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A thread with frequently asked questions and some answers to those.
Q: Why do Iran and Turkey bomb the Kurdistan Region of Iraq?
A: Both these countries are afraid of a strengthening Kurdistan. Even if that's not the case today, they fear a strong Kurdistan in the future. So they want to stop that today and explain it through "fight vs. terror."
A: Both these countries are afraid of a strengthening Kurdistan. Even if that's not the case today, they fear a strong Kurdistan in the future. So they want to stop that today and explain it through "fight vs. terror."
Q: Why does the international community not react?
A: The West is mainly focused on itself & Trump nowadays. They let Turkey invade Libya and Syria, continue the occupation of EU member Cyprus, and more. And they also just watch Iran mingle in Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, etc.
A: The West is mainly focused on itself & Trump nowadays. They let Turkey invade Libya and Syria, continue the occupation of EU member Cyprus, and more. And they also just watch Iran mingle in Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, etc.
Q: What about the Kurdish government? (1)
A: Sanctions on Iran and war & tumult in Syria & Iraq make Turkey the main trade partner of Kurdistan. Turkey has huge leverage in the region since it can just shut the borders and stop flights in & out of Kurdistan. Economy would suffer.
A: Sanctions on Iran and war & tumult in Syria & Iraq make Turkey the main trade partner of Kurdistan. Turkey has huge leverage in the region since it can just shut the borders and stop flights in & out of Kurdistan. Economy would suffer.
Q: What about the Kurdish government? (2)
A: A war between Kurdistan and Turkey would end devastating Kurdistan. Cities like Hewlêr (Erbil), Duhok, and Slemani would be bombed by Turkey's airforce. It would end similarly to Afrin. Kurdistan's military power can't compete vs Nato.
A: A war between Kurdistan and Turkey would end devastating Kurdistan. Cities like Hewlêr (Erbil), Duhok, and Slemani would be bombed by Turkey's airforce. It would end similarly to Afrin. Kurdistan's military power can't compete vs Nato.
Q: What about corruption?
A: Yes, it's a massive problem & needs to be addressed. Kurdistan's bad financial situation is in big parts a result of that. But that's not the topic right now & it doesn't stop Turkey's/Iran's bombs. It just diverts from Ankara's & Tehran's aggression.
A: Yes, it's a massive problem & needs to be addressed. Kurdistan's bad financial situation is in big parts a result of that. But that's not the topic right now & it doesn't stop Turkey's/Iran's bombs. It just diverts from Ankara's & Tehran's aggression.
Q: But Kurdistan could do better lobbying?!
A: Yes, they could. At the same time, we see fully independent countries that can't lobby successfully against Turkey or Iran. Those two countries are currently almost 100% free to do what they want. Without intl' will, change is hard.
A: Yes, they could. At the same time, we see fully independent countries that can't lobby successfully against Turkey or Iran. Those two countries are currently almost 100% free to do what they want. Without intl' will, change is hard.
Q: Did they at least say something against the attacks?
A: Yes, political and military leaders in Kurdistan have spoken out in interviews and press releases against the attacks. You can find the Kurdish sources, and also some English sources, easily with a simple Google search.
A: Yes, political and military leaders in Kurdistan have spoken out in interviews and press releases against the attacks. You can find the Kurdish sources, and also some English sources, easily with a simple Google search.
Q: What can be done?
A: A regional military/economic union between Kurdistan (in Iraq & Syria) & other Mideastern countries would help. But here lies the problem. All these Mideastern states have their own issues (e.g., Erbil vs. Baghdad), and that's what Turkey & Iran exploit.
A: A regional military/economic union between Kurdistan (in Iraq & Syria) & other Mideastern countries would help. But here lies the problem. All these Mideastern states have their own issues (e.g., Erbil vs. Baghdad), and that's what Turkey & Iran exploit.
Q: Can I do something?
A: Online awareness campaigns are only good to make people interested in the topic. But they won't stop the bombs. But what you can do is read more (reliable sources) about your people, your history, and your culture. Expand your own knowledge of Kurdistan.
A: Online awareness campaigns are only good to make people interested in the topic. But they won't stop the bombs. But what you can do is read more (reliable sources) about your people, your history, and your culture. Expand your own knowledge of Kurdistan.
Q: I still don't like the government of XYZ.
A: That's fine. Continue to constructively show the problems & failings and propose adequate solutions. Populism and insults won't help you or others.
A: That's fine. Continue to constructively show the problems & failings and propose adequate solutions. Populism and insults won't help you or others.
