Who Are the Kurds?

Some media reports suggest that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States may be in talks with Kurdish dissident groups based in Iraq as part of efforts to challenge the regime in Iran. These reports remain unconfirmed but highlight the strategic importance of Kurdish groups in the geopolitics of West Asia.

Who Are the Kurds?
The Kurds are an Indo-European ethnic group indigenous to the mountainous region of West Asia commonly known as Kurdistan. With a global population estimated between 30 and 45 million, they are considered one of the largest stateless ethnic groups in the world.

Distribution of Kurdish Population
The Kurdish population is spread across several countries in West Asia:

• Turkey: The largest Kurdish population, estimated at 15–20 million.
• Iran: Around 8–12 million Kurds, forming roughly 10% of the country’s population.
• Syria: Approximately 1.5 million Kurds.
• Iraq: About 5.6–8 million Kurds, mainly concentrated in the northern region.

Historical Struggle for a Kurdish State
The Kurds have struggled for an independent state since before World War I. The Treaty of Sèvres signed in 1920 initially promised the creation of an independent Kurdish state. However, the treaty was never ratified.

Later, the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 established modern borders in the region, dividing Kurdish populations among several states without granting them independence or autonomy.

Autonomy in Iraq
After years of conflict and following the Gulf War in 1991, Kurdish leaders established the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq. Today, it functions as a constitutionally recognised autonomous region, with its own parliament and security forces.

Challenges Faced by Kurds in Iran
The Kurdish population in Iran has frequently faced repression and political restrictions. Many Kurdish activists have reportedly been imprisoned for long periods.

Most Kurds are Sunni Muslims, and in Shia-dominated Iran, they have also faced religious discrimination, along with political and cultural marginalisation.

Cooperation with the United States Against ISIS
In recent years, Kurdish forces have worked closely with the United States and allied forces in combating the militant group Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria and Iraq. This cooperation strengthened strategic ties between Kurdish groups and Western military operations in the region.

Source: TH