The Daily The Story of a Kurdish General
Oct 14, 2019
Ben Hubbard, the Beirut bureau chief for The New York Times, delves into the complexities surrounding Turkey's invasion of Kurdish areas in Syria. He discusses the precarious position of Kurdish forces, led by General Mazlum Kobani, and their sudden dependence on Russia for support. The podcast explores the historical US-Kurdish alliance, the tragic implications of American troop withdrawal, and the broader ramifications for stability in the Middle East. Hubbard also highlights the intricate dynamics of Kurdish identity and autonomy amidst ongoing ethnic conflicts.
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Escalating Violence in Erbil
- Ben Hubbard describes the escalating violence in Erbil, Northern Iraq, including shelling, airstrikes, and a car bomb.
- The bomb detonated near a restaurant Hubbard frequented, highlighting the personal impact of the conflict.
Meeting Mazlum Kobani
- Ben Hubbard has made seven trips to Syria since the civil war began, including one earlier in the year after Trump's initial withdrawal announcement.
- He aimed to meet Mazlum Kobani, the leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), to understand the impact of the U.S. withdrawal.
Conflicting Views on Kobani
- The U.S. has a short history with Mazlum Kobani, focusing on his role in fighting ISIS, while Turkey has a long history with him.
- Turkey views Kobani as a terrorist due to his involvement with the PKK, a Kurdish group that has fought against the Turkish state.