Podcasts about Kurds

With rapid change sweeping a region still in the throes of wars the Kurdish people spread across four nations see an opportunity to secure if not their dream of a nation then autonomy within national federal structures that would secure their rights and culture as a people. Arab Digest editor William Law invites the Kurdish-American journalist Sirwan Kajjo onto the podcast to discuss the possibilities and the promises that lie within reach of the Kurds. Sign up NOW at ArabDigest.org for free to join the club and start receiving our daily newsletter & weekly podcasts.

Who Are They? A Special Series: The KurdsJoin Journey Of Hope Podcast Host Elio Constantine as he launches the first episode in a special series on the podcast, "Who Are They?". Elio, and pastor Bashir take a deep dive into the culture, history, language, and spirituality of the Kurdish people, and they talk in depth about all of the different ways that Heart For Lebanon is ministering to this unique people group!website: Home - Heart for LebanonEmail Elio: podcast@heartforlebanon.org

Ankara's latest effort to end a four decades long Kurdish insurgency is opaque and is full of risks and opportunities for Turkey and Syria's Kurds says lawmaker Cengiz Candar.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Kurdistan Workers Party, the PKK, has announced the end to its more than forty-year fight against Turkey, a conflict that claimed more than 40,000 lives. But the declaration, called historic by Turkish officials, is being met by public skepticism with questions remaining over disarmament and its calls for democratic reforms. Upon hearing the news that the PKK was ending its war and disarming, Kurds danced in the streets of the predominantly Kurdish southeast of Turkey. The region bore the brunt of the brutal conflict, with the overwhelming majority of those killed being civilians, and millions more displaced.From armed struggle to political arena"It is a historic moment. This conflict has been going on for almost half a century," declared Aslı Aydıntaşbaş of the Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think tank."And for them [the PKK] to say that the period of armed struggle is over and that they are going to transition to a major political struggle is very important."The PKK, designated as a terrorist organisation by the European Union and most of Turkey's Western allies, launched its armed struggle in 1984 for Kurdish rights and independence. At the time, Turkey was ruled by the military, which did not even acknowledge the existence of Kurds, referring to them as “Mountain Turks.”Nearly fifty years later, however, Turkey is a different place. The third-largest parliamentary party is the pro-Kurdish Dem Party. In its declaration ending its armed struggle and announcing its dissolution, the PKK stated that there is now space in Turkey to pursue its goals through political means.However, military realities are thought to be behind the PKK's decision to end its campaign. “From a technical and military point of view, the PKK lost,” observed Aydın Selcan, a former senior Turkish diplomat who served in the region.“For almost ten years, there have been no armed attacks by the PKK inside Turkey because they are no longer capable of doing so. And in the northern half of the Iraqi Kurdistan region, there is now almost no PKK presence,” added Selcan.Selcan also claims the PKK could be seeking to consolidate its military gains in Syria. “For the first time in history, the PKK's Syrian offshoot, the YPG, has begun administering a region. So it's important for the organisation to preserve that administration.“They've rebranded themselves as a political organisation.” Turkish forces have repeatedly launched military operations in Syria against the YPG. However, the Syrian Kurdish forces have reached a tentative agreement with Damascus's new rulers—whom Ankara supports.Kurdish leader Ocalan calls for PKK disarmament, paving way for peace Erdoğan's high-stakes gambleFor Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is trailing in opinion polls and facing growing protests over the arrest of his main political rival, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, on alleged corruption charges, this could be a golden opportunity. “This is a win for Erdoğan, no doubt,” claimed analyst Aydıntaşbaş.Along with favourable headlines, the PKK's peace announcement offers a solution to a major political headache for Erdoğan. The Turkish president wants to amend the constitution to remove term limits, allowing him to run again for the presidency.The pro-Kurdish Dem Party holds the parliamentary votes Erdoğan needs. “Yes, Erdoğan, of course, will be negotiating with Kurds for constitutional changes,” said Aydıntaşbaş.“Now we are entering a very transactional period in Turkish politics. Instead of repressing Kurds, it's going to be about negotiating with them. And it may persuade the pro-Kurdish faction—which forms the third-largest bloc in Turkish politics—to peel away from the opposition camp,” added Aydıntaşbaş.However, Aydıntaşbaş warns that Erdoğan will need to convince his voter base, which remains sceptical of any peace process with the PKK. According to a recent opinion poll, three out of four respondents opposed the peace process, with a majority of Erdoğan's AK Party supporters against it.For decades, the PKK has been portrayed in Turkey as a brutal terrorist organisation, and its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Öcalan, is routinely referred to by politicians and much of the media as “the baby killer.” Critics argue the government has failed to adequately prepare the public for peace.“In peace processes around the world, we see a strong emphasis on convincing society,” observed Sezin Öney, a political commentator at Turkey's PolitikYol news portal. “There are reconciliation processes, truth commissions, etc., all designed to gain public support. But in our case, it's like surgery without anaesthesia—an operation begun without any sedatives,” added Öney.Turkey looks for regional help in its battle against Kurdish rebels in IraqPolitical concessions?Public pressure on Erdoğan is expected to grow, as the PKK and Kurdish political leaders demand concessions to facilitate the peace and disarmament process.“In the next few months, the government is, first of all, expected to change the prison conditions of Öcalan,” explained Professor Mesut Yeğen of the Istanbul-based Reform Institute.“The second expectation is the release of those in poor health who are currently in jail. And for the disarmament process to proceed smoothly, there should be an amnesty or a reduction in sentences, allowing PKK convicts in Turkish prisons to be freed and ensuring that returning PKK militants are not imprisoned,” Yeğen added.Yeğen claimed that tens of thousands of political prisoners may need to be released, along with the reinstatement of Dem Party mayors who were removed from office under anti-terrorism legislation.Turkey's Saturday Mothers keep up vigil for lost relativesErdoğan has ruled out any concessions until the PKK disarms, but has said that “good things” will follow disarmament. Meanwhile, the main opposition CHP Party, while welcoming the peace initiative, insists that any democratic reforms directed at the Kurdish minority must be extended to wider society—starting with the release of İmamoğlu, Erdoğan's chief political rival.While the peace process is widely seen as a political victory for Erdoğan, it could yet become a liability for the president, who risks being caught between a sceptical voter base and an impatient Kurdish population demanding concessions.

On Monday the Kurdistan Workers' party, or the PKK, made a historic announcement that it would disband, ending its four-decade-long armed campaign against the Turkish state. The move comes amid a new push to end this conflict, which has claimed more than 40,000 lives and spilled over into Syria and Iraq. Alan Makovsky, a senior fellow for the Center for American Progress and a former senior staffer with responsibility for Turkey on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, joins Thanos Davelis as we break down whether this really marks a turning point for Turkey and the Kurds' struggle for political and cultural rights.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:PKK ends 40-year war against Turkey, vows to pursue Kurdish rightsIs Turkey's four-decade Kurdish insurgency coming to an end?German, Greek PMs stay tough on migrationCyprus says Syria will take back citizens trying to reach the Mediterranean island by boat

Talmiz Ahmad, a former Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, explains why Gulf nations led by Saudi Arabia tilt in favor of India despite long-running ties with Muslim Pakistan. Pakistan's refusal to join Saudi Arabia in its war against the Houthis — and a jihadi attack on Mumbai in 2008 — were a tipping point, he says.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mes chers camarades, bien le bonjour !Il faut qu'on parle des Kurdes. J'en ai déjà un peu parlé en format court mais ça mérite un épisode plus étoffé. Assez régulièrement, les actualités font les gros titres sur les conflits dans lesquels ils sont présents. Par exemple, le 27 février 2025, Abdullah Öcalan, le fondateur du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan, a appelé à déposer les armes et dissoudre son parti. Alors ok, très bien, mais ça veut dire quoi ? Je suis pas sûr que vous connaissiez l'histoire des Kurdes, ni ses enjeux géopolitiques actuels…et c'est normal, vu comme c'est complexe ! Alors aujourd'hui, je vous propose de revenir ensemble sur l'histoire des Kurdes afin de décrypter tout ça : qui sont-ils, que veulent-ils, quels sont leurs réseaux et pourquoi on en entend parler aussi souvent à la télé ?Bonne écoute !

Charles Lister, the head of the Syria Initiative at the Middle East Institute in Washington, argues that after five months in power Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the ultimate pragmatist, is adjusting to the complexity of governing his ethnically diverse and fractured country. This involves striking deals with the Kurds and Druze that fly in the face of the rigidly centralized model he once espoused. And contrary to popular belief he is not a "Turkish puppet,” Lister says.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will the call for the PKK to disarm end in a new era of peace for the Kurds, or is this just another turn in a tortured history? In February, Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, known as the PKK, released a jaw-dropping written message to his followers from his jail cell, calling for the group to lay down arms and disband. In this series we explore the Kurdish issue - the persecution, the resistance and their attempts to form a state. We ask what does the future hold for one of the largest stateless ethnic groups in the world scattered across Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran.

Makram Rabah, an assistant professor at the American University in Beirut, says that Syria's interim president lacks the power to control his own army and that Washington needs to engage with Syria's new government to help defuse sectarian violence and for peace to prevail in the war-ravaged country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will the call for the PKK to disarm end in a new era of peace for the Kurds, or is this just another turn in a tortured history? In February, Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, known as the PKK, released a jaw-dropping written message to his followers from his jail cell, calling for the group to lay down arms and disband. In this series we explore the Kurdish issue - the persecution, the resistance and their attempts to form a state. We ask what does the future hold for one of the largest stateless ethnic groups in the world scattered across Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran.

Dr. Bob Shelton explains biblical prophecies about Babylon's destruction, linking Isaiah and Jeremiah's accounts to modern Iraq, involving the Kurds. The Antichrist will lead this devastation after the church's rapture, fulfilling God's purposes. Additionally, Rome's religious system (Mystery Babylon) will be destroyed by the Antichrist, underscoring the need for personal faith.

Dr. Bob Shelton explains biblical prophecies about Babylon's destruction, linking Isaiah and Jeremiah's accounts to modern Iraq, involving the Kurds. The Antichrist will lead this devastation after the church's rapture, fulfilling God's purposes. Additionally, Rome's religious system (Mystery Babylon) will be destroyed by the Antichrist, underscoring the need for personal faith.

Will the call for the PKK to disarm end in a new era of peace for the Kurds, or is this just another turn in a tortured history? In February, Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, known as the PKK, released a jaw-dropping written message to his followers from his jail cell, calling for the group to lay down arms and disband. In this series we explore the Kurdish issue - the persecution, the resistance and their attempts to form a state. We ask what does the future hold for one of the largest stateless ethnic groups in the world scattered across Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran.

Will the call for the PKK to disarm end in a new era of peace for the Kurds, or is this just another turn in a tortured history? In February, Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, known as the PKK, released a jaw-dropping written message to his followers from his jail cell, calling for the group to lay down arms and disband. In this series we explore the Kurdish issue - the persecution, the resistance and their attempts to form a state. We ask what does the future hold for one of the largest stateless ethnic groups in the world scattered across Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran.

Six years after the fall of the Islamic State group's self-proclaimed caliphate, thousands of women and children linked to IS group fighters remain detained in camps across northeastern Syria. Managed by Kurdish authorities since 2019, these detainees fall under a non-state jurisdiction — one that cannot try or extradite them, and where international humanitarian law offers little protection. This legal limbo could now shift with the fall of the Assad regime. The new government in Damascus is expected to take control over the camps. Kurdish officials — and the families themselves, including dozens of French nationals — are waiting anxiously to see what the future holds. FRANCE 24's Marie-Charlotte Roupie and Lina Malers report.

Starvation, disease, mutilation and death have become the norm for children in Gaza, says Arwa Damon, founder of the INARA charity. She warns that aid workers, journalists and medics are also being targeted, making it nearly impossible to deliver relief to children trapped in a cycle of despair.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Babylon was conquered, but not destroyed by the Medes & Persians. Who are the Medes? The modern day Kurds. This battle will occur during the Day of the Lord.

Babylon was conquered, but not destroyed by the Medes & Persians. Who are the Medes? The modern day Kurds. This battle will occur during the Day of the Lord.

Will the call for the PKK to disarm end in a new era of peace for the Kurds, or is this just another turn in a tortured history? In February, Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, known as the PKK, released a jaw-dropping written message to his followers from his jail cell, calling for the group to lay down arms and disband. In this series we explore the Kurdish issue - the persecution, the resistance and their attempts to form a state. We ask what does the future hold for one of the largest stateless ethnic groups in the world scattered across Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran.

Will the call for the PKK to disarm end in a new era of peace for the Kurds, or is this just another turn in a tortured history? In February, Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, known as the PKK, released a jaw-dropping written message to his followers from his jail cell, calling for the group to lay down arms and disband. In this series we explore the Kurdish issue - the persecution, the resistance and their attempts to form a state. We ask what the future holds for one of the largest stateless ethnic groups in the world scattered across Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran.

In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Robert Morris and Ruairi return to David McDowall's A Modern History of the Kurds—this time exploring the past century. From the post-World War I era to the present day, we trace the Kurds' ongoing struggle for autonomy amidst shifting alliances, brutal repression, and repeated betrayals by global powers. How have Kurdish movements evolved in Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran? What role has Western intervention played—often disastrously—in shaping their fate? Join us as we unpack the modern history of a stateless nation caught at the crossroads of empire and resistance.⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Books⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok

Brigadier General Jacob Nagel was at the center of Israel's most critical military and technological decisions—from the creation of the Iron Dome to the classified plans behind the Stuxnet cyberattack that weakened Iran's nuclear program. In this powerful and urgent conversation, Dr. Bob goes deep with General Nagel about how Hamas evaded Israel's high-tech surveillance on October 7th, what went wrong with deterrence, and how Israel is shifting its defense doctrine from containment to preemptive strike.Tune in for these topics:

Michael Allen talks with former CIA senior executive Glenn Corn about whether Turkey is a US ally or wildcard. They discuss how Turkey is navigating the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine while managing relationships with both Washington and Moscow. Glenn also explores the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the future of the Kurds, the decline of Hezbollah, and the looming question of Iran – all through the lens of Ankara's interests.

On March 13, Syria's Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa approved a temporary constitutional declaration, setting the stage for a new regime. The declaration specifies that only the state can have an army. This has raised concerns for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Kurdish-led military faction in northeastern Syria. Under an agreement signed with Damascus, the SDF will eventually be integrated into the national army. But how can Syria's most powerful armed force join a unified army when some of their potential allies are also their enemies? The path to a unified Syrian army remains uncertain.

Elon Musk hands out million-dollar checks in Wisconsin ahead of a closely contested Supreme Court election. U.S. President Donald Trump's attacks on major law firms. And, Turkey's crackdown on President Tayyip Erdogan's main rival erodes peace process hopes among Kurds. Find our recommended read here. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter here. Find the latest Reuters Econ World podcast here. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Moorhead, March is now Kurdish Heritage Month. The city's mayor issued a proclamation in early March making the city the latest to celebrate its Kurdish population. A community group estimates there are 3,500 Kurds in the city, or eight percent of the population. Siham Amedy led the effort to submit the proclamation to the city. She's a member of the city's human rights commission and a project manager at Creating Community Consulting. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about why March is such an important month for Kurdish people.

In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, hosts Robert Morris and Ruairi McElhone dive deep into the complex and often overlooked history of the Kurdish people. Using David McDowall's A Modern History of the Kurds as a key reference, they explore the struggles, resilience, and geopolitical challenges faced by one of the world's largest stateless nations.From the fall of the Ottoman Empire to the present-day fight for autonomy, we break down the key events that have shaped Kurdish identity and politics. How have foreign powers influenced Kurdish aspirations? What does the future hold for Kurdistan? Join us for a fascinating discussion that connects history to today's political landscape.Tune in for thought-provoking insights, historical deep dives, and engaging political analysis—only on The More Freedom Foundation Podcast.⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Books⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok

For over 40 years, the Kurdistan Workers Party, the PKK, has waged an armed insurgency against Turkey, fighting for Kurdish rights and autonomy.But in late February, Abdullah Öcalan, the PKK's imprisoned founder, called for the group to lay down its arms and dissolve itself. Days later, the PKK, which is labelled as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, Europe and the US, declared a ceasefire with Turkey. In this episode, we speak to political scientist Pinar Dinc at Lund University in Sweden about what's led to this moment and whether it could be the beginning of a lasting peace between Turkey and the Kurds. This episode was written and produced by Mend Mariwany. Sound design was by Eloise Stevens and theme music by Neeta Sarl. Full credits for this episode are available. Sign up here for a free daily newsletter from The Conversation.If you like the show, please consider donating to The Conversation, an independent, not-for-profit news organisation.Syria integration deal with Kurds brings relief after days of bitter violence wracks war-torn countryWhat's behind Erdoğan's calculated shift on Kurds and its potential consequencesPKK leader's call to disarm fuels hope for end to Kurdish conflict – but peace is not imminent

For today's episode, Lawfare Foreign Policy Editor Daniel Byman interviewed Steven Heydemann, the Director of the Middle East Studies Program at Smith College, to assess the fast-changing developments in Syria today. Heydemann discusses the surge in communal violence in Syria, the deal between the new Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-led government and Syria's Kurds, Israel's counterproductive interventions, and U.S. policy toward the new regime in Damascus. To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For months Turkey's President Erdogan has avoided wading into the latest peace process with Turkey's Kurds and the PKK. Last week he broke his silence, saying he was prepared to meet with members of the country's pro-Kurdish DEM Party who have played a key role in talks with Abdullah Ocalan. Amberin Zaman, Al-Monitor's chief correspondent based in Paris and covering major stories on Turkey, the Middle East and North Africa, joins Thanos Davelis to break down what Erdogan's willingness to engage with Kurdish leaders means for this process.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey's Erdogan says he's ready to meet with Kurds brokering peace with PKKTurkey's Erdogan discusses Russia-Ukraine war, Syria in first official call with TrumpErdoğan's top rival detained, faces block to presidential candidacyTurkey detains Erdogan's main rival on array of chargesJake Sullivan: ‘We worked behind the scenes'

122: #TURKIYE: KURDS SHAKE HANDS WITH HTS AND ANKARA. SINAN CIDDI, FDD. 1934 TURKEY AVIATORS

1/2: #TURKIYE: KURDS SHAKE HANDS WITH HTS AND ANKARA. SINAN CIDDI, FDD. 1920 TURKEY AVIATORS

Today's Daily tells two stories of the struggle to find agency amid despair, from the power of a pen to the search for a diamond ring among the ashes. Our stories also include the Kurds getting mixed messages about their role in the ‘new' Syria, and whether politics outrank merit as Trump molds military leadership. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield for today's news.

Today's Daily tells two stories of the struggle to find agency amid despair, from the power of a pen to the search for a diamond ring among the ashes. Our stories also include the Kurds getting mixed messages about their role in the ‘new' Syria, and whether politics outrank merit as Trump molds military leadership. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield for today's news.

Cuma Çiçek, author of “The Kurds of Turkey: National, Religious and Economic Identities” (IB Tauris), on the dynamics behind Ankara's push for the PKK's dissolution, what it means for Turkish politics and what it means for the future of the Kurdish issue. Support Turkey Book Talk on Patreon or Substack. Supporters get a 35% discount on all Turkey/Ottoman History books published by IB Tauris/Bloomsbury, transcripts of every interview, and links to articles related to each episode.

Kate Adie introduces dispatches from Mexico and the USA, Bangladesh, Syria and the Faroe Islands.Donald Trump has threatened Mexico with sanctions if it does not do more to halt the flow of deadly fentanyl into the US. Quentin Sommerville gained rare access to a Mexican drug smuggling operation, meeting the foot-soldiers of a prominent cartel as it prepares to send fentanyl north of the border.Bangladesh is homes to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people, who have been living in refugee camps since fleeing pesecution in Myanmar back in 2017. The Rohingya's survival has been dependent on foreign aid – but that lifeline is now at risk, following cuts to the US aid budget. Samira Hussain visited one of the refugee camps.US negotiators proposed an immediate 30 day ceasefire in Ukraine this week. While President Zelensky accepted the proposal, President Putin said questions remain about the nature of the truce. Frank Gardner assesses the chances for a lasting peace.Back in 2014, swathes of north-east Syria came under the control of Islamic State - though when its fighters reached the city of Kobane, they met strong resistance from Kurdish forces. With the help of international allies, IS was eventually driven out, but local Kurds still worry that IS may one day return, reports Jiyar Gol.In the autonomous Danish territory of the Faroe Islands, locals have been keeping an eye on what's been going on in another Danish territory – Greenland. Donald Trump's proposal that the US might look to buy it has sparked fresh conversations over Faroese independence – and a growing sense of local pride, finds Amy Liptrot.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill

Townhall Review – March 15, 2025

A deal signed earlier this week by Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and the commander in chief of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazlum Kobane, is viewed by many as a turning point for Syria's Kurds. It also comes amid escalating violence across Syria which has cast serious doubts over al-Sharaa's ability to earn the trust of his people and govern. Steven Cook, the Eni Enrico Mattei senior fellow for Middle East and Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins Thanos Davelis to explore whether this deal is really a game changer for Syria and Syria's Kurds, and break down the roles of outside forces - particularly the US and Turkey - in this story.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Syrian Kurds celebrate deal with Damascus as coastal residents remain wary after violenceSyria's Kurds win big as Sharaa shakes hands with Kobane to save his own skinKonstantinos Tasoulas to be sworn in as president ThursdayPM eyes major cabinet shake-upThe EU wants to increase deportations and supports ‘return hubs' in third countriesEurope cracks down on migration. The far right is cheering.

Trump's tariff policy is all over the place - Ton, off, then back on again. Markets don't like uncertainty, and Jacob' sister is even texting him about stocks. China? Barely flinching. Europe? Actually getting its act together, with Germany and Poland leading the charge. Meanwhile, Turkey's making moves, the Kurds are recalibrating, and Iran's back in the mix. --Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro(00:40) - Sister Index(05:40) - Impact of US Tariffs and Trade Policies(08:46) - Trump Administration's Policy Analysis(14:38) - Lumber Test Case(24:52) - China's Response to US Tariffs(34:18) - Germany's Defense and Fiscal Policies(35:08) - Poland's Military and Political Moves(36:39) - France's Political Climate(38:02) - Europe's Industrial and Manufacturing Strength(40:48) - EU's Strategic Moves and Turkey Relations(46:42) - Italy's Political Dynamics and Starlink Controversy(48:41) - Poland's Geopolitical Strategy(53:50) - Turkey's Position and Regional Developments(01:05:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts--Referenced in the Show:FP article link: https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/03/07/europe-heavy-industry-trump-us-competition/--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapCI Site: cognitive.investmentsSubscribe to the Newsletter: bit.ly/weekly-sitrep--The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com --Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today's volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.Cognitive Investments is an investment advisory firm, founded in 2019 that provides clients with a nuanced array of financial planning, investment advisory and wealth management services. We aim to grow both our clients' material wealth (i.e. their existing financial assets) and their human wealth (i.e. their ability to make good strategic decisions for their business, family, and career).--This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Imprisoned Kurdish PKK leader, Abdullah Öcalan, has once again called for the PKK to disarm and transition into a political party, but this time it might actually happen.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/doors-open-for-turkey-as-the-kurds-disarm

In this episode, Stephen gives his take on two controversial news events. One is the weirdest White House meeting he can remember in American foreign policy. The other is an encouraging breakthrough in the Middle East. As always, he reminds listeners to be aware of what's happening.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

Michael Safi travelled to north-east Syria to speak to IS foreign fighters imprisoned there. And discovered that a change in the US administration, and USAid funding cuts, means there is a growing fear of prison breaks. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The leader of Turkey's Kurdish rebels has called on the group to disband. That could end one of the world's longest running conflicts. How tariffs and political volatility may affect the American economy (10:16). And the craze for eating caviar… with chicken nuggets (18:33). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The leader of Turkey's Kurdish rebels has called on the group to disband. That could end one of the world's longest running conflicts. How tariffs and political volatility may affect the American economy (10:16). And the craze for eating caviar… with chicken nuggets (18:33). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Derek welcomes back to the program Gönül Tol, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, and Djene Bajalan, associate professor of history at Missouri State University, to talk about leader Abdullah Öcalan's call last week for the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) to disarm and disband. They talk about Öcalan's history in this conflict, the need to manage his constituencies when announcing this ceasefire, how this fits into Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's plans, whether this move could broaden rights and protections for Kurds in Turkey, the potential implications for Syria, what this means for Kurds elsewhere in the region, and more. Read Gönül's book Erdoğan's War: A Strongman's Struggle at Home and in Syria.    Listen to Djene's radio show/podcast Talking History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Derek welcomes back to the program Gönül Tol, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, and Djene Bajalan, associate professor of history at Missouri State University, to talk about leader Abdullah Öcalan's call last week for the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) to disarm and disband. They talk about Öcalan's history in this conflict, the need to manage his constituencies when announcing this ceasefire, how this fits into Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's plans, whether this move could broaden rights and protections for Kurds in Turkey, the potential implications for Syria, what this means for Kurds elsewhere in the region, and more.Read Gönül's book Erdoğan's War: A Strongman's Struggle at Home and in Syria.   Listen to Djene's radio show/podcast Talking History. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Conflicted, we begin in earnest our retrospective on the Syrian Civil War, where we will be inviting actual Syrians from a multitude of different perspectives, to tell us about their experiences of the war.  After setting the scene with our old friend Wassim Nasr last time, over our upcoming episodes, we'll be creating a kind of narrative history for you, our listeners, as we make sense of this most complex of conflicts from as many angles as we can. In this episode, Thomas invites on Syrian Kurd Ronnie Hamada to delve into the complexities of the Syrian Civil War, focusing on the Kurdish experience and setting the scene with their historical identity.  Ronnie has been working in data and analysis of conflicts in Syria and the wider Middle East for the past 10 years, working alongside journalists and NGOs to map conflicts and combat misinformation, and his story of life under siege in Aleppo and Afrin is an extraordinary one… They explore the historical context of Kurdish nationalism, the impact of Arab nationalism, and the political dynamics within Kurdish communities in Syria. Ronnie shares his personal story and insights, highlighting the challenges faced by Kurds, including statelessness and cultural repression and the intricate dynamics of Kurdish identity and politics in Syria, particularly in the context of the Arab Spring. New Conflicted Season 5 episodes will be coming every two weeks, but if you want to have your Conflicted fix every single week, then you'll have to join our Conflicted Community. Subscribers will get bonus episodes every other week, and can also join our Conflicted Community chatroom, where you can interact with fellow dearest listeners, discuss episodes past and future, get exclusive messages from Thomas and Aimen, ask future Q&A questions and so much more. All the information you need to sign up to the Conflicted Community is on this link: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm/  Conflicted is proudly made by Message Heard, a full-stack podcast production agency which uses its extensive expertise to make its own shows such as Conflicted, shows for commissioners such as the BBC, Spotify and Al Jazeera, and powerfully effective podcasts for other companies too. If you'd like to find out how we can help get your organisation's message heard, visit messageheard.com or drop an email to hello@messageheard.com! Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ISIL’s detention camps in northeast Syria remain packed with thousands, with al-Hol alone holding 40,000—mostly wives and children of suspected fighters. Recent Al Jazeera reporting offers a rare inside look at their reality. As Syria enters a post-Assad era, what will become of them? In this episode: Nils Adler (@nilsadler1), Al Jazeera Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, Ashish Malhotra with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, Marcos Bartolomé, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

When Sunni rebels toppled Bashar al-Assad last December, they vowed to form an inclusive Syrian government by March. Sunnis comprise around 75 percent of Syria with the remaining 25 percent made up of minorities like Alawites, Christians, Shiite Muslims, Kurds and Druze. Special correspondent Simona Foltyn met with members of some of these communities and reports from Damascus. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders