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The Inside Story Podcast

Why is the PKK leader calling the Kurdish group to disband?

Feb 28, 2025
In this discussion, Mohammed Salih, a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute specializing in Kurdish affairs, dives into the dramatic call for disbandment issued by the PKK leader after decades of conflict. The conversation explores its potential repercussions on Turkey and the broader region, assessing whether this moment presents defeat or an opportunity for the Kurdish struggle. Salih highlights the complexities of the peace process, balancing hope with skepticism regarding democratic solutions and internal PKK dynamics.
23:12

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The PKK leader's disbandment call represents a pivotal moment for Kurdish-Turkish relations after decades of conflict.
  • Skepticism surrounds the feasibility of this transition, highlighting the challenges in achieving lasting peace and addressing Kurdish rights.

Deep dives

Call for Disarmament and Potential Peace

The PKK's founder has called for the group's disbandment, signaling a potentially historic moment that could reshape the trajectory of Kurdish relations with Turkey and the broader region. This plea comes after four decades of conflict that has claimed over 40,000 lives, raising questions about the implications for peace negotiations. If the PKK truly accepts this disarmament, it could lead to a shift not only within Turkey but also in neighboring regions like Syria and Iraq. However, there is skepticism regarding the ease of this transition, with experts emphasizing that the path to peace is likely to be fraught with complications and setbacks.

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