Exclusive Ankara’s direct talks with Syrian Kurds began last year in Europe, continue in Turkey The talks are part of a sweeping effort to end Turkey’s decades-long war with the PKK and reshape Ankara’s relationship with Kurdish-led forces in Syria. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Exclusive US Syria envoy Barrack calls Kurdish SDF chief Kobane as Turkey mulls meeting Sources tell Al-Monitor that Turkish officials have proposed a high-level meeting with SDF commander Mazlum Kobane in Damascus, contingent on the outcome of ongoing talks with Syria’s interim government. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Turkey unveils prison reform bill, but Kurds say it falls short The proposed changes would expand conditional release for some inmates but fail to meet demands of the pro-Kurdish DEM Party amid peace efforts. Turkey
EU sanctions Sunni factions accused of violence against Syria’s Alawites, Kurds As former rebel leaders take positions in the new Syrian government, Kurdish officials warn of renewed threats to their autonomy. Syria
Analysis Syria’s Kurds reap benefits of Erdogan’s 'terror free Turkey' as Ankara halts attacks By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Turkey shuts airspace to Sulaimaniyah flights, citing Kurdish militants The move is likely retaliation against ties between Kurdish militants and the Iraqi Kurdish Patriotic Union Party. Turkey
'Police beating' of 14-year-old Kurd highlights claims of impunity in Turkey Kurdish teenager allegedly assaulted and humiliated by officers in Diyarbakir. Turkey
Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party won’t field challenger to Erdogan, boosting opposition’s chances The pro-Kurdish HDP announced that it will not field a candidate in the May 14 presidential elections and will run under the banner of the Green Left Party to circumvent a potential closure and political ban that it faces. Turkey
Kuwait’s Agility awarded $1.65 billion in dispute with Iraq's Korek The Kuwaiti logistics firm accused Korek, which is owned by Kurdish military commander Sirwan Barzani, of using corruption to expropriate its stake. Legacy: Gulf
Iraqi Kurdish authorities hand over remains of Syrian Kurdish elite forces from mystery helicopter crash Circumstances of the helicopter crash have raised even more questions about the mission of those onboard. Syria
Iran, Iraq sign security deal boosting border cooperation The deal follows the Islamic Republic escalating its attacks on Kurdish groups in Iraq amid the ongoing protests in Iran. Iran
Interview 'You don’t solve issues by running away,' says Iraq's KRG PM Masrour Barzani, in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, discusses the dispute with the rival PUK party; relations with the US and Iraq; China; and the KRG’s ambitious economic reform and climate policies. Masrour Barzani Prime Minister of Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government
'No pretext to delay' Iraqi Kurdistan parliament elections, says Masoud Barzani Iraqi Kurdish leader, in exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, cites "positive atmosphere" of budget talks, discusses prospects for oil law, relations with the United States, Iran, China and issues affecting the Kurdish people in Iraq and the region. Iraq
Kurdish umbrella group under Ocalan says Erdogan will never offer real peace to Turkey's Kurds In Al-Monitor's interview with Zubeyir Aydar, a top civilian leader of the umbrella Kurdish group that includes the Kurdistan Workers Party, his message was clear: The incumbent president was never sincere about peace with Turkey’s Kurds and never will be. Turkey
Turkey’s opposing camps seek to broaden base ahead of May elections The rapprochement between Erdogan’s People’s Alliance and the Kurdish Islamist Huda-Par, seen as the successor of Hezbollah, annoys nationalists, while the move toward arch-conservative New Welfare alarms women. Turkey
Anti-Kurdish racism stains soccer pitch in western Turkey The attacks raised the specter of inter-communal violence ahead of watershed elections that are due to be held on May 14 Turkey
Turkey's pro-Kurdish party HDP faces threat of closure after top court ruling The decision, which comes less than four months before the country’s fateful elections, raises the prospect of the pro-Kurdish party's running on other parties' tickets or as independent candidates. Turkey
