Latest news with #Kurds
Memri
a day ago
- Politics
- Memri
Want Real Regime Change In Iran? Support The Minorities First
By Pel Berwari* If the world, especially the U.S. and Israel, wants real change in Iran, they need to stop relying on old exiled politicians and start supporting the people who are already resisting the regime on the ground: Iran's ethnic minorities or, better yet, the non-Persian ethnic groups. (Source: CIA) Who Are These Minorities/Non-Persian Ethnic Groups? Iran is not just Persians. It is made up of many other peoples, including Kurds in the west, Baloch in the southeast, Ahwazi Arabs in the south, Azeris in the northwest, and Turkmen in the northeast. These groups make up 50 percent of Iran's population and have been oppressed for decades, having no rights to speak their language, no political power, and often being targeted with violence by the regime. Why They Matter They have suffered the most under the regime, so they are the most motivated to fight back. They live in the border regions, which makes it easier for them to connect with neighboring countries and resist Tehran's control. They trust neither the Shah nor the Islamic Republic – they have been betrayed by both in the past. What Is Not Working The West keeps listening to Persian elites in exile – especially monarchists like Reza Pahlavi, the Shah's son. But these people have zero power inside Iran and no support from minorities, who remember how badly the Shah treated them. Whenever movements like Jin, Jiyan, Azadî ("Woman, Life, Freedom"), which started from the Kurdish community, rise up, the moment someone tries to turn it into a pro-Shah campaign, people leave the streets. They have seen this trick before. What Should Be Done? Support real grassroots movements especially those led by Kurds, Baloch, Arabs, and others. Give them security guarantees – because last time they trusted outside powers or the Shah, they were betrayed and slaughtered. Push for federalism or local autonomy, not another centralized Persian dictatorship. The Bottom Line If you want real regime change in Iran, stop pretending the exiled elite will save the country. The real opposition is already inside Iran and it is the minorities. Support them, and you support freedom. Ignore them, and you are just repeating history. They should suffocate the regime, not support it by the controlled opposition of the shah. *Pel Berwari is a Kurdish activist based in Kurdistan.
United News of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Israeli attacks on Iran receive full support from northern Iraq's Kurdish community
Tel Aviv/Baghdad, June 18 (UNI) The Kurdish community in northern Iraq have fully backed Israel's attacks on Iran, a Kurdish journalist based in Erbil told The Times of Israel. 'Among many Kurds, there's a sense of quiet approval, some would even say jubilation, about Israel targeting Iran,' says the journalist. 'You see this mostly on social media, where people are openly expressing satisfaction. 'This sentiment is rooted in deep resentment toward the Iranian regime and its role in suppressing Kurdish aspirations both inside Iran and in Iraq through its proxies. So, when Iran gets hit, many Kurds see it as a blow to one of their main oppressors.' He said that some Kurds have also mocked Iran, by saying they'll take a vacation there after the conflict's end. However, the Kurdish leaders in Iraq's Kurdistan have largely kept silent over the issue. 'It's a sensitive topic, of course,' explained the journalist. 'Speaking up too strongly could provoke Tehran, while staying silent keeps the door open for quiet diplomacy and self-preservation. Most of them are likely watching the developments closely but choosing to stay out of it publicly. 'There are unconfirmed rumours that many of the Kurdish leaders have left the capital city of Erbil to undisclosed locations, because they fear Iran would hit them in their retaliation strikes.' Many Kurds, especially younger ones, are hoping Israel's strikes lead to a chain reaction that ends with regime change in Iran, according to the Kurdish journalist: 'They believe a weakened or collapsed Iranian regime would shift the balance of power inside Iraq too, reducing the grip of the Iran-backed Shia militias and potentially improving the Kurdistan Region's standing with Baghdad. 'There's a long-held frustration about how the Iraqi government has treated the KRG (Kurdistan Regional Government), and most Kurds see Iranian influence as the main driver of that marginalisation.' Reportedly, Iran is also seemingly worried by the possibility that the Iranian Kurdish opposition groups may use the current situation to their advantage to infiltrate from Iraqi Kurdistan back into Iran, and launch attacks there, opening another front on Iran, at a time when its forces are stretched. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed to Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Monday the importance of preventing 'any exploitation by ill-wishers of both countries to destabilize border areas,' according to the Kurdish readout.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Trump's Maga camp divided as he weighs options to join Israel's war on Iran
US President Donald Trump's Maga movement stands divided into two. While the hardliner ideological wing is slamming the idea of involvement in the war on Iran, those holding loyalty above ideology have supported preparations for war and are urging the president to attack Iran's nuclear sites with Israel. read more As US President Donald Trump appears to be preparing to join Israel in attacking Iran, his supporters in the Maga movement are split over the US involvement in the conflict. While ideological hardliners of the Make America Great Again (Maga) movement are criticising Trump's inclination to join the war, those loyal to Trump or those who have come to the folds of Maga from a traditional Republican background have put their weight behind Trump. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Among the most prominent Maga figures, those opposing an intervention in the Israel-Iran war include Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and far-right commentators Tucker Carlson and Charlie Kirk. Those standing behind Trump and slamming his critics include Vice President JD Vance, far-right activist Laura Loomer, podcaster Ben Shapiro, and Fox News host Mark Levin. As the Israel's war on Iran has entered the sixth day, it has become clear that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cannot achieve the main objective of the war of destroying Iranian capabilities without US help. As Firstpost's Madhur Sharma previously noted, one of the most important nuclear sites, Fordow, is located deep underground and can only be struck by 'bunker buster' bomb that the United States has. There are indications that Trump is giving Iran one last chance to make a deal before he decides to join Israel in the war. He has already moved warplanes, aerial refuelling tankers, and an entire carrier strike group to West Asia for potential operations. Trump faces revolt from Maga stalwarts Trump came to power on an anti-interventionist platform. He said that he would end or curtain US involvement in fighting wars abroad and focus resources to domestic affairs. He said he would end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine — he blamed Nato's expansionism under his predecessor, Joe Biden, for the latter war. In his first term, Trump had withdrawn US personnel from Syria, reduced the supports to Kurds in the country, and signed the deal with the Taliban for withdrawal from Afghanistan. In the second term, he has aligned himself with Russia and withdrawn from security commitments in Europe. With such a record, Trump pushing the United States into a fresh war that poses no direct, immediate threat to the United States would mean putting 'America last, kill innocent people, are making us broke, and will ultimately lead to our destruction', according to Rep. Greene, the far-right Congresswoman who has been a leading Trump cheerleader. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a post on X, Greene joined ranks with Carlson, who has gone from being a traditional conservative to a pro-Russia, pro-Iran far-right figure in recent years. Tucker Carlson is one of my favorite people. He fiercely loves his wife, children, and our country. Since being fired by the neocon network Fox News, he has more popularity and viewers than ever before. He unapologetically believes the same things I do. That if we don't fight… — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) June 17, 2025 The issue of US involvement in the Israel-Iran war is so divisive that it will kill the core of the Maga movement, said Steve Bannon, the far-right media figure who led Trump's first presidential campaign and served at White House in the first term. 'It's going to not just blow up the coalition. It's also going to thwart what we're doing with the most important thing, which is the deportation,' said Bannon. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Carlson refused to acknowledge Iran as the enemy and framed the Israeli war as one against the people of Iran — not Ayatollah Khamenei's regime. 'You're not going to convince me that the Iranian people are my enemy. 'It's Orwell, man. I'm a free man. You're not telling me who I have to hate,' said Carlson. Kirk said that the reason young Americans supported Trump was that 'he was the first president in my lifetime to not start a new war'. 'The last thing America needs right now is a new war. Our number one desire must be peace, as quickly as possible,' Kirk further said. Trump's loyalists strike back Trump's loyalists, led by Vice President Vance, struck back at critics. While some of them explained that Trump's position had remained consistent regarding over the years and that any attack would not be a deviation, some discredited the critics and said they were compromised by their ties to Iran and Iran's partners. Vance said on X that Trump 'has been amazingly consistent, over 10 years, that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon'. He pointed out that Iran has continued to enrich uranium to near-weapons grade level and has violated its non-proliferation obligations. He further said that Iran has also rejected US offers that allow it to have a civilian nuclear programme without uranium enrichment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In such a case, Vance said that the method other than talks to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon comes into picture. 'The president has made clear that Iran cannot have uranium enrichment. And he said repeatedly that this would happen one of two ways–the easy way or the 'other' way,' said Vance. Far-right activist Loomer flagged Carlson's ties to Iran and Qatar and said that he was compromised with such ties. She furnished government records to show that Carlson had taken $200,000 this year to conduct an interview with a Qatari official. She further said that he was 'controlled by Muslims' and that a partner in his media company was a person with Pakistani roots. 'Tucker Carlson wants you to think his thoughts on Iran are based and original, but he's literally participating in paid for interviews by the Qataris, who are funding and providing pent houses and luxury lifestyles to the leaders of Hamas in Doha. Tucker should just be honest that he's a mouthpiece for genocidal Muslims. His media company was literally funded by a MUSLIM investor who is half Pakistani and half Iranian and who spends a lot of time in Qatar,' said Loomer. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here's the screenshot from the FARA documents filled out this year that prove Qatar paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for an interview between @TuckerCarlson and the Prime Minister of Qatar (the same Qatar which funds HAMAS) regarding the 'war with Iran'. This was a paid… — Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) June 18, 2025 Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, urged the president to 'go all-in' in supporting Israel and destroying the Iranian nuclear programme. 'If that means providing bombs, provide bombs. If that means flying with Israel, fly with Israel,' said Graham. Fox News host Levin said that Trump was 'truly historic and iconic figure' for his support of Israel. Senator Mitch McConnell, who has supported Trump over the years but distanced lately, said that 'isolationist movement led by Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon are distressed we may be helping the Israelis defeat the Iranians'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Memri
4 days ago
- Politics
- Memri
Free Balochistan Movement: The Way Israel Is Resisting The Iranian State's Expansionism And Terrorism Is Commendable; Extremist And Fundamentalist States Like Iran And Pakistan Are Common Enemies Of B
The following is a statement on Israel's preemptive strike against Iran by the secular Free Balochistan Movement, headed by the renowned Baloch leader Hyrbyair Marri. After Israel's June 12 strike on Iran, the need to support the non-Persian ethnic groups in the country to bring about the collapse of the Ayatollahs' regime has become clearer. A coalition of non-Persian ethnic groups could topple the regime in a few months. It is worth noting that, unlike the Persian anti-regime population, the non-Persian anti-regime population is militarily organized. Concerning the Kurds, the following are their armed groups present on the ground ready to fight the Iranian regime: the Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK), the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI), the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan (Komala), and the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK). These are well-known political parties and armed groups: KDPI has been around since the 1940s and Komala since the 1960s. They can gather thousands of people. The Balochs have the Baloch Army, which is an umbrella organization that covers the whole of Balochistan and is led by the secular and committed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The Ahwazi National Resistance is the secret armed group of Ahwaz. There are no Persian organized militarized anti-regime groups on the ground in Iran. Following is a statement of the Free Balochistan Movement:[1] "Israel's Decisive Military Actions Against The Iranian regime Are Not Only Encouraging But Also Represent A Positive Sign For The Baloch People, Who Have Long Suffered Under Iranian Colonialism" "The spokesperson of the Free Balochistan Movement said in a statement that the situation in the region is changing rapidly and this transformation could become a rare and significant opportunity for Baloch national independence – provided that those responsible for the Baloch national independence struggle, along with the Baloch people, who are the true source of this movement, establish mutual unity and consensus, consolidate their dispersed national strength into a single front, and maintain unwavering faith in their national power and cause. "The statement noted that nations always make difficult decisions based on their interests. To benefit from the current developments in the region, it is imperative that we set aside all partisan, group-based, and individual interests and preferences, and adhere to the core principles and regulations of the Baloch independence movement and collective national interests. "The current regional situation represents a decisive phase for the Baloch nation. Our national identity is facing severe threats under the occupation of Pakistan and Iran and if the Baloch people do not unite at this critical juncture to protect their interests, history will never forgive us for this failure. "The spokesperson further stated that whether it is the Sunni-majority state of Pakistan or the Shia-led state of Iran, both have spared no effort in committing genocide against the Baloch. However, the way in which Israel is resisting the Iranian state's expansionism and terrorism is commendable. It is a clear fact that Israel is not an enemy of the Baloch nation. On the contrary, extremist and fundamentalist states like Iran and Pakistan are common enemies of both Israel and the Baloch people. "The Baloch nation is fighting a battle for survival against these very states, and Israel's decisive military actions against the Iranian regime are not only encouraging but also represent a positive sign for the Baloch people, who have long suffered under Iranian colonialism." (Source: CIA) "The Baloch Nation Has Always Been A Victim Of Iranian Occupation, Which Continues Today In The Form Of Systematic Genocide" "However, we must also accept the harsh reality that sitting idly by, hoping that some global power will intervene to liberate the Baloch nation, is both illogical and naive. The evolving situation in the region involves multiple parties with their own agendas and interests, which may not necessarily align with the goals of the Baloch national struggle. Therefore, to achieve the restoration of Baloch national freedom and territorial sovereignty, it is vital that all Baloch people involved in the movement prioritize collective national interests, the requirements of the freedom struggle, and the independence of a united Balochistan. "The spokesperson added that the Iranian state has long pursued expansionist policies in the Middle East, resulting in ongoing instability and uncertainty across the region. Iran is not only occupying Baloch territory, but its expansionism has also affected the Arabs of Al-Ahwaz, Kurds, Turkmen, Lurs, and the Turks of South Azerbaijan. Therefore, in this critical period – when political and social conditions in the region are changing rapidly and the likelihood of border changes has increased – the Baloch nation should build relations with other oppressed nations resisting Iranian occupation and repression, and establish the principles and framework of effective partnerships, to maximize gains from this volatile situation. "The statement went on to say that the Baloch nation has always been a victim of Iranian occupation, which continues today in the form of systematic genocide. In the current scenario, where the Iranian regime is militarily weakened and isolated on the global stage, this moment represents an opportunity for the Baloch national struggle. Any military action against Iran should be viewed, albeit indirectly, as a development in favour of the Baloch cause. However, it is equally important to remember that in order to capitalize on such opportunities, unity and confidence in collective national strength are essential within the Baloch nation – so that it may effectively communicate its voice to the world." Balochis flying the flag of Balochistan. "Such Historic Moments Do Not Recur Frequently In the Region" "In this context, the Free Balochistan Movement has prepared a comprehensive document titled 'Democratic Transition Plan for Iran,' which outlines a phased strategy for liberation, developed in collaboration with occupied Balochistan and other subjugated nations, in view of possible regional transformations. Furthermore, a detailed document titled 'Balochistan Liberation Charter'[2] has already been compiled, outlining the administrative roadmap of an independent Balochistan and shedding full light on its post-independence political and social governance. "The spokesperson concluded the statement by adding that the Baloch issue within Pakistan and Iran is not a matter of fair resource distribution or power-sharing, to be resolved through so-called 'regime change' or internal reforms. Rather, the real issue is the Baloch nation's right to govern its own land with complete autonomy and freedom, and to present itself to the world as a distinct and independent national entity. The aims of the Baloch national liberation struggle are fundamentally different from the interests of external powers. "Such historic moments do not recur frequently in the region. This is a rare opportunity that the Baloch nation must seize by uniting its collective strength and demonstrating to the world that the Baloch, as a responsible nation, can contribute to peace, development, and stability in the region – and is fully capable of establishing an independent and sovereign state that meets all political, social, economic, and geographical criteria."
LeMonde
4 days ago
- LeMonde
Nine suspected migrant smugglers go on trial in France over boat deaths
Nine men went on trial on Monday, June 16, in France suspected of smuggling people on a small boat that capsized in the English Channel, killing eight passengers in 2022. Four people died and four went missing after the boat capsized a few kilometers from the English coast with only one of the bodies identified – an Afghan man. Rescuers saved 39 people from the shipwreck. The small boat departed France early on December 14, 2022, carrying people from Afghanistan, Albania, India and Senegal. The eight suspects – Afghans and Kurds aged between 22 and 40 – are being tried in the city of Lille in northern France until Friday, on charges of involuntary manslaughter by violating security obligations. Another suspect has not been caught and is being tried in absentia, with one other to go on trial separately later. According to the investigation, several people heard a loud bang that sounded like the boat had been punctured before the departure. The smugglers told the passengers not to worry and that the boat was the only one available for the crossing. But the sea was rough and there were not enough life jackets for all the passengers – those who died were not wearing any, according to the testimony of survivors. After one or two hours, the boat filled with water and panicked passengers stood up to get the attention of another ship, but the hull of the capsizing boat burst under the weight of the water. All the passengers fell into the freezing sea. According to the investigation, some of the defendants are suspected of recruiting the smugglers and organizing the logistics of the crossing. Others are accused of heading the operation at the Loon-Plage migrant camp in northern France, where the migrants lived. A Senegalese migrant who was steering the boat was arrested and jailed in Britain. Attempts to cross the Channel in small boats have increased since 2018, causing many shipwrecks. In November 2021, 27 people lost their lives in the deadliest such incident to date. At least 15 migrants have died in the Channel since the beginning of the year, according to an AFP tally based on official numbers. Weather conditions are often difficult in the body of water, which is one of the busiest in the world.
