Problems of the Kurdish Community - Essay Example

Introduction Advocacy groups need the much needed support from international organizations, the media and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). They also require sentimental support from the broader global community (Gunter, p.125). The problems faced by Kurds are in the global domain though more can still be done to increase international pressure for their recognition by the host countries. Turkey, as a country with a sizeable number of the Kurdish community has made policies restricting Kurds’ cultural and political identity (Gunter, p.91). A number of advocacy groups are championing the reintegration of Kurds into the average Middle East life; enjoying the right to use their language for education and expressive purposes. In a nutshell, they are fighting for a level playing field. This article examines the broader aspect of support for advocacy groups taking Kurds as a case. It recommends ways in which these people can increase international awareness through various channels thus gaining support for their clamor for political and civil rights. In order to create dialogue among policy makers, this article proposes ways in which these advocacy groups can be more effective by use of new media and other consultative approaches. Background Demand for autonomy is based on the fact that Kurds have different cultural and spiritual inclinations from Turks, Iraqis and Iranians. Since politics in the Middle East is a game of ethnic numbers, they have been used as political pawns to add numbers for others’ interests. The main highlight of their woes was in 1992 when the international media beamed images of Kurds running away from Saddam Hussein following a crackdown to make them stop making requests for autonomy and control of Kirkuk City. How Kurdish protestors can improve their advocacy efforts International awareness is very important for Kurdish pressure groups. They ensure this by highlighting their plight in the international media and also using the new media. It is through cable television stations that Dalai Lama made an appeal for support for the Tibetans who are politically sidelined from the Chinese and the response has been huge. It is also through the media that the international community understands the plight of the oppressed and this increases sentimental value. Kurds are more inclined towards an open society devoid of strict control over freedom of expression. The democratic space and freedom of the press is expanding in Turkey however, broadcast content in languages other than Turkish is restricted. Hope lies in the social media which has gained popularity in the Middle East as a community mobilization instrument and has been found to play a big role in places with tight media control like Turkey. This is because the authorities have little capacity to control content and influence public opinion. The Algerian and Egyptian revolutions were christened Facebook and Twitter revolutions because of the part played by these sites to mobilize the community towards a common cause. It does this because of the networking it provides linking websites to conventional media like televisions and newspapers; it also gives real-time news through mobile devices hence a wide reach. These Kurdish protestors need to custom their appeals to match the interests of the international audiences so they justify their cause (Reynolds, p.71). Their message should be consistent and speak in one voice; their demands must be found consistent with global morality. The three main issues that the Kurdish protestors are advocating for are: Religious freedom: This means having the legal capability to make specific legislations that are in consonance with their cultural and spiritual identity. Use of the Kurdish lingua in daily interactions; this is because the government restricts its use in public domain. Those elected to state offices are supposed to grasp of the Turkish language. Elected mayor for Diyarbakir, Abdullah Demirbas was relieved off his duties in 2008 as he could not articulate cultural, artistic and other social issues in Turk (Reynolds, p.139). The only language used in schools right from primary to university is Turkish; this makes those Kurds who do not understand this language have learning difficulties (Marcus, p.71). The above issues are in line with global morality thus providing the Kurds with a relevant message to pass to the international community; however, more should be done to appreciate dialogue rather than engaging in battles and deaths that attract international condemnation (Bengio, p.68). In countries like the U.S., those advocating for norms have their way through lobbying and public pressure. A more persuasive approach of social transformation is what is required in stricter regimes like Turkey. Military engagements can be taken by some countries to coerce another country to accept a policy; however, this is not a favorable method to be used compared to a series of strategic framing (Reynolds, p.251). The latter appreciates the use of consensual dialogue as Turkey has also agreed get to the negotiating table with Kurds. There are three parties involved in advocacy issues: the local protestors who transform their woes into claims, the nongovernmental organizations acting as gatekeepers to siphon these issues then forward to international organizations that document these claims. The protestors has a duty to ensure that this process is seamless; this simply means that this countermovement is managed by making these claims defendable at all levels because it conforms with state norms. Conclusion Modern day advocacy must have a human face for it to appeal to the international community thereby attracting funds and sentimental support. Kurds have changed their approach in fighting for their rights by getting into dialogue and increasing political participation; this is because they are getting more educationally empowered. Despite the problems faced by these people in Turkey, their call for autonomy is accelerated by cross-border activities that have made them synchronize their ideas. The social media revolution is also creating an informed society which helps mobilize pressure groups when organizing demonstrations across Turkey. This is because it gives updates on various programs and is less susceptible to gag from the government. In clamour for their freedom, Kurds must utilize these opportunities to engage productively and by peaceful means in ensuring the Turkish government gives them equal opportunities. Works cited Reynolds, James. "BBC News - Turkey Kurds: PKK chief Ocalan calls for ceasefire." BBC - Homepage. N.p., 21 Mar. 2013. Web. 7 May 2013. . Gunter, Michael M. The Kurds and the Future of Turkey. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1997. Print. Marcus, Aliza. "The Kurds’ Evolving Strategy: The Struggle Goes Political in Turkey | World Affairs Journal." World News Headlines, Essays and Opinion -- World Affairs Journal. N.p., 1 Nov. 2012. Web. 7 May 2013. . Bengio, Ofra. "Will the Kurds Get Their Way? - Ofra Bengio - The American Interest Magazine." The American Interest Magazine - Policy, Politics & Culture. N.p., 1 Dec. 2012. Web. 7 May 2013. . Read More