Globe’s Bashdar Pusho Ismaeel Interviews Ara Alan, head of the successful Kurdish Youth Organisation in America
On 21st February 2008, Turkish forces invaded Kurdistan under the pretext of destroying PKK guerrilla bases. A flagrant breach of Iraqi and KRG sovereignty was affectively endorsed by US administration but widely condemned by a number of powers urging Turkey to show restraint.
Kurds across the world were angered and embittered by such arrogant and abrasive violation of international law. The widely condemned move was seen by Kurdistan region as Turkish ploys to undermine and destabilise the only stable and prosperous part of Iraq.
However, the Kurd have shown both in the region and in the Diaspora, that they are no longer the victims of aggression and belittlement by regional powers stuck in their imperialistic and outdated mindsets.
Ara Alan, helped organise a number of influential demonstrations across the US, in the very back yard of the US administration who seemingly were willingly to double-cross the Kurdish people once more, for the strategic gains of bowing to the Turks.
Bashdar Ismaeel: Can you give me a brief summary of the goals of the Kurdish Youth in America
Ara Alan: Our goal was to have a Kurdish opposition voice to Turkey’s unjust attack on Kurds. US tried to play both sides, the Kurds and the Turks. By keeping silence, they could keep the American people ignorant and out the situation. American people, today many favour Kurds. Having our voice heard in and out of Kurdistan can affectively pressure the US government to make the right decision which is not to allow turkey to interfere with Kurdistan.
Bashdar Ismaeel: How successful were the demonstrations scope and size in getting your voices heard by the Bush administration?
Ara Alan: We were successful. This was also the second wave of demonstrations that we held. The first wave was on November 2nd (2007). Kurdish population in US is low. So our demonstrations were based on quality and affective media campaign rather than number of people marching on the streets. We were successful on our Media campaigns.
Bashdar Ismaeel: Can you tell me briefly, what media coverage was received?
Ara Alan: We were able to receive coverage on many local and national TV, radio, Newspapers and bloggers. By having simultaneous demonstrations in, Washington DC, Nashville Tennessee, Atlanta Georgia, Jacksonville Florida, Dallas Taxes, Phoenix Arizona, San Francisco and San Diego California, we were able to multiply the affect of coverage. When we were covered by one station in one city, they would also report on all the other cities
Bashdar Ismaeel: What is the message that you want to send out to the Turkish military planning future incursions?
Ara Alan: We in one voice condemn their invasion and war onto our people. We ask the Turkish government to immediately; withdraw all their military with their bases and to put an end to the bloodshed that they have created. It should be clear to the Turkish government that Kurds are a proud nation. Suppression, imprisonment, kidnapping, Abraham Tanks, F-16s, Cobra helicopters, arterial bombing nor ground incursion and village burning can make us stop being Kurds!
Bashdar Ismaeel: How influential do you think the strong Kurdish Diaspora base cross USA and Europe can be in swaying international opinion?
Ara Alan: Very important, we nee much more attention and collaboration with Kurds inside of Kurdistan. We are the best message carriers. Many of us are citizens with many more citizen friends that can influence the vote a congressman/woman would need for an election. This potential must be capitalized by Kurdish people across USA and EU. On many occasions such as this demonstration, we very strongly need a backing from Kurdistan and Kurdish people. We ask Kurdish Youth in Kurdistan not to keep silence in face of Aggression. Brother and Sisters stand with us when we stand against aggression. Stand with us when we stand for justice, stand with us when we stand for Kurdistan.
Bashdar: Kak Ara thank you for your time, Kurdistan is thankful for the work of the Kurdish Youth movements everywhere.