The Kurdish population in the Middle East has been in a state of uncertainty since the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, Abdullah Ocalan, delivered a groundbreaking speech in late February. Ocalan’s historic address called on the party to convene and make a decision, urging all groups to lay down their arms and for the PKK to dissolve itself. While an official date for a congressional meeting has not been announced, the PKK has already stated that they will follow Ocalan’s directive and declared a unilateral ceasefire. This development could mark the beginning of the end for the PKK’s 40-year struggle for independence in Turkey. However, until this outcome is confirmed, Ankara will continue to regard the PKK as a terrorist organization, both within Turkey and its headquarters in Iraq, as well as its affiliates in Syria. Turkey expects all groups to dissolve, without exception. Ocalan did not specifically mention Kurdish forces and administrations outside Turkey in his speech, but referred to ‘all groups,’ which could include Syrian affiliates. He also failed to provide an alternative plan for the approximately 35 million Kurds who remain the largest ethnic group without a state of their own. While some analysts believe that the PKK headquarters in Iraq are likely to heed Ocalan’s call, it remains to be seen if the Kurdish forces in Syria will do the same. If the PKK genuinely and demonstrably lays down arms and disbands, it could signify the beginning of a new era for the Kurdish population in Syria. However, it is also noted that this could improve the political situation in Syria’s northeast and could potentially pave the way for the Kurds to gain a political foothold.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/syria-iraq-what-would-an-end-of-the-pkk-mean-for-the-kurds-in-the-middle-east/a-71847586?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf