On Feb 27, Abdullah Öcalan, the long-time jailed leader of the PKK (Kurdish Worker’s Party), released a statement that shocked many. In the statement he called for the PKK to lay down their arms, which could spell the end of the 40-year long armed struggle against the Turkish state, and for the creation of a legal, diplomatic framework to ensure inclusion, rights, and dignity for the Kurdish communities within a democratic Turkish nation. In this episode, Ayman Makarem, Israa, and Karena Avedissian are joined by Dîlan who provides a thorough overview of the present moment, situates it within the longer history of the Kurdish struggle, and explores analysis of what this all means - for Kurds and other communities across the WANA region. Dîlan is a reluctant academic and tired organizer. She is interested in alternative historiographies, feminist methodologies, and memory. She considers herself an equal-opportunity hater regarding states and authoritarian power structures, and is a dedicated skeptic of reactionary tendencies in both organizing and academic spheres. Links: https://wjas.org/en/the-foundation/https://nudemorg.com/support/https://rojavainformationcenter.org/donate/ For more: Ayman Makarem is on Bluesky and Instagram Karena Avedissian is on Bluesky Israa is on Bluesky If you’d like to support The Fire These Times, the best way to do it is through Patreon.com/thefirethesetimes. In return, you’ll get early access to everything I record, exclusive videos, the mini-series all at once, access to the monthly hangout, discounts on my classes and newsletter, the class recordings (all of them), an invitation to join the Discord chat, merch, personalised thank you cards, and more stuff to come. Registrations for the November class (online) on modern Lebanese history and politics are now open: https://thefirethesetimes.com/lebanonclass ------ Social Media: Elia (Bluesky, Instagram), TFTT (Bluesky, Instagram) For feedback, requests etc: ayoub@thefirethesetimes.com Everything else is archived on the website. ------ Credits Elia Ayoub (host, producer, episode design), the rosa artist (TFTT theme design), Wenyi Geng (TFTT theme design), Molly Crabapple (my profile pic), Rap and Revenge (Music), and Antidote Zine (Transcriptions) As always, thank you for listening and take care. Credits: Ayman Makarem (host, producer, sound editor), Karena Avidissian (host), Israa (host), Dîlan (guest), Rap and Revenge (Music), Wenyi Geng (original TFTT theme design), Hisham Rifai (FTP theme design), Molly Crabapple (FTP team profile pics), Elia Ayoub (episode design).
