Pictory

Turkish Republic says Kurdish rebels killed were all women

Kurdish PKK rebels and police killed in Turkey clashes

Thirteen dead in Turkish clashes (bbc)

Seven Kurdish rebels and six Turkish police officers have been killed in clashes in the far south-east of the country, reports say.

Turkish forces launched a large-scale operation against the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) near Mount Cudi, in the province of Sirnak, on Wednesday.

Helicopter gunships were used in this, the largest attack on rebels in 2012. 

Turkey's Republic 'bombs PKK Iraq hideouts'

Turkish warplanes have bombed suspected Kurdish rebel targets in northern Iraq, Turkey's military says.

The jets hit caves and hideouts in the regions of Zap and Hakurk late on Saturday before returning to base, the military said in a statement.

No further details were given.

The rebel Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has been fighting for autonomy in Turkey's largely Kurdish south-east since 1984 in a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Northern Iraq has long been used as a base by the PKK for attacks inside Turkey.

Fighting between Turkish forces and the PKK has escalated in recent months.

Turkish Republic's police raid Kurdish target

Turkish police raid Kurdish target (cnn)

Turkish security forces launched a wave of raids across the country on Friday, searching more than 100 locations and arresting dozens of people.

Suicide attack in Turkey | Three dead

Suicide attack in Turkey | Three dead

A female suicide bomber has blown herself up in the eastern Turkish province of Bingol, killing at least two people. 

Iraqi Kurds blame Syrian REPUBLIC for death (Oct 11th, 2011)

Iraqi Kurds blame Syria for death (cnn)

Two prominent Iraqi Kurdish officials blamed Syria on Monday for the death of a leading Kurdish figure in Syria who was part of the opposition's Syria National Council.

Mashaal Tammo was "murdered by Syrian security," Barham Salih, prime minister of Iraqi Kurdistan, said in a tweet. "Lesson from Iraq; repression cannot defeat free will of Syria's people."

Tammo, a spokesman for the Kurdish Future Party, was shot dead Friday at a private residence in the northeastern city of Qamishli.

Mahmoud Othman, an outspoken Iraqi Kurdish member of parliament, tweeted that Tammo's assassination is a "clear example" of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's "unwillingness to reform and bloody crackdown. Demos continue till democracy is born."

Syria denies any involvement in the killing. 

Syrian REPUBLIC's security forces 'open fire at Kurd's funeral'

Syria security forces 'open fire at Kurd's funeral' (bbc)

At least 14 people have been killed in Syria after security forces opened fire on mourners as they attended funerals of people who died on Friday.

Six were killed in the north as they attended the funeral of a prominent Syrian Kurdish opposition figure.

Mishaal al-Tammo was shot dead by masked gunmen in a targeted killing.

About 50,000 people attended the funeral in his home town of Qamishli, which turned into aprotest against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

FYI/ Kurdish leader slain in Syria's REPUBLIC !

Report: Kurdish leader slain in Syria (cnn)

(CNN) -- A prominent Kurdish opposition leader was shot dead Friday in a brazen assault that came as protesters across the country demonstrated for his fledgling anti-regime movement, activists said.

Re assimilation

Dear VPK, thank you for your kind words. Hpwever, although I do not consider myself a Pan-Iranist, I would not change Iran's and its poeople's advancement with anything in the world. Nevertheless, having heritage from the N/W and having spent nearly a whole summer in that area, I believe that those people are not going to wait indefinitely for the fruition of a democratic system to attain equal rights. Considering both the internal and external circumstances, one of the first priorities of the nexat responsible government is to gurantee equal rights for all, and especially our minorities if we want to have a strong integral Iran!

Regarding assimilation, the U.S. is a "melting pot" because it is a fairly young society whose aboriginal peoples and cultures were anihilated by the new sttlers, hence new immigrants face the option of either melding into the mould or ghettoize! Whereas, an ancient country such as Iran with ethnic/religious minority populations going back thousands of years (to the medes era), can not use the same "melting pot" scheme to resolve its minority issues!

Dear Arj

One more thing. I know you are a good guy and I like you. Please do not take my arguments as a personal thing same for RG. I have differences with you but at the end I respect you. That is why I would never want either of you gone.

But debate is just that. We take opposing positions at times. I have strong pan-Iranist feelings. Not to be mixed with neo-Nazi feelings of some; I despise Nazi types..  

But I want a united powerful Iran with minimal or no emphasis on race or ethnicity. On the other hand I do celebrate our cultural diversity. As long as it is a part of being Iranians. Not as a means of division. Now back to the punching rounds :-)

Dear Arj

I know they discriminate against non Shia. It is not the first time. They are just following in the footsteps of Safavids. What is new? My point is that we need a secular system once you have that the problem is solved. Not an ethnic based system.

That will just replace one kind of discrimination with another one. A secular system is non discriminatory by nature. A religious or ethnic is discriminatory one way or other. Instead of getting hung up on minorities give all people equal rights.

I live in America and Iranians are not considered minorities. We are like it or not considered "white". I get no special treatment and I don't ask for any. The result is that I am a "normal" person as anyone else. On the other hand I see what happens to minorities. Those who insist on speaking Spanish instead of English get second class treatment. Why: because they CHOSE to not fit it. My kids get invited to normal parties; theirs only go to "their" parties. It is a choice and I oppose being a minority.

Re rule of majority vs democracy

Dear VPK, my intention was not to suggest that you consider IRI a democracy, for by now I believe I know enough not to make such assumptions about you! However, what I find baffling is your use of IRI's rule as an example (not sure for what, a mandated majority rule perahaps!) when there's merely mention of democracy! Moreover, if that is the case, where did I mention that you used IRI as an example of democracy to begin with?!

However, semantics aside, I don't believe you're interpreting my views with due veracity! For I neither believe in religion nor ethnicity. If you read my last comment carefully, you'll see that I talk about (and even highlighted the part about) protection of the rights of minority. This minority could comprise of religious, ethnic, sexual... components. But since the blog here is about Kurdish people (an ethnic/religious minority), violation of their ethnic and religious rights as a minority are a focus of debate!

Dear VPK, I don't think if you have lived in the ethnic/religious minority regions under IRI for a day in your life, otherwise you would've known the difference between the plight of a Shia  citizen (regardless of the degree of adherence to religious principles) living under IRI as opposed to that of a Sunni Kurd/Baluch/Arab... Such minorities are born with institutionalized discriminations against them from their birth! Not to mention the abject poverty rampant in their regions in addition to constant contempt of the central government! The issue here, as you wrongly perceived by jumping to conclusions, is not the race or ethnicity, but the rights of minorities in general. You may not believe in religion or etnicity, as neither do I, but can not deny the minority issues, for these are the people living it! 

Arj

When did I use IRI as an example of Democracy? Please show the quote from me. I used California because it is a good example of misues of democracy. If you don't know then please learn about it. Very instructive. 

Regarding repression: all Iranians are repressed. Why should someone in Tehran be harassed by chador wearing morality police. Your distinction of "minorities" as opposed to others is what bothers me. It is this kind of thinking that leads to disintegration. Forget Sunni or Shia. I am an agnostic. What about me? I don't have a clan that is agnostic so do I get nothing? I don't care if I am being shafted by a Sunni or Shia it is the being shafted I oppose. Do you get what I am saying? 

You and some others seem to mix up freedom with ethnicity. I am opposed to that way. I will now and forever oppose it. Native vs. non native means nothing to me. A good person is what I want. I don't care what their race it. You are basing your decisions on race; I on people. That is the basic difference in our philosophy. If you go by race you divide if you go by ability you bring people together. I am glad this race based philosophy is not getting much mileage in Iran. Where it does you get civil war.

RG & COP

RG you are entitled to your opinion. But when you say something that basically means: oppse Federalism means IRI agent I respond. 

COP: I want autonomy. How about I get all the benefits of US but without taxes. Also I don't want to have to obey the laws. Schools in Persian paid by American tax payers. How about it. I think I will get a kick in the rear. People all want autonomy til they realize the cost. Then they rush back to mother nation to help them out.

Rule of majority vs democracy

Dear VPK, I wonder what in IRI's miserable life, from its very inception, has resembled anything close to democracy that prompts you to use it as an example?! Equating democracy to merely "the rule of majority" is trivializing it, for democracy's emphasis lies on protection of the rights of minority. Otherwise rule of majority alone, w/o respect for the rights of minority, has been enforced in most primitive, tribal societies such as Bedouin tribes of Arabian peninsula for ages! Without the regard for minority rights, the majority rule often leads to a mob mentality as in IRI, among other despotic regimes -- assuming they actually have the support majority, which is a matter of debate on its own since elections under such regimes are not free and fair!

I don't know much about California and the demands of its constituents, but one thing I know for sure is that they can not be compared to those of Kurdish or any ethinc/religious minority population of Iran, which hinge on the necessity for the very basic human rights! IMHO, when an ethnic/religious (e.g. Sunni, Kurdich/Baluch/Turkman/Arab) minority protests the voting for a non-native, Shia figure -- who's freshly sent from Tehran -- to represent them as oppsed to their indigenous choice (who is robbed of his/her rights either by the Guardian Council or in ballot boxes), it does constitute not Separatism, but if continued long enough, it could lead to separatism!  

But quite honestly be it

But quite honestly be it for Iran or other countries in the region that is in the Middle East, I truly don't think that such demands are made without foreign meddling and manipulation.

I agree. In my opinion there is a lot of foreign meddling. 

And I am wary that a Republic even Secular will jeapordize Iran's territorial integrity on the long run precisely because people think that being a Democrat means one can do whatever they want and demand whatever they wish without evaluating the consequences.

Agaeed one again. I think people think "democracy" means I get to vote what I want. I gave the example of California. Vote for benefits but not taxes. Democracy specially without an educated population is not realistic.  It is simply a word to throw around without a meaning. 

Other than that I have absolutely no problem in allowing any ethnic
groupe to be represented in Parliament or any community to present and
run for the highest office like Prime Minister ( If Iran is a Monarchy)
or a President ( If Iran were to be a Secular Republic).

We did have that when Shah was running Iran. The vice PM was Dr Mehr a Zoroastrian. The vice minister of roads was a Kurd. Right now the VF is an Azari. People should stop being so wrapped up in their genes and worry about the nation.

...  That is precisely why I don't believe Federalism is fit for Iran ...

The same here. For the same reasons as you give. Once we have a stable Iran under a uniting government say for 60 years then I am willing to listen. Not until then; no thank you.

Isn't it a fact

that ethnic minotrites (kurds, etc.) in Iran have wanted "autonomy" for a long time?

Exactly, what is autonomy in this (his) context? I though we were ALL Iranians? 

Are we talking autonomy as in Federal? Or are we talking cessation?

____________

IRAN FIRST

____________

Dear VPK, please, I am entitled to my opinion.

Why do you take my comment so personal? When did I mention your name or anybody else's for that matter? since when being critical of islamist regoime's machinery of deception and lies equates "labeling"  VPK or any other site member? Honestly, I am surprised with your retort and I am sure you misread and misunderstood my comment, rather than trying to twist and misrepresent what I said.

Over and out.

"Personal business must yield to collective interest."

VPK Jan I was just highlighting the contradiction

Gassemlou claims that the Monarchy was an obstacle to the Kurds emancipation which is a blunt lie ...

Now here we have a Republic like Turkey ( a democracy by the way) which takes upon itself to bomb them to smithereens but boasts about the Poor Palestinians in Gaza when the Israelis do the same.

So it has nothing to do with being a Monarchy or Republic. It's about tolerance and coexistence.

As I explained Spain which is a Monarchy has been faced with the same separatist demands with the Basques or Catalans but the latter have in recent years abandoned Arms struggle and are struggling for their independence in a civilized and democratic way.

In France which is a Republic we have the same problems with the Corsicans demanding autonomy too but they have not entirely given up on Violence. Same with France's distant provinces like Tahiti or New Caledonia Islands which have little common with the French other than sharing the same language but in a patois form.

I have no problem with communities demanding autonomy if that demand is made within a democratic framework.

But quite honestly be it for Iran or other countries in the region that is in the Middle East, I truly don't think that such demands are made without foreign meddling and manipulation.

The Middle East is Not Europe where the Frontiers are secure and the neighboring nations are all living in peaceful coexistence. Germany for instance is a Federal State where the provinces have their own government a little like in the US.

That does not constitute a threat to German Unity because no one in Europe is interested in invading some German Lande and economic, cultural, or demographic exchanges are of no consequence to the territorial integrity of any European Country.

You can cross the frontier to Germany or vice versa to France and you don't need a Visa to cross the border anymore.

This is not at all the case today in the Middle East because the different nations are not at all cooperating towards a common collective ideal like European Unity which was born on the rubbles of WWI and WWII.

That may come one day if countries in the region realize that they have more in common than differences and that they need not be rivals but rather put their talents together to build a more peaceful, democratic and economically healthy community. Something like the European Community ( which has not overcome all it's problems either ... Just look at Greece).

But today that is not the case and any autonomist demand today by let's say the Azeris, Kurds or Baloutches are bound to be exploited by Iran's neighbours or other nations who want to create trouble for Iran and Iranians to satisfy their own geo strategic interests.

That is precisely why I don't believe Federalism is fit for Iran ...

Something which people like the late Mehrdad Mashayekhi ( Roohash Shad) seemed to favor:

//iranian.com/main/2011/oct/mehrdad-mashayekhi-scholar

I don't !

And I am wary that a Republic even Secular will jeapordize Iran's territorial integrity on the long run precisely because people think that being a Democrat means one can do whatever they want and demand whatever they wish without evaluating the consequences. 

Other than that I have absolutely no problem in allowing any ethnic groupe to be represented in Parliament or any community to present and run for the highest office like Prime Minister ( If Iran is a Monarchy) or a President ( If Iran were to be a Secular Republic). 

My Humble Opinion,

DK 

RG

Do you think I work for IRI or am their agent. A yes or no would do. 

I said I don't know  Ghassemlou and all I know is what I read. From that he was murdered a while ago in 1989 right? So I am not sure why is it becoming an issue now. I have not leveled any charges against him. My charges if any are against MG :-) The only think I said was that his description of non Kurds at "Outsiders" betrayed his real feelings. To me we are all Iranians in the same boiling pot. Working together is the only way to get out. If we don't work together we die alone. 

I find your charges of being a part of "The Islamist regime's machinery of lies and deception" very offensive. How do you know someone is a part of that. Do you think DK; me or the Turkish Government are part of it. Is anyone who disagrees with you a part of this "machinery". It sounds a lot like IRI or MEK labeling anyone they don't like an Islamist. Disclaimer: I do NOT think you are a part of MEK or IRI. Just use the same kind of reasoning.

Why do people have to be labeled? Why do we have people who are unwilling to get in a discussion without insults. I am opposed to all forms of separatism. Not just for Iran but other nations such as Serbia. I opposed the separation of Kosovo. Does that make me a part of IRI also? If I were Canadian I would oppose separation of Quebec. To me integration is what we need not ethnic based separation. Now take it as you will. If I am a part of IRI please remind them to send me my check.

Thank you; VPK

Read Arj's comment.

Ghassemlou, many years since his murder by Islamist regime agents,  remains hugely popular and respected in Kurdestan. As for his politics, in a western democracy, he'd be considered as a "centre left" politician, maybe.

I am however not at all surprised by accusations of "separatism" leveled against him and KDP and indeed other Kurdish political parties who are actively opposing islamist fascism and asking for kurdish people's equal rights within a strong, democratic prosperous future Iran free of tin pot dictators of any political shades. The Islamist regime's machinery of lies and deception, labeling opposition groups as "separatists", "fetneh", "khaen", "monafegh", "mohareb", "zionist", etc, all the titles highly appropriate to Khamenei and ahmadinezhad themselves, seems to be very successful, at least on the pages of this internet site.  

"Personal business must yield to collective interest."

Dear DK

I feel for the Kurds but I don't like the separatist leaders they have. These guys make life of ordinary Kurd hell. They riling up ordinary people. Against odds that do not favor them. Their leader will "fight to the last drop of their blood".

When it makes sense like in Iraq yes, provide autonomy because there is nothing else. But stir up Kurds in Turkey or Iran is asking for trouble. You know Turkey has the 6th and Iran the 12th most powerful militaries in the world. Kurds are no match for this. Specially when combined and working together. Both of them are going to play the Kurds. If thier leaders really loved them they would have them make peace. Not fight either Turkey or Iran. Both nations are worried about separatism.

The "freedom fighters" play with paranoia of both nations. Then get their innocent civilians in the way. All for some Soviet planted idea of "independence". Which will never come. At the end USA will side with Turkey and by default Iran.

Dear Arj

I admit I do not know much about  Ghassemlou or his background. But I also wonder what a "democrat" is. The word is ill defined and over used. If it means "rule by majority" then I oppose it.

Without a bill of rights majority rule is tyranny.

We saw majority rule in Iran when they shot Shah's generals. Do you think majority opposed shooting the generals. I do not. Majority is easily manipulated to do what some people want. For example after the Iraq war it was easy to single out Marxists. Blame all of them for MEK and their actions. Then get "majority" to support shooting them. I don't know where majority stood on that because there were no reliable polls or votes taken. But I still hold that majority is nothing without a bill of rights.

From what I see of democrats and their actions I really get cynical. What intelligent thing have they done. Look at California. Democratic "propositions" give people tons of entitlements then make it impossible to raise taxes to pay for them. If you leave it to majority they will vote out disease; aging; poverty and anything: just like that. But they don't bother to think "how". A vote does not eliminate disease or aging or poverty. It takes action and some are nearly impossible to eliminate. Not with our technology.

Democracy is only good if people are realistic and know what is possible. Should I round up my town people to vote for free utilities? Alright they probably will do it. But who is going to pay for them.  

Realism; a bill of rights and vote of people combined yes. But just majority vote: no.

Republic Against Kurds ...

Turkish parliament approves cross-border raids - CNN.com

Istanbul (CNN) -- Turkish lawmakers Wednesday voted to extend authorization for the Turkish military to carry out cross border attacks against Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq. 

دکتر قاسملو و سیگاری که هرگز نکشید

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkrR2MrjT8A

Great leader

A true democrat and great political leader who was taken away from Iran by the IRI's brutal murder machine! Our nation would've needed people like him to build the democratic Iran of future!

Dear OIA, there is a Ghassemlou valley in the Iranian province of West Azarbijan from which the Ghassemlou clan hail. However, albeit predominantly known as the abode of Azari tribes, West Azarbaijan province is also home to many Kurdish tribes who are indeed bilingual (trilingual including Farsi), yet Kurdish by ethnicity and tradition! 

Ghassemlou

Sounds turkish or rather Azerbaijani name than Kurdish name not to mention he speaks perfect farsi or Parsi. I am confused. Any input?

Outside?

runnning Kurdestan are not from outside with zero understandign of the region's history, needs and culture

What is "outside" aren't we all Iranians. Since when did we get "inside" and "outside". MG your words betray your goals.

Regarding Separatism.

I do have a lot of problems with Separatism. Particularly when people lie about it pretending to want something else. 

It is true that nationalism is the glue that holds Iran together. It has been under attack for thousands of years. And will survive. In the Soviet times they got a bunch of radicals; pumped them up for "autonomy". The real goal was to take over parts of Iran. Soviets wanted all of Iran but figured take it piece by piece. Now Soviets are gone but their poison remains.

I do not approve of killing anyone. But I also am not going to fall for the BS about autonomy. Because I know what they want. Thankfully most people do not agree with the hot heads.

Thank You MG Jaan Wishing you the same ;0))

Spanish duchess, 85, weds civil servant (bbc)

The Duchess of Alba, one of Spain's richest and most flamboyant women, has got married again today at the age of 85 to a civil servant 24 years her junior. 5 October 2011