From Our Own Correspondent

Turkey’s chance for peace

May 24, 2025
Jonathan Head, a BBC Southeast Asia Correspondent, discusses his rare access to Pagasa Island amid the South China Sea tensions, highlighting the Philippines' resilience against China's expansion. Meanwhile, Orla Guerin reports from Diyarbakir, where the PKK's surprising decision to disarm has sparked a mix of hope and skepticism among locals, reflecting on the long road to peace and the complex layers of Kurdish identity. Both guests illuminate pressing geopolitical issues and the personal stories intertwined with them.
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ANECDOTE

Family Lost to PKK Conflict

  • Musina lost ten family members to the PKK conflict, calling them martyrs, while Turkey labels them terrorists.
  • She hopes the next Kurdish generation will live in peace and not suffer like her family did.
INSIGHT

Disarmament's Political Implications

  • Disarmament could lead to Kurdish inclusion in Turkish politics and benefits for both Kurds and President Erdogan.
  • Erdogan seeks Kurdish support in Parliament for his third-term run, shaping political incentives.
ANECDOTE

Pagasa Island Fisherman's Story

  • Larry Hugo has fished near Pagasa Island for 16 years, facing Chinese military pressure that reduced his fishing grounds.
  • Despite challenges, locals cherish the island's environment and remain determined to stay.
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