Kurdistan is a region straddling northern Iraq, Western Iran, eastern Turkey and parts of Syria and Armenia. Some 30 million Kurds inhabit the region, and have struggled for decades recognition, influence, and an independent nation-state.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq held a referendum for independence on September 25, 2017, which passed overwhelmingly in favor.
Israel was the lone regional voice supporting an independent Kurdistan, while the U.S., U.K. and Russia favored a unified Iraq as well. "A stable and unified Kurdish entity in the middle of this swamp, is not a bad idea," Netanyahu said in September. The prime minister added that while Israel sees the Kurdish guerillas PKK as a terrorist organization, "it supports the legitimate efforts of the Kurdish people to achieve their own state."
After the referendum, the Iraqi government led a military campaign to retake areas held by the Kurds, the city of Kirkuk becoming the initial flashpoint. After several military defeats the Kurds have largely backed down in their bid for independence and have yet to declare their own state.
Female fighters symbolized the feminist revolution in the Kurdish enclave of Rojava. But since the Turkish invasion in October, they’re increasingly vulnerable to sexual violence on the frontline
The deployment is part of a deal reached between Russia and Turkey in October
Former UN ambassador says Kurds lost a lot of blood in 'our fight' and troops should be kept for prevention
Dozens of images showing soldiers holding babies and helping the elderly have been shared in a misinformation campaign to portray the Turkish incursion in a positive light
Senior Kurdish leader also said the West should investigate Turkey's alleged use of chemical weapons against the Kurds
A patchwork quilt of governments and organizations are running the show in northern Syria where Turkey has asserted itself against the Kurds, while Russian-backed constitution talks in Geneva are going nowhere fast
Tzipi Hotovely tells Knesset that Netanyahu's offer of assistance was accepted: 'We are assisting them through a number of channels'
The Jews of Syria have become part of Russia's religious diplomacy, which partly aims to reassure American evangelicals and keep U.S. forces away
Turkey's foreign minister sets 3 P.M. deadline on Tuesday for Kurdish troops to move 30 km from the Turkish border
Under the Sochi agreement signed between Turkey and Russia, Syrian border guards are to clear YPG fighters from within 30 km of the Syria-Turkey border by Tuesday
Trump has been softening his pullout plans from Syria after backlash from Congress
U.S. senators urged the State Department earlier this week to quickly provide a visa to General Mazloum Kobani so he can visit the U.S. to discuss Syria
The new Russian troops sent in — as American soldiers pull out — further underscore how the situation on the ground in Syria has dramatically changed with Turkey's invasion
U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. would lift sanctions against Turkey due to what he called a lasting cease-fire in northeastern Syria
Hundreds have been detained over social media posts critical of the military offensive and mayors ousted in anti-terrorism investigations
The man had set himself ablaze and then tried to enter the UNHCR building, official says
Sources say that all four mayors are currently in custody on terrorism charges, being accused of links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party
U.S. mulls keeping troops in Syria to guard oilfields from ISIS ■ Putin, Erdogan to discuss Turkey's operation in Syria on Tuesday ■ Kurdish forces say Turkey is not complying with cease-fire
U.S. to facilitate withdrawal of YPG forces during 5-day 'pause' ■ Latest estimate says close to 400 military casualties from fighting, at least 72 civilians ■ Pompeo meets with Netanyahu in Jerusalem ■ More than 190,000 displaced, with humanitarian concerns mounting
Like the Kurds, the Palestinians have lost out in the international clout stakes, and will continue losing regardless of who may replace Trump
Despite self-congratulatory Trump statements, surprise move marred by lack of Turkish assurances, no concrete Kurdish approval
U.S. President enclosed another letter sent to him by the commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces
The American disengagement from the region will bear severe, far-reaching consequences
Russian troops move into Syrian territory abandoned by U.S. ■ Erdogan: 'There will be no ceasefire ... We are not worried about any sanctions' ■ Assad forces make territorial gains near Manbij following pact with Kurds ■ More than 190,000 people displaced
With his capricious decision to withdraw from the Kurdish autonomous region, the U.S. president has proved once again that his country's allies in Middle East have good reason to fear betrayal. LISTEN FREE
U.S. president's conduct should concern Israel especially in connection to the ongoing battle against Iran's regional influence ■ Affair of Israeli woman jailed by Russia ruins Netanyahu's claim of sway over world leaders
The discussion over Syria was a short part of the debate, which featured 12 candidates on one stage - Senator Amy Klobuchar invoked Israel into the debate: 'think about our ally Israel, what do they think now?'
Assad forces make territorial gains near Manbij following pact with Kurds ■ Kremlin says Turkey cannot stay in Syria ■ U.S. to push for ceasefire, dispatches Pence to Mideast ■ 190,000 people displaced in 7 days of fighting
Moscow moves to entrench its role as de facto power broker U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the pullout of American forces
Pence 'dispatched' to Middle East, will visit Turkey after Trump announces sanctions on NATO ally