International organizations and western powers often speak of peace and democracy in the Middle East with no meaningful strategy for achieving such noble goals. Peace and stability in the Middle East require the development of institutions grounded in fundamental values and principles of democracy, consideration of the history of governance in the Middle East, the multinational character of states and demands for regional self-rule. The Kurds, the largest nation without a state, have been struggling for self-rule and decentralized governance for decades in the Middle East. The path to a more peaceful and democratic Middle East is thus clear, and it starts with finding a just and peaceful resolution to the Kurdish question. For peace and democracy to make major headway in the Middle East it is essential that the international community and major international powers back the resolution of the Kurdish question and treat it as a priority in their respective Middle East policy.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 12, 2023 05:48 UTC