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KurdistanObserver.com
A Kurdish Thought On July
4th
July 1, 2005
By: Kamal Artin
Colonialism, the domination
over the people and resources of a foreign land, is thought to be a policy of
the past. Yet, today the only way to properly describe Kurdistan would be to
label it as a colonially divided land. With all due respect to many Arabs,
Turks, and Persians who do not identify themselves with their governments, Kurds
cannot remain their subordinated ethnic group forever. Kurds are learning form
the history of liberated colonies, especially those who refused to belittle
themselves by the humiliating and abusive British kingdom in the late 18th
century. The idea that all people are created equal and entitled to life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness became a driving force for the American
founding fathers, who found it not only a right, but a duty to separate
themselves from the British colonial rule on July 4th, 1776.
By now, one would expect that
all forms of colonialism would be abolished, however, in 2005 Kurds are still
dreaming of liberty and equality. An obstacle for Kurdish independence has been
its dependence on regional transitional friends but long-term foes. The division
of Kurdistan, her lack of access to her own natural resources, dependence of
Iraqi Kurds on Iran, Iranian Kurds on Iraq, and Turkish Kurds on Syria, are some
examples of a very unfortunate and complicated situation that has handicapped
the Kurdish liberation movement to unite and make any major progress. Lack of
international support as well, as a misunderstanding of the Kurdish cause by
some progressive groups of dominant cultures who view the movement as primitive
and tribal, has also added to this complication. A more important obstacle to
Kurdish independence is fear from state terrorism. Despite repeated injuries on
the Kurds, mentioning any ideas about separation and independence is still
considered treason and answered with various form of violence including
assassinations and capital punishment by the central governments that control
Kurdistan. Due to a persistent fear of experiencing traumatic and violent
retaliations from some mindless generals, some Kurdish politicians still find
submission or full assimilation and ignorance of their own identity and national
rights as the right answer to the threatening behavior of state terrorism in
Baghdad, Damascus, Ankara, and Tehran.
Despite all the obstacles it
has faced, the Kurdish movement has always remained alive. Thank to those who
have never given up on the idea that the Kurdish cause is a just cause, thanks
to freedom fighters who have dedicated everything including their life for the
cause, thanks to the people of Southern Kurdistan for their patience, tolerance
and maturity, thanks to the efforts of all progressive organizations especially
the two major Kurdish Parties which finally united and nominated Mr. Massoud
Barzani as the president of Kurdish regional government to revitalize the legacy
of his legendary father, thanks to those Iraqi Arabs who have been peaceful and
supportive of Kurdish cause, and thanks to the international community under the
leadership of the United Sates for a moderation in their policy, the semi
independent Kurdish state has been functioning in a partnership with a majority
of Iraqi Arabs. While this friendly atmosphere between the majorities of people
in Iraq warrants unity, remaining united at this stage is a handicap for any
further progress of both ethnic groups, as was the case for united colonies
during the time of British colonialism.
Now Southern Kurdistan has
reached a developmental level to move one step further, and despite all threats,
declare its independence. This act would certainly strengthen the likelihood of
liberation of other parts of Kurdistan. It is unlikely that the opponents to the
Kurdish cause will be able to prevent such a progress; however, if they plan to
attack Southern Kurdistan, it seems justifiable that all Kurds from all parts of
Kurdistan sacrifice what they have, and participate in the ultimate liberation
of their homeland. Although this might be seen as a major risk, taking such a
risk seems worthwhile, just as it was seen a worthwhile risk for the Americans
to revolt against Britain two centuries ago. Initially if even solely one part
of Kurdistan is liberated from the contemporary colonialism, she can become an
active advocate of equality and liberty for other parts and for all ethnic
groups in the Middle East. American independence was achieved partly through the
support of the progressive French. Kurdish liberation would similarly be easier
to obtain, if the land of the brave and the progressive innovators remembers and
expands the ideas of her founding fathers to the rest of the world that all
people are created equal and entitled to life, liberty, and pursuit of
happiness. It is for those very ideas that America deserves the wish from all
free thinkers of the world, for a very happy birthday on the Fourth of July.
Kamal H. Artin, President
Kurdish American Education
Society, California |
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