The Kurds, one of the oldest ethnic groups in the Middle East, are reasserting their identity-politically and through violence. Divided mainly among Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, the Kurds have posed increasingly sharp challenges to all of these states in their quest for greater autonomy if not outright independence. Turkey's essentially democratic structure and civil society_ideal tools for coping with and incorporating minority challenge_have so far been suspended on this issue, which the government is treating almost exclusively as a security problem to be dealt with by force. For the West the situation in Turkey is particularly significant because of the country's importance in the region and because of the economic, political, and diplomatic damage that the conflict has caused. If Turkey fails to find a peaceful solution within its current borders, then the outlook is grim for ethnic and separatist challenges elsewhere in the region. This study explores the roots, dimensions, character, and evolution of the problem, offers a range of approaches to a resolution of the conflict, and draws broader parallels between the Kurdish question and other separatist movements worldwide.

About the Author
Henri J. Barkey is associate professor in the Department of International Relations at Lehigh University. Graham E. Fuller is senior analyst at the RAND Corporation.

Reviews
By far the most serious and convincing study of Turkey's Kurdish question to date. * The New York Review Of Books *
This is a first-class analysis of Turkey's continuing Kurdish problem. -- Erwin C. Hargrove, Vanderbilt University * Political Science Quarterly *
Barkey and Fuller, two eminent scholars, deal with one of the most important problems in the Middle East-the challenge of the Kurdish nationalist movement to the states of Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria.... This first-rate book is must reading for all scholars, policy advocates, and general readers interested in the Middle East. * CHOICE *
Amply covers the existing research-field. -- Eva Ostergard-Nielsen, St. Antony's College, Oxford University * Ethnic Conflict Research Digest *
The author's observations are certainly useful for those who are genuinely interested in Turkey's wellfare. * South European Society and Politics *
Remarkably documented, this is a perceptive and courageous study of a crucial problem for the future of Turkey. It offers options for a lasting settlement. -- Eric Rouleau, former Ambassador of France to Turkey
Scholars, journalists, and policy-makers, as well as those interested in the field of conflict resolution or prevention, will find this well-written, cogently argued, and perceptive book very useful. * International Journal of Middle East Studies *



Book Information
ISBN 9780847685530
Author Henri J. Barkey
Format Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 336g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 150mm * 15mm