to Direct War Between Iran and Saudi Arabia: America’s Options SWJED Mon, 11/13/2017 - 2:33am

The fundamentalist rulers of Iran are confident that their goal of establishing a coalition of Shia countries and regions under their control is nearing fruition.

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The Kurds: Seeking Their Yorktown

SWJED — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 04:39:25 +0000

The Kurds: Seeking Their Yorktown

As the Peshmerga retreats in northern Iraq, two American foreign policy experts answer questions about America’s relationship with the Kurds.

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About the Author(s)

“Phil-Kurdism” Like Philhellenism? The Role and Impact of the Western Volunteers Alongside Kurds

SWJED — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 08:58:13 +0000

“Phil-Kurdism” Like Philhellenism? The Role and Impact of the Western Volunteers Alongside Kurds

Hanna Bohman and Joanna Palani. What do a former model from Canada and a politics student from Denmark have in common?

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Turkey: Ally or Albatross?

SWJED — Sun, 21 May 2017 16:23:56 +0000

Turkey: Ally or Albatross? SWJED Sun, 05/21/2017 - 12:23pm

The principal recommendation for NATO reform here, is to expel Turkey, recognize Kurdistan, and end Ankara’s pipe dream of accession to the European Union.

Why America Should Care About the YPJ in Syria

SWJED — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 18:28:41 +0000

Why America Should Care About the YPJ in Syria SWJED Fri, 01/27/2017 - 1:28pm

The best example of a group worthy of our attention, care and support is the northern Syria all-female self-defense unit, the Women's Protection Units (or Women's Defense Units - YPJ).

Iraq in the Middle Part IV: Maria Fantappie on Iraq’s relations with Syria

Peter J. Munson — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 09:47:30 +0000

Iraq in the Middle Part IV: Maria Fantappie on Iraq’s relations with Syria Peter J. Munson Fri, 07/20/2012 - 5:47am

What role does Iraq play in the development of the Syrian crisis?

A Different War on Terrorism: The U.S., Turkey and the PKK

Peter J. Munson — Wed, 02 May 2012 09:43:50 +0000

A Different War on Terrorism: The U.S., Turkey and the PKK Peter J. Munson Wed, 05/02/2012 - 5:43am

Turkey and the PKK - whither U.S. policy?