INSTITUT KURD E DE PARIS

Information and liaison bulletin N° 388 JULY 2017 The publication of this Bulletin enjoys a subsidy from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Culture This bulletin is issued in French and English

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www.fikp.org E-mail: bulletin@fikp.org Information and liaison bulletin Kurdish Institute of Paris Bulletin N° 388 July 2017

• ROJAVA: TURKISH THREATS ARE INCREASINGLY HEAVY

• : THE CYCLE IF REPRESSION AND VIOLENCE IS STILL GOING STRONG

• EUROPE: VERBAL CONDEMNATIONS OF TURKEY — BUT AID CONTINUES…

• : MOSUL FALLS — SOME MOVES TOWARDS REACTIVATING PARLIAMENT

• FRANCE: CHRIS KUTSCHERA, A GREAT AND KNOWLEDGABLE FRIEND OF THE HAS DEPARTED…

ROJAVA: TURKISH THREATS ARE INCREASINGLY HEAVY

urkish threats to Turks and the forces they con - 5th against these attacks on Rojava are increasing. trol, between Jerablous and brought together tens of thou - Having massed troops , forms a strategic sands of people while the YPG T opposite Kilis, on the corridor between Afrîn and described the Turkish deploy - Turkish side of the Kobanê, vital to the Turks as ment as a “declaration of war” border at the end of June and in well as the for Rojava. that was in danger of provoking July and between Jerablus and confrontations. The Turkish al-Bab on the Syrian side, Turkey The Dogan news agency Deputy Prime Minister, Numan has been shelling Afrin all week, describes the Turkish attacks as Kurtulmuş, replied that Turkey according to the Syrian Centre “retaliations” to shots fired had not declared war bit that it for Human Rights (SCHR), hit - against the Turks from Mount “would respond to any hostile ting a dozen villages, injuring a Parsa. While the YPG is calling moves by the YPG. On the dozen civilians. According to the on the international coalition to evening of 7 th the Turkish Air YPG a woman and her two chil - act and put an end to these Force bombed Rojava and Sinjar dren were killed and 7 young attacks, the Turks have (in ( Rûdaw ). More than ever teenagers wounded in the announced that they wish to there is Turkey is a world of dif - Shahba region. Recently promot - take control of Tell Rifaat, about ference between Turkey’s state - ed to Canton status by the 10 km South of Azaz and then to ments about “ preserving ’s Rojava authorities and just South besiege Afrin, 20 km to the West. territorial integrity ” and its own of the area controlled by the In Afrin, a demonstration on the invasion of Syrian soil… • 2 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 388 • July 2017

The “war of words” is also authorities to let the Syrian in making 25m breaches in the waged by the pro-AKP daily Army enter it to stop the Turkish Rafiqah wall surrounding the Sabah , which announced that the attacks. The reply was that the city. Then, on 17 th , the SDF Ankara-backed Syrian rebels regime had been driven out of announced it had taken back were ready to carry out anti- Afrin 5 years earlier and that another quarter, Yarmouk, At the YPG operations and that the there was no reason for it to Southern limits of the town. Russians could ensure their air return… the reason for the According to the SCHR the SDF diver. On the 8 th , President changes in Turkish lines after do not yet control the whole of Erdogan who was chairing the their negotiations with the this quarter and held about 35% G20, declared that Turkey would Russians could be wither Turkey of the city. According to Nasrin never authorise the formation of being obliged to make the rebels Abdulla, Commander of the a Kurdish State in North Syria it armed it “swallow” the con - YPG on the 27 th , 45% of the city and would not hesitate about cessions it made there or else was freed, a figure confirmed by “using its right to self-defence ” if due to its obsessional distrust of the SCHR. However the next its security was threatened by the Kurds or that dissensions day one of the principal YPG “the support and arming of terrorist had appeared between the commanders, Sipan Hemo, stat - groups and by the setting up of ter - Turkish Army and the these ed that they might interrupt the rorist pockets near our borders ”. On back-up troops it supported. operations if the Turkish attacks the 17 th , the Anatolia news agen - Indeed, on the 6 th it was learnt against Rojava continued: cer - cy unhesitatingly published an that Ankara had disarmed a tain units like the Jaish al-Thuwar article entitled “ The USA is Kurdish militia that was coming from Shabha, had had to increasing its presence in by sup - opposed to the YPG and even abandon the protection of their porting the PKK/PYD in Syria ” in jailing its leader for 3 weeks. The own lands, threatened by the which it revealed the location of latter was accused by Ankara of Turks. several American and French having “ used the militia to increase Special Forces units, this putting its influence in the region ” These advances at are tak - them in danger, according to the ing place in a civil war context, Pentagon. Confrontations between the SDF in which at Astana as in Geneva, and Turkish-backed rebels also the outside powers are negotiat - At the diplomatic level, since took place at the middle of the ing more and more openly the Turkey has failed to alter month in Province, zones they influence, over the American support for the SDF where rebels of the Ahl al-Diyar heads of the Syrians whatever tried to negotiate with Russia an lost about 15 of their fighters. their tendencies. After two days agreement that would enable it Finally on the 31 st , some Turkish of virtually unsuccessful negoti - to attack Afrin. On the 2 nd , the militia crossed the border with ations, on the 4 th and 5 th at Turkish President met the bulldozers near Kobanê before Astana, a representative of the Russian Defence Minister, having to retreat following opposition considered that the Sergueï Shoïgou, at Istanbul, warning by the YPG. agreement on the “ de-escalation together with the head of his zones ” essentially represented Intelligence Service (MIT), Thus it is under the constant “the strengthening of the Hakan Fidan and General threat from the Turks that the Russian and Iranian influence in Hulusi Akar. This meeting Rojava Cantons and the SDF the field ( Reuters ). The US and aroused some concern in Rojava, have continued their fight Russia announced a cease fire fearing the possibility of a against the 2,500 jihadists who agreement for the South and Russo-Turkish “exchange” are anched in the town of Raqqa, Southwest of the country after should Moscow wish to secure which the SDF, for the first time, the Trump-Putin meeting at the the evacuation of rebels from entered from the South. Taking G20. Negotiated with the help of to areas in Syria that the al-Hal Market. On the 3 rd , Jordan, the agreement should Ankara already and could then the women’s units from Sinjar take effect on Sunday 9 th at mid - direct towards Tell Rifaat, a town (YJS) announced they were tak - day, time, controlled at present held by the YPG… ing part in the attack side by side by the Russian military police. with the YPJ “ to take part in the However it was only on the 26 th Was this the result of these con - liberation of the women (Yezidis) that the Russian Army tacts? On the 13 th Bahjat Abdo, kidnapped by ISIS ”. The next day announced it had deployed 4 who leads the defence of Afrin the US Command announced battalions of military police to stated on Kurdistan 24 that the that the SDF, this time attacking ensure security in the two “ de- Russians had asked the Canton’s from the East, having succeeded escalation zones ”. n° 388 • July 2017 Information and liaison bulletin • 3•

Speaking at Geneva in the 11 th , Associated Press: “ Once Raqqa is 11 th the SDF women’s comman - to open 5 days of negotiations, won back from ISIS ” she declared, der, Rojda Shiya, announced the the Special UN Envoy for Syria, the United States should “ contin - formation of a battalion of Staffan de Mistura, pointed out ue its action in the country to guar - women recruited from Syrian that these cease fire agreements antee its stability until its policy Arab women throughout the would make help to civilians can be decided ”. She added that country. This worried the easier and might enable the sta - we cannot limit ourselves to jihadists, for whom nothing is bilisation of the country but fighting ISIS in the military field more terrifying than to fall in warned that they could only but, to avoid the reappearance of battle against women. It will also play a temporary role if one similar groups, we must build a worry Turkey who will see in wanted to avoid partition. De democratic system. In Ms this the spreading of the Rojava Mistura also stated in an inter - Ahmed’s opinion the civilian “terrorist centre ” to non-Kurdish view with Sputnik that the Councils set up by SDF in the women. Syrian Kurdish should take part liberated towns could serve as in the process of drafting the models for Syria’s other regions. country’s future constitution and She made the point that the com - On the 29 th , the Hawar news that the country’s Kurdish com - position of Raqqa’s Council will agency announced that the munity could not be ignored — change after the total eviction of Constituent Assembly of the a dig at Turkey that excluded ISIS to include tribal chiefs who North Syrian Democratic from the start the PYD from any had not previously been repre - Federation (the self-proclaimed negotiations — but neither UNO sented as their regions are often autonomous federal structure nor its Special Envoy had the still under jihadist control. On that will include Rojava) had means for imposing anything in 23 rd the assistant commander of approved the electoral law and the field. So long as ISIS remains the anti-ISIS coalition, the British that its Council had decided a threat the SDF enjoys the sup - General Rupert Jones, in a press deadlines for the Federation’s port of the US-led coalition, but conference rightly praised the elections: 22 nd August for what will come after? ? Ilham Raqqa civilian Council after municipal elections, 3 November Ahmed, co-president of the meeting some of its members for local administrations. The Syrian Democratic Council who had “ done a remarkable job to elections for representatives to (SDC), the political expression of providing humanitarian aid got dis - the Democratic Conference of the SDF, attempted from Kobane placed p ersons”. the Peoples of North Syria and on the 25 th to answer this ques - the regional Councils will be tion in an interview given to It should be noted that on the held on 19 th January 2018.

TURKEY: THE CYCLE IF REPRESSION AND VIOLENCE IS STILL GOING STRONG he AKP authorities On the next day the trial of the gans of support. Other “proofs” continue to persecute former co-President of the HDP, presented against her are her and convict the HDP Figen Yüksekdağ, opened in speeches as HDP co-President, T elected representatives, Ankara. She is accused of “ter - her support for an “autonomous M.P.s and mayors alike. rorist propaganda” on behalf of and democratic administration” On the 3 rd the vice-President of the PKK during the October (written into the HDP’s pro - the HDP parliamentary group, 2014 protests at Turkey’s the gramme) and the use of the term Ahmet Yıldırım, rceived a sus - closing of the borders during the “massacres” for the army opera - pended sentence of to 1 year and Jihadist attack on Kobanê. tions in the Kurdish provinces. 2 months jail and banned from Clashes with the police had UNO has mentioned the possi - any political action for “ insulting caused dozens of deaths at the bility of “war crimes” — will the President ”. He had stated in a time — the HDP imputed the Turkey charge its General press communiqué about the cur - violence to the police. The inter - Secretary with “propaganda for few on the Cizre quarter of Şırnak national delegation that came to a terrorist organisation? “the precious Padishah in his palace attend the session was forbidden and all those around him will be to enter the court as the lacked On the 7 th the new parliamen - taken to court. I say dlearly that “authorisation by the minister of tary regulations, approved by Yayip Erdogan is not any cleaner the Interior ”. Facing a 30-year the AKP and the MHP, were than Tansu Çiller ” His lawyers prison sentence, she was greeted ^resented. They foresee a fine have appealed. as she entered the court with slo - for any M.P. using the term • 4 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 388 • July 2017

“Kurdistan” in a parliamentary A new arrest warrant was issued democratic struggle. (…) without session. On the same day on the 19 th against the co-mayor violence or animosity ”. The HDP Selahattin Demirtaş, the other of Diyarbakir Firat Anlı, released envisages organising demonstra - imprisoned co-President of HDP, the 14 th but the Public tions until 4 th November, the refused to be taken to court in Prosecutor opposed the release. anniversary of the arrest of its handcuffs. His lawyers left the The two co-mayors of de two co-presidents. court in protest. He is accused of Diyarbakir, Firat Anlı and “public humiliation of the Turkish Gültan Kışanak gad been incar - Human Rights defenders are government, judicial organisation, cerated on the 25 th and arrested also targeted. On the 17 th the Army and police ” on the basis if in30th October for “terrorist pro - Istanbul Court ordered the incar - statements made on social net - paganda”… On the 27 th living ceration before trial of six of works. In one of the statements abroad after proceeding had them, including the manager in being used against him, dated been started against them they Turkey of Amnesty last April, he said he had found the were stripped of their parlia - International, Idil Eser, and two words that exactly defined the pre - mentary offices because of their German and Swedish trainers, sent AKP policy “The fundamental absence and risk being deprived all arrested in the middle of a base of the AKP government is to of their nationality. training session in Amnesty’s create an atmosphere of fear make it premises. They are accused of felt by everyone. During such peri - Amongst the rare acquittals is helping an armed terrorist ods fearing the government and the that of Leyla Zana on the 11 th at group. Four of them were power it exercises is very human — Diyarbekir for “insufficient evi - released and forbidden to leave but do not forget that courage is dence” for the charges of “mem - the country before their trial. On equally human and that the only bership of a terrorist group” and the 24 th the trial began of 17 way not to transmit this fear to our “terrorist propaganda”. journalist of the opposition daily children is to act with courage ”. Awarded the Sakharov Prize by Cumhuriyet , against whom the the European Parliament, she Prosecution has called for up to On the 15 th the HDP Member of has already served 10 years 43 years prison for “ supporting a parliament Abdullah Zeydan, prison for similar charges and terrorist organisation ”. The imprisoned since last November for having added a few Kurdish 324=page charge sheet accuses was sentenced to over 8 years words while swearing her oath the paper of being controlled by jail for “ propaganda for a terrorist as M.P. Another release was the Fethullah Gülen. The paper had organisation ” and links with the HDP Member for Siirt, Besime published evidence of the mili - PKK. Then on the 17 th the HDP Konca, following her appeal tary aid provided by the Turkish Member for Sanliurfa, Ibrahim against her two and a half year Intelligence Services ( MIT , Millî Ayhan, arrested last February, sentence for “terrorist propagan - İstihbarat Teşkilatı) to the Syrian received 15 months jail for the da”. Islamists. same charges. In 2015 he had shared on the social networks On the 25 th about ten HDP The CHP (once the Kemalist some photos of PKK members: Members of Parliament regime’s sole party), which had, Ismail Aydemir, killed in Dersim launched a campaign of protest however, voted for the law lift - (Tunceli), and Aziz Güler, killed in the Diyarbekir Park against ing the parliamentary immunity by ISIS, with the following mes - the repression. They plan to and having started the witch sage: “ Rebel commander in remain in the park for 24 hours a hunt against the HDP members Dersim, Baran Dersim [Aydemir’s day for a week. Hundreds of of Parliament, has finished by pseudonym) and resistance fighter police and armoured cars and realising the consequences of in Kobanê, we cherish your memo - water cannons have surrounded that vote. This late awakening ries ”. Also sentenced for the the quarter and forbidden access has resulted, on 14 th June, in the same charges: Abdullah Zeyda, to the shady parts of the park so sentencing to 25 years jail of the M.P. for Hakkari, to 8 years and as to force the protesters to CHP Member of Parliament, 45 days prison and Çağlar remain in the sun. The HDP CHP Enis Berberoğlu, who had Demirel, M.P. for Diyarbakir to spokesman, Osman Baydemir, provided Cumhuriyet with the 7-and a half years. Two other told the journalists “ This police video incriminating the MIT. On M.P.s Dilan Tasdemir, vice-co- blocking shows up the country’s sit - the 4 th , the 20 th day of the president of the party and Adem uation. A political party that won “March for Justice” organised to Geveri were arrested, one at 70% of the votes (in this city) can - protest at this sentence, its lead - Ataturk Airport of Istanbul and not hold a meeting in the park (…) er, Kemal Kiliçdaroğlu, appealed the other in Ankara. Fascism can only be stopped by to the European Human Rights n° 388 • July 2017 Information and liaison bulletin • 5•

Court against the decision of the (Diyarbakir) in the evening of passing by. This convoy was car - Electoral Commission to take the 30 th June (an action claimed rying the district governor of into account ballot papers that by the PKK) and Aydın Ahi at Baykan (Siirt) — an action had not been validated in last Özalp (Van) on 1 st July. Also on claimed by the PKK on the same April’s referendum. The day the 1 st , the Turkish Army day. On the 17 th a bomb explod - before the march had been announced it had eliminated by ed near Yukçekova (Hakkari) as joined by representatives of air strikes 5 Kurdish fighters an Army convoy was passing, HDP on their way to the prison who were preparing to attack an wounding 17 soldiers. On the in which Figen Yüksekdağ is Army base in Mardin Province, 13 th the governor of Istanbul being held. The latter called as well as 5 others in battle at announced the arrest of 44 sus - from her cell for a common Bingol, 4 others in Iraqi pects ad the TAK attacks last opposition struggle. In reply the Kurdistan and another 3 in vari - year, including one for the attack Turkish President made his ous provinces. On the same day on the Istanbul stadium that had favourite accusations against his the Mayor of Mergasur, a town caused 46 deaths in December CHP opponents — “ acting in in in near the and another in the attack on a concert with terrorist groups ” and Turkish birder, stated that the police convoy that caused 11 “taking the road to Qandîl [and] fighting had given rise to a fire deaths in June. Pennsylvania ”. that was still not under control. On the 3 rd , according to several Iraqi Kurdistan was hit all To this month’s repressive record Turkish official sources, the PKK through the month: in the 12 th should be added 7,395 civil ser - had carried out several attacks: Turkish artillery shelled from 2 vants, teachers, police and army one remote controlled bomb to 10 a.m. zones near Amedî, officers fired from their positions killed a soldier at Cukurca suspected of harbouring PKK by a new decree issued to com - (Hakkari), another had wound - fighters, forcing the residents to memorate the attempted coup ed two “village guards” at flee from their homes. On the d’état of last July, which was also Çaldiran (Van), one of which 15 th the Anatolia news agency celebrated in Turkey on the 15 th later died in hospital, and a third announced air stikes had killed 4 and 16 th by several “national attack killed two labourers Kurdish fighters near Basyan. unity marches”. In fact the num - working on an access road to an Other strikes took place against ber of civil servants fired in the army base. sur Qandil on the 29 th , causing a course of the year amounted to fire on Mount Kurazhari 110,000. The Ministry of the Interior, for (Shiladze district) and on the its part, announced that the evening of 30 th North of Dihyk The acts of violence continue: police had killed 55 “terrorist” (equipment damaged and one fighting between the Turkish the previous week. In the morn - person wounded). Finally on the Army ad the PKK and attacks by ing of the 7 th a remote-controlled evening of the 28 th four picnick - the latter. Two local AKP leaders bomb exploded without causing ers were wounded near de were shot: Orhan Mercan at Lice any casualties as a convoy was Zakho by artillery fire

EUROPE: VERBAL CONDEMNATIONS OF TURKEY — BUT AID CONTINUES… he Turkey-European event of the reforms wanted by council of Europe in partnership Union fracture (and at President Erdogan being carried with the Václav Havel Library bilateral level between outm but the message is clear. and the Charter 77 Foundation T Turkey and several EU Another sign of tension — four went last year to the young members particularly days earlier the European Yezidi activist Nadia Mourad. Germany) continues to grow United Left Group had nominat - She won it for drawing the wider. On 6 July the European ed Selahattin Demirtaş, co-presi - International Community’s Parliament called for the suspen - dent of the HDP and imprisoned attention to the sexual slavery sion of discussion on Turkey’s for the last 8 months for the 2017 imposed ISIS on its captive membership — passed by 477 Václav Havel Prize, arguing that Yezidis. against 64, with 97 abstentions. his fight in favour of the rights Indeed the vote was only non- of the Kurdish people. This On the same day, in Germany, binding report on Turkey and Human Rights prize, attributed the ANF news agency, close to the reporter Kati Piri recom - every year since 2013 by the the PKK, reported the discovery mended this decision in the Parliamentary Assembly of the of a second agent of the MIT • 6 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 388 • July 2017

(Turkish Intelligence Service). A the Amnesty International premi - ment on crimes against humani - first spy, Mehmet Fatih Sayan, cies in Istanbul. The German ty regardless of who were their had recently been arrested. Like Foreign Minister demanded his authors or the place where they him, Mustafa Karadaş, discov - release on the 18 th , a demand were committed. Should the ered by phone tapping, was described by Tyrkey on the 20 th court decide to open a prelimi - charged with preparing for the as “ unacceptable ” and an attempt nary enquiry, it could result in assassination of Kurdish tp interfere with the Turkish warrants being issued for the activists on German soil (he had judiciary system. Following arrest of the Turkish President. a list of potential targets). The these statements the German The Green M.P., Carl Schlyter, embarrassing point is that he Foreign Minister, Sigmar has stated that he hoped that seems to have served as an Gabriel, warned German citizens other European members of par - informer to the German no to go to Turkey, pointing out liament would follow the Intelligence at the same time… that “ any German going to Turkey Swedish example — the impos - As partners in NATO, Germany could be arrested ”. Alongside this sibility of travelling in Europe and Turkey are led to exchang - the German weekly Bild pub - could oblige Mr Erdogan to alter ing information — hence an lished an article saying that his policies. ambiguous situation: the two Germany was going to suspend countries also exchange recipro - the sale of arms and military These problems, which are accu - cal accusations of espionage… cooperation with Turkey. mulating have any concrete This could explain why the results? So far this has not been German press has make little This tension had side effects on the case — at least not so far, mention of this discovery: the the legal level: on the 13 th a whereas after the Army coup of situation is tense enough Stuttgart court, having sen - 1980, the EU had frozen relations between the two allies. Since, tenced a person accused of with Turkey. So far European aid following repeated refusals by membership of the PKK, propa - continues to arrive, and the Turkey to allow German mem - ganda, collecting funds and amount of up to 4.45 billion is bers of parliament to visit troops recruiting for that organisation planned from now till 2020, to be stationed in the NATO base at mentioned, in the clauses added to the 200 millions Incirlik, the latter began as of the explaining its sentence, some already paid. 9th , to withdraw from it. The attenuating circumstances, the previous month the Bundestag fact that the accused had “ per - Last April, in reply to the follow - endorsed the decision to move sonally suffered ill treatment from ing question: “ Europe has already them to Jordan next October the Turkish State before he left the given ,ore than 6 billion to Turkey (Reuters ). On 15 th Turkey once country, because of his Kurdish eth - —whose fault it it ?” Europe 1 pub - again forbade visits by German nic origins ”… lished on its web site the follow members of Parliament to the answer (the figures are still true base at Konya just a few days Tensions are also in danger of valid): “ It is true that Turkey has before a planned visit. The increasing with Sweden, where also received a little more according Chairmen of the German the Green and Left members of to the figure the European Parliament’s Defence Parliament announced on the Commission has given us. They Commission, Wolfgang 10 th that they had jointly filed a have received seven billion euros Hellmich (SPD) declared that as complained to the International have already and six billion more the Konya setup was a NATO Office of the Ministry against the are due to be paid to them in the base, this fresh Turkish decision Turkish President and Prime next three years, There are two main was becoming ““really a NATO Minister accusing them of sources: three billion promised for problem…”. “genocide, crimes against managing the refugees, which was Humanity and War Crimes” in agreed last year, of which a third has Another issue of tension is the military operations in Turkish already been paid, and the pre-mem - arrest on 5 th July f the German Kurdistan and the acts of vio - bership aid instrument, which Human Rights activist Peter lence they caused. Naming Turkey has been receiving since Steudtner together with 5 other Binali Yıldırım and several other 2002 and which were beefed up Human Rights defenders, Ministers, this complaint is the when negotiations began in 2005 ”. including Amnesty International’s first ever filed in Sweden against (http://www.europe1.fr/emis - manager in Turkey Idil Eser. a Head of State while still in sions/le-vrai-faux-de-l- Steudtner, as a specialist in non- office. It was made possible by a info2/combien-leurope-a-t-elle- violent actions, was taking part law passed in 2014 allowing deja-donne-a-la-turquie- in the training of such a group in Swedish courts to pass judge - 3305624 ). n° 388 • July 2017 Information and liaison bulletin • 7•

KURDISTAN: MOSUL FALLS — SOME MOVES TOWARDS RE-ACTIVATING PARLIAMENT?

n 10 th July the Iraqi others. The fate of ISIS’s leader, Qaim, to the West of Anbar and forces, while announc - Abou Bakr al-Bagdadi, remains Hawija, South of Kirkuk. This ing they had taken uncertain: on the 11 th the Syrian last has become its principal O back the whole of Centre for Human Rights told base in central Iraq from which Mosul, made an addi - Reuters he was dead according to ot sends incessant attack tional step towards a post-ISIS unofficial jihadist sources but on towards Touz Khourmatou and full of uncertainties. Kurdistan the 17 th Lahur Talabani, the PUK tries to infiltrate Kirkuk. On the seems to be moving towards head of security, stated that in 3rd the ’s Ministry agreement on the referendum his opinion he was still alive and demanded that the coalition take and the reactivation of living South of Raqqa, adding part in the attack on Hawija but Parliament — in an economic that had experience of clandes - it seems to want to liberate Tell context that is still as painful for tine life. Afar first and them the Ramadi the population. On the 6 th region. On the 5 th , three jihadists President Barzani reaffirmed Accusations of Iraqi abuses dur - who had infiltrated from Hawija that he would not retreat on the ing the battle of Mosul have were arrested in Kirkuk before referendum whatever the reac - rapidly increased. On the 1 st , being able to act. On the 14 th the tions by Baghdad or the neigh - witnesses declared to Human police arrested a woman sus - bouring countries… Rights Watch (HRW ) that they pected of being an ISIS cadre had been present when civilians and on the 17 th , although a Arriving in Mosul on the 9 th , the flees Mosul were beaten up and jihadist attack caused 5 deaths Iraqi Prime Minister congratulat - had heard officers boast od ille - the security services arrested 5 ed his troops in their “ total victo - gal executions. The NGO suspects of Hawija origins plus ry ”. However there was a bitter demanded an independent 35 others South of the town. after-taste to this: 9 months to enquiry. On the 11 th , Amnesty West of Touz Khourmatou, a take back a city that the jihadists International in its turn suspi - town of mixted had conquered in 2014 in a few cions of violations of Human Kurdish/Turkomenian popula - days, a field of ruins, thousands Rights by Iraqi troops and their tion, the Peshmergas began at of dead and 900,000 displaced American NCOs by using their the end of June to dig a 43 km persons. After taking the al- weapons in a way that uselessly long trench along the front to Shifaa quarter the Iraqi troops endangered civilian lives. protect themselves. One of them had advanced despite ISIS sui - According to Médecins sans was killed by a sniper near the cide counter-attacks, sometimes Frontières the human cost of the village of Zarga, targeted during using disguised women min - final attack was “devastating” a night attack on the 3 rd . On the gling with the fleeing civilians. for the town’s civilians. On the 28 th the explosion of a pickup One of them had made 15 vic - 27 th HRW published a report parked in front of a restaurant tims near the al-Nuri Mosque in accusing a unit, trained by on the Kirkuk-Baghdad road, the morning of the 3 rd creating American soldiers, of illegal exe - near Touz Khourmatou wound - extreme tension between the cutions ed 3 people. It is still mot know troops and the inhabitants. Four (https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/0 whether it was a remote con - days after Abadi’s declaration of 7/27/iraq-us-trained-forces-linked- trolled bomb or a suicide attack. victory, fighting was continuing mosul-war-crimes ). They demand - On the evening of 29 th an attack round pockets of Jihadists with ed that the US suspend any on Zarga caused 2 deaths and 2 helicopters flying overhead and assistance to the 16 th Division wounded. Since 2014the while an American General stat - pending an Iraqi enquiry. Peshmergas have suffered 1,745 ed that there were probably still killed, 10,069 wounded and 63 200 jihadists in the city. Certainly the recapture of Mosul missing in the war against ISIS. does not mean the end of fight - On the 15 th a military parade ing. According to security At the political level, the referen - celebrating the victory took sources the 1ihafist organisation dum on self-determination, set place… in Baghdad. On the 17 th still has 4,000 activists in Iraq for 25 th September continues to ISIS attacked a village to the plus over 3,000 paid members provoke reactions: on the 4 th the Northwest of Mosul Province, and controls three towns: Tel Shiite leader Moqtada al-Sadr killing 5 people including the Afar, 77 on East of Mosul ed called for it to be postponed or village head and capturing 5 near the Syrian borders, al- even cancelled; on the 10 th the • 8 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 388 • July 2017

Turkish President re-iterated his tional to the reactivation of system in Kurdistan. The next opposition, the former governor Parliament. This position was day a KDP delegation, led by of Mosul, Athîl al-Nujaïfi, reaffirmed on the same day by Adham Barzani, Masud demanded its cancellation in the joint Gorran-PUK leadership, Barzani’s cousin, visited Gorran that province where the Hashd then on the 13 th by the PUK at Suleimaniyah. At the subse - al-Shaabi are very numerous, out Political Office. While the PUK quent press conference they stat - of fear of “negative conse - had sent members to the meet - ed they had come to congratu - quences”. The Iraqi Prime ing of the Referendum late Gorran on the election of its Minister described the referen - Preparatory Committee, namely new leaders and to express the dum as “unconstitutional” but Qubad Talabani, the Deputy KDP’s determination to “ resolve Russia let its differences be Prime Minister, and their differences together ”. On the heard: Sergueï Lavrov declared Najmladdine Karim, the 27 th , according to Rûdaw the in the 24 th on an interview with Governor of Kirkuk, they went PUK announced that the Rûdaw that it corresponded by virtue of their offices, not as Kurdistan Parliament should be “with the right of the Kurdish peo - party representatives. On the reactivated before the 10 th ple to express their aspirations ”. 11 th Gorran and the Kurdistan August and that “no more time Islamic Group ( Komal ) expressed must be lost” in organising a On the 9 th a delegation of the a similar position. They also general meeting of all the parties referendum Commission led by demanded that the November that had decided on the referen - Masud Barzani and including elections be advanced and be dum together. members of the KDP, PUK, some held on the same day, or the day Turkomenians, some Christians before, the referendum (or that However the agreement is far and some Yezidis flew to the referendum date be brought from fully reached. On the 30 th Brussels to promote and explain back) so that Parliament could the Referendum Committee the referendum to the European be reactivated. On the next day demanded that the political par - officials as well as to strengthen Gorran and the Kurdistan ties work together and put an bilateral relations with EU lead - Islamic Union ( Yekgirtû ) pub - end to the blockage on the ques - ers. On the 12 th Masud Barzani lished a joint communiqué tion of the Parliament in the next argued before the European expressing the same position. two weeks to enable the Council M.P.s that Baghdad had not to start preparations for the ref - observed the 2005 Constitution On the 19 th a decree signed, by erendum. On the 31 st , however, and that all the Iraqi govern - Masud Barzani on the 12 th , was Gorran’s coordinator of external ments, both Sunni and Shiite officially published setting the relations, Tawfiq Rahim, had “ had treated the Kurds with parliamentary elections on 1 st replied that that his movement hostility ” asking the countries of November. This aroused the oppo - could not send a representative the EU of they did not officially sition of those political leaders to the Committee until parlia - support the referendum at least who had demanded that the two ment had decided on the ques - “to remain neutral ”. elections coincide, as had been tion, adding that the referendum made in writing by several mem - should be discussed in While most of the political par - bers of the independent High Parliament and that it was not ties in Kurdistan support the Electoral Commission, who also up to the political parties to principle of a referendum as con - argued that this would enable the made decisions on the Region’s forming to the right of the Kurds budget to be reduced… laws… to self-determination, the issue of the reactivation of parliament On the 22 nd , the NTV Channel Another aspect that is rarely remains a serious point of dis - announced that Gorran had cho - mentioned in the media is the agreement. The KDP and Masud sen Rauf Osman as Chairman as growing exasperation of the Barzani are sometimes accused the new President of the General population faced with an eco - of using that vote in their inter - Council and on the 25 th it elected nomic situation that is not est — as was said on 1 st July by 7 members of the Executive improving and reduces the legit - Kawa Mohammed, head of the Committee and a new General imacy of the referendum that is Gorran block in the Iraqi Coordinator, Omar Saïd Ali, a seen as being far from their daily Parliament. The PUK, through former Peshmerga and a mem - lives. On the 31 st , a demonstra - the voice of one of its leaders, ber of the PUK until 2009. As tion took place before the Mahmoud Sangawî, reiterated soon as elected Ali reiterated the offices of the KRG to protest its position on the 8 t : support importance Gorran attached to against the austerity measures. for the referendum but condi - the existence of a Parliamentary Amongst the demands is one n° 388 • July 2017 Information and liaison bulletin • 9• that the arrears in salary be cred - being ” ( nexêr le êsta da ) recom - dum. Iraq is worried that the ited to a special account that mending postponement to aim of the referendum is more could enable government ser - secure more international sup - about the disputed territories vices to be paid (e.g. electricity port and also to enable national than independence… On the and water). Pressure from neigh - reconciliation between the par - 19 th , Salah Dilo, the KDP leader bouring countries is also arouse ties and the creation of a unified in Kirkuk stated that a anxiety: Iran is suspected of hav - Peshmerga force. The next day a Referendum Preparatory ing cut the water of rivers that group of members of parliament Committee would rapidly be set flow to Kurdistan to express its file a complaint against him. up in that city insisting that the opposition to the referendum. referendum would be held in On the 26 th the owner of the On the 30 th the Referendum Kirkuk at the same time as in the NRT channel, Shaswar Committee announced that a other town of the Kurdistan Abdulwahîd Qadir, even delegation was going to Region and those Kurdish terri - announced that he’d wage a Baghdad before August 10 th for tories outside the regions campaign of “ NO for the time discussions about the referen - administration.

FRANCE: CHRIS KUTSCHERA, A GREAT AND KNOWLEDGABLE FRIEND OF THE KURDS HAS DEPARTED… e were sorry to hear Méditerranée , Politique has collected all his photo that on 31 st July the Internationale , Les Cahiers de archives in 2007 remains Stories / journalist Chris l’Orient , passed over 40 years Kurdistan / Histoires . Unknown to W Kutschera, born in travelling all over Kurdistan, many, Chris Kutschera is really a 1938, a very knowl - journeys, which have enabled pseudonym for two people, Paul edgeable and friend of the him to meet practically all the and Edith — Paul writing the Kurdish people has departed at leaders of the various different articles and Edith taking the Guéret following a long illness. Kurdish political organisations. press photos — Kutschera being He regularly posted articles on the maiden name of Paul’s All the people who are interest - his web site ( https://www.chris- mother. It is Paul who has left is ed in the Kurds know Chris kutschera.com /). recently. In Stories / Kurdistan / Kutschera’s name. His book, Histoires, published in three lan - published in 1979 entitled The Many of his works and articles guages, French, English and Kurdish national movement had, have been translated into Kurdish (Sorani dialect) that can like the one edited by Gérard Kurdish, in both Soranî and be seen in all the libraries of Chaliand The Kurds and Kurmancî dialects — but also Iraqi Kurdistan, can be seen pic - Kurdistan the first works in the into English, German or Dutch tures of all the Kurdish leaders French language to give the and of course into Turkish, and officials with whom the cou - Kurds their place in the world. Arabic and Persian ple has rubbed shoulders, from They are probably still the best Mollah Mustafa Barzani to Jalal introduction in French to the While Bernard Kouchner had Talabani, including Adnan Muftî long history of the Kurds’ politi - agreed to write a preface to The and the poet Hajar cal struggle for their rights. Black Book it was Charafkandi… Flipping through Chris Kutschera then give us a Danielle Mitterrand who wrote these pages of photos (some of sequel to The Kurdish national one for the Kurdish Ch allenge which go back to the 60s) also movement entitled The Kurdish and in her own contributing arti - means reading the captions, Challenge or the crazy dream of cle paid tribute to Kutschera’s which are often biographies of independence before managing, in competence: “ Thanks to his per - the people show. These short 2005, the collective work devot - sonal knowledge of the principal captions are often very personal, ed to the crimes of Saddam actors of contemporary Kurdish his - and show, reading between the Hussein, The Saddam Hussein tory and his many travels in the lines, the deep relations that Black Book. region for over 20 years, Chris linked “Chris Kutschera” Kutschera has information drawn throughout their lives with the This journalist who has also from the best sources ”. Kurdish people. Here is an written many articles for the example, that accompanies a Monde Diplomatique , Confluences The book in which Kutschera photo of Franso Harîrî: “A • 10 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 388 • July 2017

Kurdistan Christian he has just shot down a Mig of the Iraqi Not only do these short captions always bee very close to the Air Force. I only discovered 20 enable us to see and literally to Barzanis. He is mayor of Galala years later his passion for foot - live those people who have during the 70s but I only pho - ball. Becoming governor of Erbil, become friends of Chris tographed him in 1974, on the he became responsible for the Kutschera but they reveal the Korek front, where he was in town football team which has kind of deep and empathic rela - charge of military operations. just won the Iraqi Cup. He is tions that Chris Kutschera estab - With a smile on his lips he has overjoyed and is poses with the lished with his “contacts” and so just announced on his field tele - medals that the players have show the kind of sensitive and phone that his Peshmergas have slipped round his neck”. humane person that he was. Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti

L-MONIT%RI July 2, 2017 Does the US have answer for Turkish threats against Syrian Kurds?

Turkish military actions against US-allied Syrian Kurdish forces could threaten to upend plans for unseating the Islamic State (IS) in Raqqa, Syria, and for what comes next.

Week in Review ( f İ İ s ) July 2, 2017 www.al-monitor.com

U Though pointing to Idlib as the next destination, Fehim Tastekin reports, “Turkey’s field operations signal double objectives. First, Turkey wants its own troops in the de-conflicting, or 'safe,' zones determi­ A Turkish army tank drives toward Karkamis on the Turkish-Syrian ned during peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan. Second and more important border in southeastern Gaziantep province, Turkey, Aug. 25, 2016. to Turkey is to take advantage of the competition between rival coalitions REUTERS/Umit Bektas west of the Euphrates. With the United States and Kurds on one side and Russia, Iran and the on the other, Turkey hopes to break up Idlib is, simply put, a time bomb for those who may hope that defeating IS the corridor carved out by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG). in Raqqa might be the beginning of the end of the counterterrorism cam­ Ankara considers this stretch of land a threat to Turkey’s national security.” paign in Syria. This column said in March: “While the United States is con­ sumed with planning for unseating IS in Raqqa, Idlib may prove a compa­ "According to information leaked to the news media by official Ankara rable or perhaps even more explosive fault line because of the blurred lines sources,” Tastekin continues, “TSK [Turkish military] forces will cross into among anti-Western Salafi groups such as Ahrar al-Sham, which is backed Syria from three locations and establish control over an area 35 by 85 kilo­ by Turkey and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.’’ The latter group is comprised of cur­ meters (21 by 52 miles). This corridor would start at Daret Izza and extend rent and former al-Qaeda and affiliated forces. Ahrar al-Sham’s on-again, to Obin and Khirbet al-Joz. Another area of land, starting from Turkey’s off-again ties with al-Qaeda make it, in our view, a fellow traveler, not an Hatay border and extending 35 kilometers to Sahi al-Ghab, would also be alternative, even if the two groups are presently at odds. controlled by the TSK. In this security configuration around Idlib, Turkey’s (FSA) allies would also have a role. So far, as many as o Turkey’s plans for Idlib include cleaning house on these groups? If 2,000 FSA soldiers have been put on alert.” Dnot, we can expect Idlib to remain a safe haven for Salafi and terrorist forces seeking to keep up the fight against the Syrian government, while astekin reports, “Kurds insist that the Syrian army is cooperating with the citizens of Idlib continue to suffer under the brutal and arbitrary rule of Turkey in this operation, at Russia's behest. But there are no real indi­ T these armed gangs. cations of Russians and the Syrian army wanting to suppress the Kurds. To the contrary, the feeling in Damascus is that Russia and Syria would prefer In a related story, Metin Gürcan reports that Turkey is looking to crack down to keep the Kurds as their ally." on “foreign fighters," including Americans, who have taken up arms with the YPG. Gürcan writes: “There are plenty of allegations, but as of today the The US State Department, at least publicly, does not have an answer as to media has no evidence that foreign fighters in the YPG are fighting against whether Turkey's moves might complicate its overall Syria strategy. Asked Turkish security forces in Turkey or Syria. However, the capture of just one by a reporter June 29 whether the United States was concerned about YPG foreign fighter in Turkey or one fighting Turkish forces in Syria could Turkish threats and attacks on the (or SDF, rapidly worsen legal and diplomatic relations between Turkey and the which is made up primarily of YPG fighters), State Department spokes­ Western allies to dangerous levels — especially if that foreign fighter turns woman Heather Nauert replied, “The reason that the United States is out to be a citizen of a NATO country.” involved in Syria is to take out [IS]. That's why we care and that’s why we are there. Our focus is on liberating Raqqa right now. Our forces aren’t Hamas moves closer to Iran operating in the area that you're talking about. I don't want to get into [Department of Defense] territory. That is theirs. But our focus is on another Adnan Abu Amer writes that the blockade of Qatar led by SaudiArabia and part of Syria right now.” the United Arab Emirates continues to push Hamas toward Iran, as Al- Monitor has reported. That same day, pressed by a reporter as to whether the United States would defend the SDF against Turkey, Col. Ryan Dillon, a spokesman for On June 14, Mousa Abu Marzouk, deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau, the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, said, “We're met with Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. “It is no secret not going to get there. I don't want to speculate on that. We will continue to that Hamas, despite having different positions regarding the Syrian crisis, support our SDF partners in the fight against [IS] in Raqqa and perhaps needs Hezbollah when it comes to funding, training, securing supply lines elsewhere after that.” for weapons and providing residence for Hamas cadres in Lebanon," Abu Amer writes. “For its part, Hezbollah needs a Palestinian movement, such And this brings us to Idlib. Tastekin writes: “According to official comments as Hamas, to restore its popularity among Arab public opinion, which it lost from Ankara, an operation is in progress to add Idlib to the area Turkey con­ after being involved in the wars in Syria, Iraq and Yemen against Sunni trols. Currently, Idlib is divided between Ahrar al-Sham and Hayyat Tahrir Muslims. Hamas, as a Sunni Islamic movement getting closer to the Shiite al-Sham. Though both Salafi militant groups seek the overthrow of Syrian Hezbollah, may help dispel Hezbollah’s sectarian image. The new rap­ President Bashar al-Assad, they are rivals. Turkey's presidential prochement between Hamas and Hezbollah may contribute to the return of spokesman Ibrahim Kalin talked of a plan calling for Russian and Turkish armament and training cooperation programs, with the support of Iran.” ♦ deployment at Idlib, Russian and Iranian troops around Damascus, and American and Jordanians at in the south.”

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L E F IG A R O mardi 4 juillet 2017 Les forcenés de Daech encerclés à Raqqa Appuyées par les raids aériens, les FDS préparent l’assaut final de la «capitale» syrienne du califat.

Vers la fin de la capitale syrienne de Daech

Raqqa

B a r r a g e

d 'a l- B a a t h

B a r r a g e

d e T a b q a I_1 Deirez-Zor

Tabqa

É c o le TERRITOIRES CONTRÔLÉ

d'al-M ansourah LE 1EB JUILLET PAR...

...D a e c h Base aérienne ... le r é g im e s y r ie n d e T a b q a

... les FD S ' dont...

...conquis entre avril et juin

...conquis entre juin et juillet

‘ Forces démocratiques syriennes (YP6 kurde e t Ses alliés arabes)'

le long de l’Euphrate. Le régime syrien et SYRIE Au cimetière des martyrs kurdes lourde tâche de gouverner la ville, une ses alliés russes ont accusé récemment les de Qamishlo, Ilham caresse la photo fois libérée de l’État islamique. FDS et leurs conseillers militaires améri­ d’Arin, 22 ans, tuée par un sniper de Après avoir progressé autour de Raqqa, cains d’avoir laissé fuir de nombreux dji­ Daech le 21 juin à Raqqa. Une larme glisse les FDS sont entrés le 6 juin dans le fief hadistes vers Deir ez-Zor, pour mettre la sur son visage. Sous le portrait de leur djihadiste. Les combattants arabo-kur- pression sur Damas qui tient encore cette leader Abdullah Öcalan, emprisonné en des ont, depuis, conquis quatre quartiers, ville stratégique en direction de l’Irak. Turquie, une cinquantaine de combat­ soit environ 25 % de Raqqa, selon les esti­ Une tactique déjà utilisée par les FDS tants kurdes lui ont rendu mercredi un mations du commandant Nouri Mah­ quand elles ont repris à Daech durant dernier hommage avant de l’enterrer aux moud, porte-parole des FSD. l’été 2016 la ville de , à 200 km à côtés de dizaines d’autres déjà tombés «On avance lentement», reconnaît l’ouest de Raqqa. «C’est faux qu’on ait dans la guerre contre la barbarie djiha- Nouri Mahmoud, depuis la base arrière laissé partir les djihadistes, répond le diste. «Arin était dans ma brigade, elle d’Aïn Issa, à 50 kilomètres au nord de commandant Mahmoud. Notre stratégie, combattait pour sa terre, je ne peux dire ce Raqqa. Pour échapper aux snipers et aux jure-t-il, c’est de les encercler et de refer­ que je ressens», confie sa cheffe d’unité, obus de mortier tirés par lés djihadistes, mer l’étau sur eux. » Russes et Iraniens en treillis, un keffieh noir et blanc sur la la progression se fait souvent la nuit, grâ­ prétendent même que c’est au cours tête. ce à des jumelles thermiques et aux armes d’une vague de départs de djihadistes de Lancée en novembre, la bataille de équipées de lunettes de tirs nocturnes. La Raqqa que leur chef, Abou Bakr al-Ba- Raqqa est entrée dans sa phase finale. coalition elle-même intensifie ses frappes ghdadi, a été tué le 28 mai par un raid aé­ Vendredi, appuyées par l’aviation de la durant la nuit, quitte à provoquer des dé­ rien de l’aviation de Moscou. Mais aucune coalition internationale emmenée par les gâts collatéraux, preuve crédible n’est venue étayer ses af­ États-Unis, les Forces démocratiques sy­ firmations. Ce qui est sûr, en revanche, riennes (FDS), auxquelles appartenait «Daech tire c’est la fuite de chefs de second rang de Arin, ont fermé la dernière voie de sortie sur tout ce qui bouge » Daech pour al-Mayadeen, la nouvelle par le sud que pouvaient emprunter les Avec leurs drones lestés de bombes, les « capitale » de l’EI en Syrie sur la vallée de djihadistes pour quitter la « capitale » sy­ djihadistes visent des rassemblements de l’Euphrate. « On ne les voyait plus depuis rienne du califat. combattants ou des véhicules militaires. un certain temps», confirme un habitant Conquise comme Mossoul en 2014, Les FDS prennent position sur les toits de Raqqa, réfugié au camp d’Aïn Issa. Raqqa est devenue le symbole des atroci­ des maisons vidées de leurs habitants. Face à l’avancée des FDS qui ont repris tés commises par les djihadistes en Syrie, «Mais Daech tire sur tout ce qui bouge», mi-juin le quartier d’al-Senaa, aux portes ainsi qu’une base pour la planification dit Nouri Mahmoud. de la vieille ville, la plupart des djihadis­ d’attentats sanglants perpétrés à l’étran­ En trois ans, les djihadistes ont eu le tes se regroupent désormais dans le cen­ ger, en Europe en particulier. Sa chute est temps de fortifier la ville. Plus que le tre-ville de Raqqa et dans la base de la une priorité de sécurité pour la France, nombre de «fous de Dieu» encore à Division 17, une caserne de l’armée sy­ dont des ressortissants ont longtemps été Raqqa - 3 000 environ selon la coalition - rienne prise par l’EI en juillet 2014 que les cachés à Raqqa. Mais pour reprendre ce « ce sont les fortifications et surtout les djihadistes ont fortifiée en prévision de bastion, la coalition internationale a refu­ tunnels qui constituent le principal obstacle l’assaut final. sé de se joindre à l’armée dé Bachar el- à notre avancée», reconnaît le comman­ La chute de Raqqa, probablement dans Assad et à ses alliés russes. dant Mahmoud. «U y a une ville sous la quelques mois, comme celle imminente Sous la houlette de conseillers améri­ ville, dit-il, et on n’a pas la carte de ces de Mossoul en Irak, ne signifiera pas la fin cains, mais aussi français, des combat­ tunnels» où les djihadistes se déplacent à de la terreur djihadiste. Depuis plusieurs tants locaux ont donc été formés, en ma­ l’abri des frappes de leurs ennemis. Ils ont mois, l’EI regroupe ses forces à l’est de jorité des Kurdes issus du PKK, le Parti également pratiqué des trous entre les Raqqa, où une autre bataille a commencé des travailleurs du Kurdistan, mais aussi maisons pour pouvoir se déplacer sans pour le contrôle de cette région déserti­ des Arabes, venus des tribus locales, qui risques. que le long de l’Euphrate aux confins de la ont barré la route à l’avancée des forces Appuyés au Sol par des conseillers mi­ Syrie et de l’Irak entre, d’un côté, syriennes et de leurs alliés iraniens à par­ litaires occidentaux, les FDS ont encerclé Washington et ses alliés et, de l’autre, tir du sud de Raqqa. Ce sont ces Forces Raqqa à l’est, au nord puis à l’ouest. Ne Moscou, Téhéran et Damas. ■ G. M. (ENVOYÉ SPÉCIAL À AIN ISSA) démocratiques syriennes qui auront la restait plus qu’une petite sortie par le sud

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REUTERS Exclusive: Kurdish YPG militia experts conflict with Turkey in northern Syria

July 5, 2017 , Syria/ANKARA (Reuters) - Rodi Said and Dominic Evans

THE HEAD of the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia said on Wednesday that Turkish military deployments near Kurdish- held areas of northwestern Syria amounted to a "declaration of war" which could trigger clashes within days.

Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmuş retorted that his country was not declaring war but that its forces would respond to any hostile move by the YPG, which he described as a small-scale army formed by the United States.

The mounting tensions between two U.S. allies in northwestern Syria risk opening yet another front in the multi-sided conflict, in which outside powers are playing ever greater roles.

They could also distract the YPG from the U.S.-backed campaign it is spearheading to capture Islamic State's stronghold of Raqqa, some 2 0 0 km (1 2 5 miles) away. A general view shows the Kurdish city of Afrin, in Aleppo's countryside March 18, 2015 Asked by Reuters whether he expected a conflict with Turkey in northern Syria, where the two sides have exchanged artillery fire in recent days, said the YPG had never "threatened Turkey or its security". YPG Commander Sipan Hemo accused Turkey of preparing for a major military campaign in the Aleppo and Afrin area. Turkey, a NATO member, has been incensed by the U.S. decision to ally with the YPG. Washington took the decision to arm the group before the "These (Turkish) preparations have reached level of a declaration of war final assault on Raqqa began in June. and could lead to the outbreak of actual clashes in the coming days," he said in emailed comments. "We will not stand idly by against this potential The YPG is fighting under the banner of the Syrian Democratic Forces aggression." (SDF), which includes Arab fighters.

Turkey's policy in northern Syria has been focused on containing the In separate comments to the Saudi-owned Asharq al-Awsat newspaper growing sway of Kurdish groups that have established autonomous published on Wednesday, Hemo said the United States had established regions since Syria's war began in 2 0 1 1 . seven military bases in areas of northern Syria controlled by the YPG or SDF, including a major airbase near Kobani, a town at the border with Ankara says the YPG represents a security threat, seeing it as an extension Turkey. of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has been fighting an insur­ gency against the Turkish state for decades. Citing operational security, the coalition said it did not confirm or deny information about "specific capabilities, force numbers, locations or "This is not a declaration of war. We are making preparations against movement of forces in Iraq and Syria". potential threats," Kurtulmuş told Reuters in an interview. "Their (YPG) primary goal is a threat to Turkey, and if Turkey sees a YPG movement in Hemo indicated the YPG would keep fighting Islamic State even after its northern Syria that is a threat to it, it will retaliate in kind." defeat in Raqqa, saying it was committed with "the international coalition to cleansing Syria of terrorism and establishing a political system capable President Tayyip Erdoğan said Turkey was ready to carry out ground oper­ of achieving real democratic transformation". ations against Kurdish forces in northern Syria along with the rebel forces it backs there if necessary. Turkish defense ministry sources said last month the United States had pledged that weapons provided to the YPG would be taken back once "If there is a threat against us, our troops will conduct any operations with Islamic State was defeated. Turkey says that is not credible. the Free Syrian Army (FSA) on the ground," he told France 2 4 television in an interview shown later on Wednesday. "There has never been an incident where a group in the Middle East has been armed, and they returned the weapons," Kurtulmuş said. The United Turkish forces deployed in northern Syria last year in support of FSA States "have formed more than a terrorist organization there, they formed groups in an operation that forced Islamic State away from the border and a small-scale army." also drove a wedge between YPG-held areas. He also warned the YPG not to try to drive out Arab or Turkmen residents from the town of Tel Rifaat, which is close to Afrin and controlled by YPG In recent weeks, Turkey has sent reinforcements into the area north of and Arab allies in the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. Aleppo, according to Turkey-backed rebel groups who have established control over a section of the Turkish-Syrian frontier with Ankara's sup­ U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has left open the possibility of longer- port. term assistance to the YPG, saying the U.S. may need to supply them with weapons and equipment even after the capture of Raqqa. LONG-TERM PLANS Hemo said U.S. officials had denied any intention to take away the YPG's Hemo was last week cited as saying the YPG had a plan to capture that area weapons and that the YPG would be needing more support due to its between the towns of Azaz and Jarablus. Asked about that remark, he longer-term plans to tackle the remnants of Islamic State. • described the Turkish intervention as "occupation" of Syrian land, and

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THE IORDAN TIMES july 6,2017______Iraqi Kurdish leader says no turning back on independence bid

Samia Nakhoul, Maher Chmaytelli and Iraq's Kurdistan region's President Massoud Stephen Kalin (Reuters) -July 6 , 2017 "Our main goal is to implement and achieve the Barzani speaks during an interview with decision of our people through peace and dia­ Reuters in Erbil, Iraq July 6 , 2017.Azad RBIL, Iraq — Iraq's Kurdish leader said on logue," he said, wearing his traditional Lashkari EThursday that there was no turning back on Peshmerga uniform. a bid to achieve an independent Kurdish state, but he would pursue it through dialogue with HISTORIC BID greater instability. Baghdad and regional powers to avoid conflict. Barzani accused the Shi'ite-Ied Iraqi govern­ "We have proved that we are factors of stability," , President of the Kurdistan ment, backed by Iran, of not sticking to a consti­ he said. "So what we do through a referendum Regional Government (KRG), told Reuters in an tutional agreement of allowing the Kurds to is prevent that upcoming instability. We want to interview that the timetable for independence have greater powers under a federal state set up cut any possibility of bloodshed in the future." after a Sept. 25 vote on the issue was "flexible after the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam but not open-ended". He expected a "yes vote". Hussein in 2003. AFTER MOSUL

The vote could turn into another regional flash­ "For 14 years we have been waiting and we An additional element of regional volatility is point, with Turkey, Iran and Syria, along with have been discussing this partnership but we Turkey's determination to stop further Iraq the states with sizeable Kurdish popula­ have always been told it's not a good time and advances across northern Syria by the Kurdish tions, all resolutely opposed to an independent it's not acceptable timing so my question is, People's Protection Forces (YPG) militia. Kurdistan in northern Iraq. But Barzani played when is the right time?" down such fears. Ankara and the KDP are united in trying to stop The Kurds have been seeking an independent the YPG - allied to the Kurdistan Workers Party Within Iraq's borders, there is growing concern state since at least the end of World War One, (PKK) conducting an insurgency in Turkey - the real purpose of the referendum is not seces­ when colonial powers divided up the Middle from consolidating self-rule in Syria. But Turkey sion, but to strengthen Kurdish claims over East, but their territory ended up split between regards Barzani's independence bid as pulling hotly disputed territory adjoining recognized modern-day Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Iran. in the opposite direction. KRG boundaries, such as the oil-rich region and city of Kirkuk, whose future has been in play for Saddam's government waged the Anfal cam­ He said his "Kurdish state" would give full over a decade. paign against them in the 1980s, killing tens of assurances to ethnic minorities including thousands including with poison gas in the city Christians, Yazidis, and Shabaks, indicating his Inside the KRG, parties such as the Patriotic of . Peshmerga forces had already lost hundreds of Union of Kurdistan (PUK) of Jalal Talabani or fighters to retake their areas from Islamic State. the dissident Gorran group, all favor independ­ Barzani, whose father led struggles against ence but not necessarily under the leadership of Baghdad in the 1960s and 1970s, grew up in As the battle to recapture the Iraqi city of Mosul Barzani and his Kurdistan Democratic Party Iranian exile but returned as a teenager, joined draws to a close, Barzani said victory is incom­ (KDP). the Peshmerga and took on the mantle of resist­ plete without a political reconciliation plan. ance. He said the Kurds were ready to take At his palace in the hillside village of responsibility for the outcome of the referen­ He accused the Iraqi government of failing to Salahaddin, Barzani said the vote would decide dum. prepare a post-battle political, security and gov­ the fate of Kirkuk, which Kurdish Peshmerga ernance plan. forces prevented Islamic State from capturing in "We have to rectify the history of mistreatment 2014. of our people and those who are saying that "I warned if you are not going to have this polit­ independence is not good, our question to them ical plan, the situation will reverse." "Whatever the people of Kirkuk decide within is, if it's not good for us, why is it good for you?" the referendum, that decision should be respect­ He said a high-level committee formed by the ed," said a relaxed Barzani. Barzani played down speculation that the refer­ Kurdish region, the Baghdad government and a endum would spark violence, saying "the legit­ U.S.-led military coalition to help Mosul leaders The Peshmerga effectively runs Kirkuk, also imacy of the people is bigger than the legitima­ rebuild the city had never convened. claimed by Turkmen and Arabs. Hardline Iran- cy of any of the political parties or any of the backed Iraqi Shi'ite militias have threatened to external interventions". "I have big concerns about the situation in expel the Kurds by force from this region and Mosul and about post-liberation, because the three other disputed areas - Sinjar, Makhmour "I don't think anybody can stand against the big end of Islamic State in Mosul doesn't mean the and Khanaqin. wave of the people of Kurdistan when they end of Islamic State. Those factors, the environ­ decide their destiny. Maybe there will be some ment that brought it into Mosul have not Barzani, a Kurdish nationalist who has long attempts to foil (it)... We will try our best not to (changed)." championed the rights of his people, said nego­ allow that to happen." tiations with Baghdad, neighbors and interna­ "I have a big concern about the future of the tional powers would start immediately after the He said he was ready to allay the security con­ area. I hope I will be wrong." ♦ vote in order to reach an amicable agreement. cerns of Iraq, Turkey and Iran, saying that post­ poning independence would actually lead to

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7 July 2017 B MIDDLE EAST EYE Iraqi Kurds admit independence could take years after vote KRG politicians concede years of international negotiations could follow a September referendum approving break from Baghdad

Wladimir van Wilgenburg opposed the Iraqi Kurdish decision. Turkey's Friday 7 July 2017 president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on http://www.middleeasteye.net Wednesday said the vote was the "wrong way to go" and that the Kurdish government would "regret it". RBIL - True independence for Iraqi EKurdistan could take years to realise Iraq's central government has said: "No party after a referendum later this year due to can, on its own, decide the fate of Iraq in isola­ complex negotiations with foreign states tion." hostile to the breakaway from Baghdad, States including Germany, the UK and the US senior officials have conceded to Middle have opposed its timing and the Kurdish lead­ East Eye. erships failure to discuss the vote with Baghdad. "A day, a month, two years, three years, Masoud Barzani, the president of the nobody knows, this depends on the negotia­ "We understand the aspirations of the Kurdish Kurdistan Regional Government (AFP) tions [with Baghdad and other countries]," people," said Borisjohnson, the British foreign said Hoshyar Siwaily, the head of foreign rela­ secretary, last month. "But a referendum at tions for the ruling Kurdistan Democratic this time will distract from the more urgent unilateral action and then talks with Baghdad, Party. priorities of defeating Daesh [Islamic State], the regional neighbours and the international "It depends on the negotiations, if it progress­ community afterwards. es, and if we can agree with Baghdad on the "We are waiting for the establishment o f high- “ Federalism in Iraq has first day, independence could come in one failed, partnership with level referendum committee," said Hawrami. day. If we have difficulties with Baghdad, it "This committee will consist of members from might take some time. Baghdad has failed, and we don't accept being their subor­ all participating political parties, and they will "When the first stage is complete [the referen­ visit all regional countries and capitals around dum], we will try through peaceful means to dinates " the world to explain our rationale. persuade Baghdad, the regional countries and - Hemin Hawrami, KRG presidential "Barzani, in every single meeting [with international community. adviser Western, Iraqi and regional officials], has stat­ "After that we will start the fourth stage: the ed that federalism in Iraq has failed, partner­ actual declaration of independence. During "Any referendum or political process towards ship with Baghdad has failed, and we don't the fifth stage, we will persuade the interna­ independence must be agreed with the gov­ tional com m unity and the UN to recognise ernment of Iraq in Baghdad," he added. " A day, a month, two years, Michael Stephens, a research fellow at the three years, nobody knows, this " Any referendum or political Royal United Services Institute, told MEE that depends on the negotiations " process towards independence the West would not be able to stand against a mutually agreeable solution. - Hoshyar Siwaily, head of KDP foreign must be agreed with the gov­ relations "It is after all up to Iraqis to decide their own ernment of Iraq " fate," he said. - Boris Johnson, British foreign minis­ "But unilateral moves can't be supported both ter accept being their subordinates. for the precedent they set and also because of the potential for conflict and instability that "So Kurdistan is going to hold a referendum arises as a result of not co-ordinating the ref­ on its own self-determination right for inde­ this," Siwaily said. erendum's terms properly with Baghdad." pendence. Hemin Hawrami, a senior adviser to Iraqi However, the Kurds say the central Iraqi gov­ "Is the Arab part of Iraq united?" Hawrami Kurdistan's president, Masoud Barzani, mean­ ernment would never have accepted the push asked about the ongoing problems between while said that he understood the widespread for referendum, and therefore they preferred the Shia-led government and the Sunni com­ opposition from neighbours and western m unity in Iraq. states for the 25 September vote on inde­ pendence. "Is it w ithout any regional intervention? Are the Iraqi borders with the other countries con­ "There is no recognition before the declara­ trolled? Do we have an inclusive government tion, and all the reactions were expected," he in Baghdad? said. "The Arab part of Iraq is divided already, and "We don't look it as negative in general. They sticking to the 'one Iraq' policy is just beating are not against democratic principles, but around the bush without solving the issues [the] timing, yes. that have led to regional instability. "Maybe they are not happy with the timing, "The 'one Iraq' policy is a Pandora's box, not but our argument is that: if not now, tell us the independence of Kurdistan." when?" he said. A Western diplomatic official in Iraqi Kurdistan WIDESPREAD OPPOSITION Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey's presi­ said the vote was merely to set a "negotiating Turkey and Iran, two regional powers with dent, has said the KRG would 'regret' position" for the Kurds, after which they could sizeable Kurdish populations, have strongly their push for independence (AFP) declare independence within two to five —►

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years. "This referendum is for Iraqi Kurdistan, it has nothing to do with Kurds in Turkey, Syria, or "It's to measure support, set a baseline, show Iran," he insisted. they mean it," the official said. "That's why the Iraqi Kurds will move carefully "But it's a process, and the referendum is part after the referendum." of this process. The ultimate objective is inde­ pendence. But that's the negotiating posi­ "Some people accuse us and ask why, after tion." the referendum, we won't immediately declare independence. This is naive thinking," 'WISHFUL THINKING' Siwaily said. Hawrami also admitted the difficult task of "How can you expect one week after 25 assuring world and regional powers that an September, after the results, without reading independent Kurdistan would be "an asset the international situation, without talking to The Iraqi government of Haider al-Abadi and not a threat". Baghdad, without revolving the problems says no decision can be made in isolation "We need to visit more countries and give peacefully, to declare independence? (AFP) them assurances," he said. "You have to be realistic. Wishful thinking is "And especially for Turkey, Kurdistan is going different from the reality. It has taken us 100 to be a more strategic ally in terms of the years to get to this stage." ♦ energy security.

6 JUILLET 2017 LEJOl Interview-Barzani plaide pour le dialogue au Kurdistan irakien S'il table sur une victoire du "oui" lors du référendum organisé le 25 septembre sur l'indépendance du Kurdistan, le dirigeant kurde admet que le calendrier peut être flexible à condition d'envisager une date butoir. Par Samia Nakhoul, Maher Chmaytelli peuple par la paix et par le dialogue”, sou­ et Stephen Kalin, 06 juillet 2017 tient-il tout en accusant les autorités de REUTERS Bagdad, soutenues par Téhéran, de ne pas www.lorientlejour.com respecter un engagement constitutionnel conclu après l'invasion américaine de 2 0 0 3 a création d'un Etat kurde indépendant et octroyant des pouvoirs élargis à sa Ldemeure un objectif prioritaire, région. explique le président du gouvernement Les Kurdes, s'ils souhaitent une indé­ régional du Kurdistan (KRG) irakien mais pendance, avancent en ordre dispersé avec ce processus passe par le dialogue avec les des formations comme l'Union patriotique autorités de Bagdad et avec les puissances du Kurdistan (PUK) de Jalal Talabani ou le régionales pour éviter un conflit. groupe dissident Gorran qui ne souhaitent Un référendum sera organisé le 2 5 sep­ pas passer sous la coupe du Parti démocra­ tembre sur l'indépendance du Kurdistan, tique du Kurdistan (KDP) de Barzani. région autonome regroupant les provinces L'autre acteur majeur dans ce jeu com­ de Dohuk, Erbil et Souleimaniyah dans le plexe est la Turquie de Recep Erdoğan, nord de l’Irak à la frontière avec la Turquie déterminée à empêcher toute progression et l'Iran, confirme Massoud Barzani, le pré­ des Unités de protection du peuple (YPG), sident du KRG. les milices kurdes opérant dans le nord de la breuses années et que les peshmergas ont S'il table sur une victoire du "oui" lors Syrie contre les djihadistes de l’EI. défendu victorieusement face à l'offensive de cette consultation, le dirigeant kurde Ankara et le KDP sont sur la même ligne des djihadistes de l'Etat islamique en 2 0 1 4 . admet que le calendrier du processus d’in­ : empêcher les YPG, alliées au Parti des tra­ "Quoi que décident les habitants de dépendance peut être flexible à condition vailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), de renforcer Kirkouk, leur volonté sera respectée", d'envisager une date butoir. leur autonomie en territoire syrien. affirme Massoud Barzani lors d'un entre­ Cette consultation électorale risque de Mais, malgré cette convergence de vues, tien dans son palais dans le village de provoquer des crispations en Turquie, en le gouvernement d'Erdogan estime que Salahaddin. Iran et en Syrie, trois pays qui comme l'Irak l'initiative séparatiste de Barzani va à l'en­ Les combattants kurdes administrent abritent sur leurs territoires des Kurdes et contre des intérêts turcs. dans les faits Kirkouk dont la propriété est sont résolument opposés à la création d’un Pour l'instant, la question d’une entente également revendiquée par les Turkmènes nouvel Etat. politique est subordonnée à la reprise de la et par les Arabes, y compris les miliciens En Irak, des craintes se sont exprimées ville de Mossoul où les combattants de l'EI chiites soutenus par l’Iran qui entendent à propos de ce référendum. Certains esti­ tiennent encore quelques rues dans la contrôler trois autres régions, celles de ment qu'il aurait moins pour vocation d’ex­ vieille ville. Sindjar, Makhmour et Khanakine. primer un sentiment séparatiste des popu­ Anticipant une éventuelle mauvaise JEU COMPLEXE lations locales que de donner une légitimité volonté des autorités irakiennes, Barzani a Barzani promet que les discussions avec aux revendications kurdes sur certaines mis en garde le pouvoir en place à Bagdad. les voisins régionaux et avec Bagdad débu­ régions voisines de celles officiellement pla­ "Je vous préviens que si nous ne parvenons teront tout de suite après le référendum afin cées sous l'autorité du KRG. pas à ce projet politique, la situation va se de parvenir à un accord amiable. Cela concerne notamment la région de retourner." (Pierre Sérisier pour le service "Notre objectif est de mettre en oeuvre Kirkouk, dont les ressources pétrolières français) ♦ suscitent des convoitises depuis de nom­ et de parvenir à une décision pour notre

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International2feU>JJorktintes j u l y 4, 2017 Fight for Assad or get deported

Afghan immigrants Ali M. Latifi Afghan working at a refugees in brick kiln in Pakdasht, Iran. Iran have a choice BAMIAN, AFGHANISTAN War and poverty between have scattered Afghans across the globe like pieces of shrapnel. Millions of deportation Afghans came of age in refugee camps or fighting in Pakistan and Iran or as workers in in Syria the Persian Gulf nations. The migration continues. The past few years have to obtain added a new lethal geography to the a residency Afghan diaspora: the battlefields of permit. President Bashar al-Assad’s Syria. Two years ago, Abdol Amin, 19, left his home in the Foladi Valley in Bamian, one of Afghanistan’s poorest provinces, to find work in Iran. Two million undoc­ umented Afghans and a million Afghans militias in the Syrian war was simply Iranian propaganda framed the with refugee stabs already lived in another element in the larger battle for Syrian war to these refugees as a Shiite Iran. His sister and brother-in-law lived control and influence in the Middle East struggle for the defense and protection in Isfahan. He hoped to improve on his run by'Qassem Suleimani, the com­ of the faith and its holy sites. “The fight­ life of subsistence farming in impover­ mander of the Iranian Revolutionary ers have little or no knowledge of the ished Bamian. Guards Corps’ elite Quds Force. political-security context into which Two-thirds of the population in The relationship between Iran and they are marching,” said Ahmad Shuja, Bamian Province lives on less than $25 Syria goes back to the Syrian support a former researcher with Human a month. The intense poverty and the for Iran during the Iran-Iraq war. They Rights Watch. “They do not speak absence of opportunity forces thou­ also share an enmity toward Israel, and Arabic, most of them have never been sands of young Afghans from Bamian to Syria is the essential axis of transit beyond Afghanistan or Iran, many are travel illegally to Iran in search of work. between Iran and Hezbollah in Leba­ barely literate, most are devout Shiites.” Many, like Mr. Amin, end up fighting non. Most of the weapons in the Hezbol­ Mr. Amin, for example, believed that other people’s wars. lah inventory are sent by Iran through the Syrian war resulted from a dispute Mr, Amin managed to earn a meager Syria. Mr. Assad’s control over Syria between the Nusra Front jihadist group wage, about $200 a month, as a bricklay­ allows Tehran to resupply Hezbollah (which was officially founded in 2012) er in Isfahan. Last year, he used his and work toward building a connection and Mr. Assad. He had been made to modest savings and went to Iraq with a to the Mediterranean Sea. believe that the war broke out after the group of fellow Afghan refugees for a Afew months after Iran asked leader of Nusra (who, he said, was pilgrimage to Karbala, the city where Hezbollah to join the fighting in Syria related to Mr. Assad) wanted to build a Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet alongside Mr. Assad’s forces, it began store over a mosque. Mr. Assad, an Muhammad, was killed in A.D. 680. raising other Shiite miiitias. The Alawite, rushed to defend the mosque Elated after his pilgrimage, Mr. Amin Fatemlyoun Division (formerly and protect all religious sites, especially returned to Iran but couldn’t find any Brigade), a militia of Shiite Afghan the Shiite shrines, in the country. In work for three months. As often hap­ refugees, was formed around early 2014 turn, in Mr. Amin’s telling, Nusra called pens with Afghan refugees in Iran, Mr. and trained by both the Revolutionary for Mr. Assad’s downfall and the de­ Amin was humiliated and discriminated Guards and Hezbollah veterans. Its struction of shrines. against. He lived with the constant fear strength has been estimated at 8,000 to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and of being deported. “Iran isn’t our coun­ and 14,000 men. The Iranian authorities Hezbollah fighters trained Mr. Amin try. It tielongs to strangers,” Mr. Amin maintain the fighters are volunteers. and the Afghan recruits of the Fatemiy­ said. “Either you suffer and try to make The initial recruits to the Fatemiyoun oun Division in using weapons and some money or you die.” Division were initially Shiite Hazara tactical move- Last winter Iranian authorities pre­ Afghans, who settled in Iran after the ment for a month. sented1 Mr. Amin with a proposition. He Soviet occupation, after the civil war in Many Afghan Some were could gain legal status in Iran and be the early 1990s and the subsequent refugees trained as free of the fear of deportation. The Taliban rule. Their recruitment had end up snipers; some Iranians offered him a 10-year residen­ echoes of how Pakistan — the other were trained in cy permit and $800 a month if he would major host of the Afghan refugee popu­ fighting other tank warfare. go to Syria to “fight to protect” the lation —recruited the Sunni Pashtun people’s wars. After the training shrine 'of Sayyida Zainab, a grand- Afghan refugees and their children to they were flown d aughter of the Prophet Muhammad. form the Taliban in the mid-1990s. to Syria and sent Around 2013, when Mr. Assad’s mili­ In the past few years, Iranians have to the front lines in Damascus and tary was losing ground to the rebels, expanded recruitment to undocument­ Aleppo. Iran poured billions of dollars into Syria, ed Afghans, like Mr. Amin, recently Iranians and Mr. Assad’s forces used brought in Hezbollah fighters and arrived from Afghanistan in search of the Afghan recruits as the first-wave began raising Shiite militias from Iraq, economic opportunity. Apart from the shock troops. “We would be the first in Afghartistan, Pakistan and other places refugees’ economic anxiety and precar­ any operation,” Mr. Amin recalled. with significant Shiite populations. Iran ious legal status, the Iranians exploit Several short memoirs by current and does want to protect the major Shiite the Shia faith of Afghan refugees to former Afghan fighters in Syria pub­ shrines in Damascus, Aleppo and recruit them to fight for the Assad re­ lished on the Telegram app, which Mr. Raqqa; but the use of foreign Shiite gime in Syria.. Shuia studied, recount the Afghans

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being sent to fight the most difficult elaborate ceremonies before their ment, spoke about it on his return to battles, and speak about heavy casu­ burials. The Iranian Supreme Leader, Kabul. Some estimates put the number alties among Afghan fighters and the Ayatollah All Khamenei, and General of Afghans killed in Syria around 600. eventual victory after multiple assaults. Suleimani have visited the families of Mr. Amin said 15 of his friends were . Afghans have fought in Damascus, Afghan militiamen killed in Syria and killed in Syria. Hama, Lattakia, Deir al-Zor, , expressed gratitude for the sacrifices After being wounded in Aleppo, Mr. and Aleppo. In November and their sons made in defending the holy Amin returned to Bamian two months December, Mr. Amin was stationed in shrines and Islam. ago with a 10-year Iranian residency in Aleppo, where the Fatemiyoun Division In January, I met Murtaza, a 21-year- hand and promise of a home in Iran, or had the job of helping the Syrian Army old Afghan at the Elliniko Airport in postwar Syria, if he would like to live retake the eastern part of the city from refugee camp in Athens. He had lived in there. A majority of the Afghans who rebel groups. He and hundreds of other Qom. “They never make a show of the fought with him in Syria have stayed in young Afghans fought under the orders Iranian fighters who die in Syria, only Iran. He keeps in touch with them on the of the Revolutionary Guard. the Afghans,” said Murtaza, who Telegram app. The foreign Shiite militias played a claimed to have seen graves of hun­ Bamian remains peaceful and poor; crucial role in supporting Mr. Assad’s dreds of Afghans killed in Syria in Qom. the roads leading to the province are regime and provided the key ground “It is their way of trying to convince the still dangerous. Mr. Amin has returned forces in the decisive battle of Aleppo. Iranian people that only Afghans, and to his old life as a subsistence farmer. “I The victory in Aleppo turned the tide for not Iranians, are dying in Syria.” came back because I wanted to see Mr. Assad and for Iran, bringing it In June 2016, Haitham Maleh, a what would work out better,” Mr. Amin closer to, as Syria scholar Joshua Lan­ leader, addressed a told me. “If things are good here, I will dis put it, “the consolidation of this letter to President Ashraf Ghani of stay. If they get worse, then I will go Iranian security arc, stretching from Afghanistan requesting an end to the back to Iran, but now I don’t have to Lebanon to Iran.” influx of Afghan fighters. Afghan deaths worry about deportation.” Several hundred Afghans have died in Mr. Assad’s war have forced several fighting Mr. Assad’s and Iran’s war in Afghan clerics to speak out against the ali M. latifi is a journalist based in Syria. The bodies of slain Afghan fight­ Iranian strategy. Even Gulbuddin Hek- Kabul. ers were paraded around the streets of matyar, the warlord who recently made Tehran and in Qom, in northern Iran, in a peace deal with the Afghan govern­

REUTERS Two ruling party officials, 13 militants killed in southeast Turkey July 2, 2017 DİYARBAKIR, Turkey (Reuters) - The PKK launched a separatist insurgency against the state in 1 9 8 4 and more than 4 0 , 0 0 0 people, mostly Kurds, nave been killed in the conflict. It is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and KURDISH MILITANTS shot and killed two officials from the European Union. ruling AK Party in southeast Turkey over the weekend, while the Turkish military killed more than a dozen militants in air A ceasefire between the Turkish state and the militants broke down in strikes, state authorities said on Sunday. July 2 0 1 5 and the southeast region of the country, where the PKK is strongest, subsequently saw some of the worst violence since the insur­ Orhan Mercan, the AKP's deputy head in the Lice district of Diyarbakir gency began. province, was shot in front of his home on Friday night and died of his wounds in hospital, the provincial governor's office said. Violence flared across the region on Saturday. Militants killed Aydin Ahi, deputy head of the AKP in the Ozalp district In an air strike in the southeastern province of Mardin, the Turkish mili­ of Van province on Saturday night, the governor's office said. Security tary killed five PKK militants preparing an attack on an army base, a sources said the gunmen seized Ahi from his home at gunpoint and killed general staff statement said. him nearby. In separate air strikes on Saturday, the army also killed five PKK fighters Energy Minister Berat Abayrak wrote on Twitter that Kurdistan in southeast Turkey's Bingöl province and another four militants in the Workers Party (PKK) militants had killed both men. There was no imme­ Metina region of northern Iraq, the army said. diate comment on the attacks from the PKK, but the group has targeted It said another three PKK militants were killed in clashes on Saturday in officials from the party in the past. the southeastern provinces of Diyarbakir, Hakkari and Simak. •

A fP Des députés suédois poursuivent Erdoğan pour "génocide" dans les régions kurdes Stockholm, 10 juillet 2017 (AFP) Dans son rapport publié en mars, le HCDH dénonce "les exécutions extrajudi­ ciaires et le recours excessif à la force" et affirme avoir recensé de "nombreux DES PARLEMENTAIRES SUÉDOIS ont saisi lundi la justice de leur pays cas de disparitions, de tortures, de destructions d'habitations et d'édifices du contre le président turc Recep Tayyip Erdoğan qu'ils accusent de "géno­ patrimoine culturel". cide" dans les régions kurdes depuis la reprise en 2015 des combats Les élus à la manoeuvre s'appuient sur une loi de 2014 précisant les qualifica­ entre l'armée et les séparatistes. tions de génocide, crime contre l'humanité et crime de guerre, ainsi que sur la Cinq élus du Parti écologiste et du Parti de gauche ont déposé une plainte compétence universelle de la justice suédoise qui ces dernières années a devant la Chambre internationale du parquet à Stockholm pour "génocide, ouvert plusieurs enquêtes sur des faits présumés commis en Syrie. crimes contre l'humanité et crimes de guerre", a déclaré Annika Lillemets, une Cari Schlyter, un élu écologiste, dit espérer que d'autres parlementaires en députée des Verts, au cours d'une conférence de presse. Europe les imiteront. Cette plainte "met en cause le président turc Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ainsi que "Si (Erdoğan) est empêché de parcourir l'Europe et d'influencer les pays euro­ plusieurs de ses ministres", parmi lesquels le Premier ministre et les ministres péens comme il veut, j'espère que cela aura un effet sur sa politique", a-t-il fait de l'Intérieur et de la Défense, a-t-elle ajouté. valoir. Invoquant des rapports du Haut-commissariat des Nations unies aux droits de Le parquet a confirmé avoir reçu la plainte des parlementaires. "La police va l'Homme (HCDH) et de l'ONG Amnesty International, les députés suédois affir­ traiter la plainte et nous déciderons ensuite d'ouvrir ou non une enquête préli­ ment que "de vastes parties du Kurdistan turc ont subi une agression militaire minaire, cela peut prendre du temps", a indiqué à l'AFP un représentant de la et la destruction du fait de l'Etat/gouvernement turc" entre juillet 2015 et chancellerie.» décembre 2016.

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July 7, 2017 Referendum on independent Kurdistan puts Iran at crossroads While Iran is the only country that has long enjoyed close ties with Iraqi Kurds, the upcoming referendum on independence for Iraqi Kurdistan puts it at a crossroads.

Fazel Hawramy July 7, 2017 www.al-monitor.com

s Iraqi Kurds try to iron out internal differences ahead of their referen­ Adum on independence in September, Turkey, Iraq and Iran have all Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (L) speaks during a announced their opposition, questioning the timing and fearing the implica­ news conference with Iraqi Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani in tions of such a move at a time when regional rivalries are at their peak. Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, Aug. 26, 2014. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari "The Islamic Republic of Iran opposes some murmurs about holding a ref­ erendum in order to separate one part of Iraq," said Iranian Supreme its borders. In August 2014, when the Islamic State (IS) invaded Iraqi Leader Ayatollah AN Khamenei in a meeting with visiting Iraqi Prime Kurdistan, the Iranians were again the first to assist the Kurds. "I think all Minister Haider al-Abadi in June, adding that Iraq "should stay unified." Kurds should always be grateful to the Iranians, even though they had their own interests too," a peshmerga captain who dealt with the Iranians at the While Turkey and Iraq's opposition is understandable to an extent, Iran's long involvement as well as cultural and historical ties with Iraqi Kurds rais­ time near Erbil told Al-Monitor. In this vein, apart from security considera­ tions, it should be noted that Iran’s annual trade with Iraqi Kurdistan is es serious questions about the motives for its opposition to the upcoming almost $8 billion. referendum. Thus, given Iran’s relationship with its own Kurdish community as well as The political parties in Iraqi Kurdistan have all made it clear that their ulti­ mate aim is an independent Kurdistan, but they differ on the approach, its long history of assistance to Iraqi Kurds and their political parties, it is in a relatively strong position vis-a-vis Ankara and Baghdad. meaning that the issue of independence is a matter of "when” rather than “if.” The Iranians are perhaps more aware of this than any other actor. ith the crumbling of IS, the future looks even bleaker as new rivalries spring up. Turkey is at war with its Kurdish community and vehe­ There are over 13 million Kurds on both sides of the Iran-Iraq border. W Whether under the shah or the Islamic Republic, Iran has been the only mently opposes the Kurdish administration in northern Syria. Syria remains mired in chaos, with the central government unable to control a large chunk country that has had an overall cordial relationship with Iraqi Kurds, be it secular, Marxist or Islamic parties. The shah and the ayatollahs both adopt­ of its territory — perhaps permanently. Meanwhile, Iran is relatively stable and has deployed thousands of troops to Syria and Iraq to fight jihadists ed the strategy of engaging enemies outside Iran’s borders. In Iraq, this has entailed weakening successive Iraqi regimes by partly using the Kurds and shore up the defenses of its allies in Damascus and Baghdad. as a proxy force. Indeed, repression from Baghdad combined with Tehran’s Iranian officials have repeatedly stated that if they do not fight jihadists in assistance to the Kurds greatly contributed to Iraq almost always being at Aleppo and Anbar, they would have to fight them on their own soil. Given war with a quarter of its population. For instance, the Kirkuk oilfields were the Kurdish background of the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks in Tehran attacked by peshmerga, both during the shah’s reign in the late 1960s and on June 7, it appears that the one area where the security of Iran could be the ayatollahs in the 1980s. Nonetheless, ironically, while Iran has been most threatened is the Kurdish region. wary of Kurdish aspirations for independence, its continuous support for Thus, given the complex and dangerous regional landscape, as well as the peshmerga in past decades has ensured that the desire for independ­ Iran’s domestic security situation, the referendum on an independent ence continued burning amongst Kurdish fighters — and their leadership. Kurdistan places the Islamic Republic at a crossroads. If the Kurds manage owever, Iran’s assistance to Iraqi Kurds, partly in order to use them to iron out their internal differences and hold the vote and then declare Hagainst its own rebellious Kurds, has also caused immeasurable independence, Iran will have to think hard before it makes its final decision damage to its own stability and security. When Iran fought a bloody battle about its posture toward a Kurdish state. against Iranian Kurds in the 1980s, it had to devote huge resources and Tehran could support an independent Kurdistan that boosts economic and enormous manpower to contain them. Most Islamic Revolutionary Guard security cooperation while receiving guarantees that such an entity will not Corps (IRGC) top brass, including top commander Mohammad Ali Jafari become a source of instability on its borders. Iran could also benefit from and Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, are veterans of the war in providing an alternative route for Kurdish oil to find its way to international Iranian Kurdistan. Other senior IRGC personnel who have been killed in markets. Syria and Iraq in recent years started their careers in the mountains of Iranian Kurdistan. On the other side of the coin, representatives of the Conversely, the Islamic Republic could oppose statehood for Iraqi Kurds by IRGC and the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence have been present in Iraqi closing its airspace, imposing an economic blockade and using its Shiite Kurdistan since the mid-1980s, offering Tehran close knowledge of the proxies in Iraq to cause nuisances, but that could potentially open the gates Kurdish leadership and the Kurdish region inside out. to a Kurdish revolt on both sides of the border and invite possible foreign interference to its immediate west. Given that Saudi Arabia, the enemy of This knowledge has led Iranian officials to retain great pragmatism, per­ Iran, has given positive signals toward Iraqi Kurds — and Riyadh’s alleged haps also guided by the experiences of its neighbor Turkey, which has for support for Iranian Kurdish militants based in Iraqi Kurdistan — a continued decades been mired in armed conflict with the Kurdistan Workers Party autonomous Kurdistan region supported by the Saudis could become a and more recently the latter’s affiliates in northern Syria. The impact of this challenge perhaps greater than the threats posed by an independent pragmatism has been compounded by consistent acts of solidarity, Kurdish state. ♦ although oftentimes motivated by Iran’s own interests. Fazel Hawramy is an independent journalist currently based in Iraqi In the summer of 1988, under the regime of Saddam Hussein, Iraqi Kurdistan. Twitter: @FazelHawramy Kurdistan was devastated by chemical weapons and the murder of 182,000 civilians. While the Persian Gulf states funded Saddam, and the West, including the United States, UK and France, armed his regime to the teeth, Iran welcomed thousands of fleeing Kurds into its territory. During the 1991 uprising in the aftermath of the Gulf War, Iran again opened its bor­ ders and allowed Iraqi Kurds to find shelter on its soil, while Turkey closed

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SWI swissinfo.ch 9 juillet 2017 Erdoğan menace de riposter contre les Kurdes à Afrin en Syrie ATS / 9 juillet 2017 ont lancé une offensive pour reprendre la https://www.swissinfo.ch ville de Raqa, fief du groupe Etat islamique (El) en Syrie. e président turc Recep Tayyip Erdoğan a PAS D'ETAT KURDE Lmenacé samedi de lancer une opération La presse turque spécule depuis plu­ dans le canton kurde d'Afrin dans le nord- sieurs jours sur une possible opération ter­ ouest de la Syrie. Une série d'accrochages a restre de l'armée turque contre les YPG, la eu lieu à la frontière. Russie assurant pour sa part une couverture "Aussi longtemps que cette menace aérienne. (kurde, ndlr) perdurera, nous activerons nos règles d'engagement et réagirons comme il De tels plans pourraient toutefois être convient à Afrin", a-t-il déclaré lors d'une contrariés par l'esquisse de rapprochement conférence de presse à l'issue du sommet observée entre le président russe Vladimir du G20 Hambourg en Allemagne. Poutine et son homologue américain Donald Trump au sommet du G20 sur la question Au cours des derniers jours, l'armée syrienne. "Aussi longtemps que cette menace (kurde, turque et les Unités de protection du peu­ La Turquie "n'autorisera" jamais la créa­ ndlr) perdurera, nous activerons nos règles ple kurde (YPG) ont échangé des tirs à plu­ tion d'un Etat kurde dans le nord de la d'engagement et réagirons comme il convient à sieurs reprises dans la zone frontalière. Syrie, a réitéré M. Erdoğan. "Nous ne mini­ Afrin" dans le nord-ouest de la Syrie, a déclaré Ankara considère les YPG comme une miserons jamais les menaces qui pèsent sur le président turc Recep Tayyip Erdoğan lors émanation du Parti des travailleurs du notre pays", a-t-il insisté. d'une conférence de presse à Tissue du sommet Kurdistan (PKK), organisation séparatiste du G20. KEYSTONE/EPA/CLEMENS BILAN kurde classée "terroriste" par la Turquie et Ankara a déjà lancé une offensive ter­ (sda-ats) ses alliés occidentaux. En revanche, les restre dans le nord de la Syrie en août 2016 afin de repousser l'EI de sa frontière et Etats-Unis soutiennent ces milices kurdes empêcher la jonction des différentes zones qui, associées à des combattants arabes, contrôlées par les YPG. ■

l e j ÏÎu r 18JUILLET2017______Combats entre forces kurdes et rebelles en Syrie, quinze morts Dans un communiqué, des rebelles combattant sous la bannière de "Ahl al-Diyar", indiquent avoir attaqué Aïn Daqna parce qu'ils considèrent les FDS comme des "occupants".

OLJ/AFP 18/07/2017 Le village d'Aïn Daqna est https : / / www. lorientlejour. com depuis février aux mains des FDS, une alliance de combattants syriens Quinze rebelles ont été tués dans kurdes et arabes qui lutte principale­ des combats avec des forces kurdes ment contre le groupe jihadiste État qui se poursuivaient mardi dans une islamique (El) en Syrie avec l'appui zone du nord de la Syrie, un pays de la coalition internationale dirigée ravagé par une guerre complexe par les États-Unis. Il est situé dans la impliquant plusieurs protagonistes, province d'Alep dans une zone selon une ONG. revendiquée par les deux protago­ Les combats ont éclaté lundi nistes. autour du village d'Aïn Daqna Dans un communiqué, des contrôlé par les Forces démocra­ rebelles combattant sous la bannière tiques syriennes (FDS), dominées de "Ahl al-Diyar”, ont indiqué avoir par les Kurdes, mais que des factions attaqué Aïn Daqna parce qu'ils rebelles syriennes soutenues par la considèrent les FDS comme des Turquie veulent prendre, a indiqué "occupants”. "Nous promettons à Un combattant des Forces démocratiques syriennes à l'ouest de l'Observatoire syrien des droits de notre peuple davantage d'attaques Raqqa, en Syrie, le 17 juillet 2017. AFP / BULENT KILIC l'Homme (OSDH). éclair. On fera regretter (aux FDS) conflit "Depuis lundi, quinze rebelles l'occupation de cette terre et le dépla­ ont été tués et quatre membres des cement de milliers” de personnes, el-Assad, et les FDS, fer de lance de (YPG), principale composante des FDS blessés", a précisé cette ONG ont-ils ajouté. la lutte antijihadistes. FDS, neuf cadavres de rebelles ont qui s'appuie sur un vaste réseau de Les affrontements sont spora­ Selon un responsable des Unités été retirés de la zone des combats et sources dans le pays en conflit depuis diques entre rebelles, qui combattent de protection du peuple kurde seront remis au Croissant-Rouge -» 2011. essentiellement le régime de Bachar

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kurde pour qu'il les remette à son plus de 330.000 morts et des millions sonnes ont été tuées mardi avant Les zones sous contrôle kurde en tour aux familles. de déplacés. l'aube dans une attaque suicide à la Syrie sont régulièrement la cible d'at­ Déclenché par la répression de La Turquie voisine soutient des voiture piégée contre un point de tentats, souvent revendiqués par l'EI. manifestations prodémocratie et groupes rebelles dans le nord de la contrôle de la police kurde Les FDS tentent actuellement de opposant initialement armée et Syrie à la fois pour combattre l'EI (Assayech) dans le nord-est syrien, chasser l'EI de Raqqa, son principal rebelles syriens, le conflit en Syrie mais aussi les YPG, qu'elle considère selon l'OSDH. L'attaque a eu lieu fief en Syrie. Elles y sont entrées s'est complexifié au fil des ans avec comme une extension du parti indé­ dans la province de Hassaké, située à début juin et contrôlent désormais l'implication d'autres protagonistes, pendantiste kurde de Turquie, le l'est de celle de Raqqa et contrôlée en 35% de la ville, selon l'OSDH. ♦ d'acteurs régionaux et internationaux PKK, classé "organisation terro­ majorité par les Kurdes. La télévision et de groupes jihadistes, sur un terri­ riste". officielle syrienne a fait état de l'atten­ toire de plus en plus morcelé. Il a fait Ailleurs dans le pays, quatre per­ tat et du même bilan.

Syrie : un attentat-suicide contre Au moins deux des morts étaient des membres des Assayech, selon l'Observatoire, tandis que l'identité des des forces kurdes tue 4 personnes deux autres victimes n'a pas encore été confirmée. La télévision officielle syrienne a également rapporté l'explo­ sion mardi et donné le même bilan. Beyrouth, 18 juillet 2017 (AFP) Les zones sous contrôle kurde sont régulièrement la cible d'attentats, souvent QUATRE personnes ont été tuées dans une attaque suicide à la voiture pié­ revendiqués par l'EI. L'attaque de mardi n'a pas été revendiquée dans l'immédiat. gée contre un point de contrôle des forces kurdes dans le nord-est de la Les Forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS) dominées par les YPG et soutenues Syrie, a indiqué mardi l'Observatoire syrien des droits de l'Homme (OSDH). par Washington sont entrées début juin à Raqa et contrôlent désormais 35% de Cette attaque survenue dans la nuit de lundi à mardi intervient alors que les Unités la ville, selon l'OSDH. de protection du peuple kurde (YPG) sont le fer de lance d'une offensive visant à Déclenché en mars 2011 par la répression de manifestations pro-démocratie, le reprendre Raqa, bastion syrien du groupe Etat islamique (El). conflit en Syrie s'est complexifié au fil des années avec l'implication de différents Selon l'OSDH, l'explosion a frappé un barrage géré par les Assayech (forces de acteurs régionaux et internationaux ainsi que des groupes jihadistes sur un terri­ sécurité kurdes) dans la province de Hassaké, située à l'est de celle de Raqa et toire morcelé. contrôlée en majorité par les Kurdes. Il a fait plus de 330.000 morts et des millions de déplacés. •

SljcUtaéljiltgtim&itiICé July 24, 2017 Trent Franks warns Kurds against Iranian and Turkish influence in region

By Laura Kelly - The Washington Times - Monday, July 24, 2017 Rep. Trent http ://www.washingtontimes.com Franks, R - Ariz., takes ranian and Turkish influence in northern Iraq could pose a threat to U.S. questions dur­ Iinterests in the region and its relations with the Kurdistan Regional ing a TV inter­ Government as Iraqi Kurds move forward with a controversial vote on view on independence in two months, a key House lawmaker warned Monday. Capitol Hill in Rep. Trent Franks, Arizona Republican, told a Capitol Hill briefing that it Washington, is vital that the Kurdistan Regional Government address fears that it Friday, July 14, “would become a puppet of Istanbul or Tehran” as it seeks U.S. support for 2017. (AP its independence push. PhotolJ. Scott Applewhite) ** On Sept. 25, the Kurds will vote in a referendum on independence with the FILE ** results — projected to be an overwhelming majority in favor of breaking with Iraq — used as leverage in negotiations between Erbil and Baghdad on their key role in defeating ISIS and accepting over 2 million refugees and key issues that include security, disputed territories, economics and inter­ internally displaced peoples into the Kurdish region. national aid. “I just thank God for the Kurds — for the way that they have welcomed so The Trump administration has stated that it doesn’t support a referendum many people.... God knows how much worse ISIS would have been and vote in September, fearing it could prove destabilizing and take focus away how much horror they would have hoisted upon the people of Iraq,” the from the fight to oust Islamic State from Iraq. conservative lawmaker said. ast year, Mr. Franks, a member of the House Armed Services he KRG has already expressed concern over the use of Iranian-backed Committee, proposed an amendment to a defense authorization bill to L Shiite militias operating not only in Iraq, but in the northern Kurdish directly arm the Kurds, who have provided key military muscle in the fight T regions as well. KRG Representative to the U.S. Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman against Islamic State in both Iraq and Syria. The amendment was stripped reiterated the Kurdish people’s concern over the continued presence of from the final version of the bill under pressure from the Obama Iranian-backed militias in Kurdish territory and the threat they pose to Administration. stability in the area. On Monday, Mr. Franks said that the Trump administration is ready to do The Kurds have said that they will not abandon areas they liberate from more to help the Kurds — so long as they stand up to Turkey and Iran. Islamic State, and areas they’ve helped defend that are historically Kurdish “I think it’s incumbent upon the KRG to show through their actions that and have a Kurdish majority should be part of an independent Kurdistan, their key ally is the United States of America,” he said. “Fortunately, now such as Kirkuk. they have an administration which will respond appropriately at the end of Kurdish militia notably did not participate in the liberation of Mosul the day — and that they’re not an ally with the Islamist Sunni regime in because they believe it the responsibility of the Iraq central government, Turkey nor ally of Islamist Shia regime in Iran.” but they did coordinate with Iraqi security forces to secure the area sur­ Mr. Franks praised the Kurds and their fighting force, the peshmerga, for rounding the city. ■

11 Revue de Presse-Press Reviezv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti lAfcrifttt » ....._T,ni7 LE JOUR 8 JUILLET 2017______

une normalisation de la relation avec Moscou, le président turc Erdoğan s'en sert comme d'un levier pour Ankara englué dans ses faire pression sur les Occidentaux, et Poutine a également parfaitement compris que lier des liens avec la alliances contradictoires Turquie pouvait déranger ces derniers », analyse Didier Billion, Éclairage directeur adjoint de l'IRIS et spécial­ Un an après la tentative de coup d'État, la fragilisation des liens entre la iste de la Turquie, interrogé par Turquie et les Occidentaux laisse entrevoir les limites de la politique L'Orient-Le Jour. Malgré des rela­ tions établies entre Moscou et étrangère menée par Erdoğan. Ankara, des divergences profondes persistent et la Turquie reste dépen­ dante des pays occidentaux. Pierre GOULLENCOURT OLJ - 8/07/2017 CLARIFICATION https://www.lorientlejour.com Effectivement, la Turquie ne peut Avant tout, nous arracherons définitivement pas tourner le dos à la tête des traîtres. » Un an l'Occident. La forte dépendance à l'é­ après le coup d'État manqué du 15 tranger de l'économie turque pour juillet, le président turc Recep financer sa croissance confirme la Tayyip Erdoğan est toujours dans nécessité de conserver des relations une optique de revanche, comme en ne serait-ce que cordiales avec ses témoignent ses propos tenus lors voisins de l'Ouest. « La capacité d'in­ d'une cérémonie d'hommage aux fluence de la Turquie sur le Moyen- victimes, qui se déroulait à Istanbul Orient dépend en bonne partie du ce samedi. maintien de relations de haut niveau avec les pays occidentaux, avec L'homme fort de la Turquie n'est pas l'Union européenne, d'une part, et prêt de renoncer à sa politique Le président turc Recep Tayyip Erdoğan lors de la com­ les États-Unis, de l'autre », affirme répressive envers ceux qu'il accuse mémoration du premier anniversaire du coup d'État Didier Billion. Si Ankara a d'avoir participé à la tentative de longtemps cherché à s'ériger en putsch. Cela implique de poursuivre manqué, le 15 juillet 2017 à Istanbul. Source : service de acteur régional majeur, la logique de les purges qui, depuis une année, ont presse de la présidence turque/AFP blocs qui anime actuellement la entraîné l'arrestation de 50 000 per­ scène moyen-orientale a entraîné sonnes et le limogeage de 100 000 une mouvance de la politique Parlement européen s'est prononcé PYD (Parti de l'Union démocra­ étrangère turque. « Le coup d'État autres, malgré les critiques émanant le 6 juillet en faveur de l'arrêt des tique), considéré comme un groupe des pays occidentaux et des associa­ turc n'est pas la cause de l'inflexion négociations du processus d'adhé­ terroriste par Ankara, n’a fait que de la politique étrangère turque, mais tions de défense des droits de sion, en raison de la révision de la renforcer les tensions entre les deux l'homme. S'il a dénoncé samedi un « une sorte d'accélérateur », ajoute le Constitution turque, dont l'entrée en alliés. « Je vais être très franc, ce n'est spécialiste. manque d'empathie » de l'Occident, vigueur est prévue en 2019. pas facile, il s'agit de faire des choix en référence à ce qu'il considère difficiles », a indiqué Rex Tillerson La crise du Golfe dans laquelle le comme un soutien insuffisant à son L'annulation en Allemagne au mois lors de sa première visite à Ankara égard, cette joute verbale n'est qu'un Qatar se retrouve isolé de ses voisins de mars de plusieurs meetings en en mars dernier. a de nouveau accentué ces fluctua­ énième reproche dans un dialogue faveur de cette réforme n'a fait que qui paraît de plus en plus tendu. tions. Entre le camp associant l'Iran jeter un peu plus d'huile sur le feu. DÉPENDANCE et Moscou opposé à celui composé Lors de la dernière rencontre entre la de l'Arabie Saoudite avec Les relations entre l'Occident et la chancelière allemande et le président Se sentant abandonné par les Turquie se sont largement détéri­ Washington, Ankara paraît essayer turc en marge du G20, Angela Occidentaux, le président turc a de jouer sur plusieurs tableaux. orées au lendemain du coup d'État Merkel a souligné les « profondes cherché à développer les relations manqué, particulièrement avec les divergences » qui existaient entre turco-russes. Alors que des tensions pays de l'Union européenne. Si un « La Turquie est prise dans des con­ leurs deux pays. Ces désaccords se existaient entre Moscou et Ankara tradictions d'alliance », explique accord prévoyant le renvoi systéma­ sont renforcés à mesure que les chan­ depuis la destruction en novembre tique de tous les migrants vers la Jean Marcou, directeur des relations celleries européennes ont critiqué les 2015 d'un avion russe par l'armée internationales à Sciences Po Turquie a réussi à être conclu en purges menées par le pouvoir turc, turque, la mise en place d'accords mars 2016, Ankara menace Grenoble, contacté par L'Orient-Le craignant qu'il ne profite de l'occa­ bilatéraux sur la question syrienne Jour. Si le président Erdoğan veut régulièrement d'annuler ce pacte au sion pour faire taire toute opposi­ entre les deux pays a marqué un rap­ gré de ses différends avec Bruxelles. conserver une certaine légitimité sur tion. prochement symbolique. De l’évacu­ la scène internationale, la stratégie Et alors que la Turquie est candidate ation d'Alep en décembre 2016 aux à une entrée dans l'organisation adoptée par la Turquie semble être Les relations avec Washington sont pourparlers d'Astana lancés depuis mise au défi de la clarification. « depuis 2005, les négociations sont au tout aussi compliquées. Dès le lende­ janvier dernier qui se sont soldés par point mort, notamment en raison Aujourd'hui, elle cherche des alliés main du putsch manqué, des respon­ un accord sur des « zones de dés­ utiles, importants, mais on ne peut des nombreuses critiques qui lui sont sables turcs ont laissé entendre que escalade », la Russie et la Turquie adressées en matière de libertés pas être à la fois membre de l'OTAN, les États-Unis avaient joué un rôle semblent être en capacité de coopér­ et avoir de très bonnes relations avec publiques. En outre, l'approbation dans cette tentative, ces derniers se er. Leur relation en matière de par les Turcs de la réforme constitu­ la Russie, l'Iran, l'Arabie Saoudite ou refusant depuis d'extrader Fethullah défense devrait même bientôt perme­ le Qatar », conclut M. Marcou. ♦ tionnelle en avril octroyant les pleins Gülen, l'homme désigné par Recep ttre à la Turquie d'acquérir des armes pouvoirs au chef de l'État a poussé Tayyip Erdoğan comme l'instigateur russes pour un montant total de 2,5 l'UE à réagir à nouveau fermement. de toute l'opération. Le soutien milliards de dollars, en dépit de la Comme en novembre 2016, le américain aux Kurdes syriens du désapprobation de l'OTAN. « S'il y a

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L E F I G A R O lundi 10 juillet 2017 Mossoul libérée, la gu contre Daech continue

Le premier ministre irakien, Haïdar al-Abadi, s’est rendu dimanche dans l’ex-capitale du « califat », où il a annoncé la « victoire » des forces gouvernementales sur les djihadistes

de l’État islamique qui tenaient la ville-depuis trois ans. page2

commandant d’unité du bataillon Na- L’état du centre historique de Mos­ ADRIEN JAULMES y <â>AdrienJaulmes jaf, Tune des unités des ICTS, aussi ENVOYÉ SPÉCIAL À MOSSOUL soul résume assez bien le prix qui a été connus sous le surnom de Division d’or, payé pour la reconquête de la ville. Rs sont finis. » LA BATAILLE de Mossoul touchait à sa Autour de la mosquée al-Nouri et de Les hommes aux uniformes noirs des fin hier en fin d’après-midi. Les tirs son minaret penché, aujourd’hui ré­ d’armes-automatiques et les explosions ICTS sont ceux qui ont porté le coup dé­ duits à un amas de gravats, s’étend un cisif à Daech. Dans les rues étroites du des bombes lancées par l’-aviation oc- ' monde en noir et blanc. Les façades des centre historique, les soldats ont dû cidentâle retentissaient encore dans maisons en ruines sont d’un gris pâle, conquérir la ville presque maison par une rue le long du Tigre encore tenue et les tas énormes de décombres, car­ maison,' chargés de munitions et de par quelques centaines de combattants casses calcinées de véhicules et mor­ milliers de bouteilles d’eau dans la cha­ de Daech, alors que, le premier minis­ ceaux de ferraille arrachée qui encom­ leur écrasante de l’été irakien. «La tre irakien, Haïdar al-Abadi, faisait brent les rues sont d’un gris sombre. vieille ville a été la partie la plus dure de une visite surprise du champ de ba­ Garés en lignes, les Humvees blindés. toute la bataille, dit le capitaine Natiq. taille. Après neuf mois d’une bataille irakiens de la Division d’or font des ta­ C’est là que les combats ont été les plus d’une échelle inédite, l’armée irakien­ ches noires. intenses. Daech s’était préparé dépuis ne est à nouveau maîtresse de la gran­ Ce monde a aussi une odeur particu­ des mois à livrer son dernier combat ici. de ville du nord de l’Irak, mais le prix à lière. Dans la chaleur écrasante du mois Rs avaient aménagé des pièges et des payer a été lourd. de juillet, trois parfums sè mélangent : timnels partout. On devait parfois les dé­ Pour Ali et ses camarades, la bataille celui, sucré et écœurant, des cadavres loger à la grenade. » de Mossoul s’est achevée dimanche en en décomposition enfouis sous les dé­ . Malgré la résistance féroce de Daech, fin de matinée, quand leur escouade des combres ; celui, âcre, des excréments et les soldats de T ICTS se sont enfoncés des égouts crevés; et enfin celui, pi­ forces antiterroristes irakiennes (ICTS) a comme un coin dans les lignes de dé­ quant, de la poussière de pierre et de atteint les rives du Tigre. «C’est moi qui fense ennemies. « On les a fait danser, béton pulvérisés. ai planté le drapeau irakien sur le bord du dit le capitaine. On a maintenu C’est aussi un monde désert. À part fleuve», dit Ah. Dans la pénombre d’un constamment la pression sur eux. Rs les soldats et lëurs bulldozers qui com­ magasin de fournitures électriques au ri­ voulaient contre-attaquer mais ils n’ont mencent à déblayer les axes princi­ deau arraché, les soldats irakiens assis pas pu. Ces derniers jours, ils étaient fa ­ paux, il n ’y a plus âme qui vive dans les par terre mangent autour d’un grand tigués, ils n’avaient plus autant de mu­ ruelles en peiite et les venelles de cette plat de riz. «On est heureux, c’est pres­ nitions. Certains se faisaient sauter avec très ancienne ville. Les chats ont été que la victoire, disent-ils. Pour nous, des ceintures d ’explosifs. » mangés par les habitants affamés. Les c’est terminé. R y a encore des camarades Le capitaine a participé depuis neuf humains sont morts ensevelis ou ont qui finissent l’opération dans le quartier mois à la reconquête de Mossoul. pris la fuite à mesure de l’avancée des voisin. Mais on a fait notre part. » «Trois de mes soldats sont morts et j ’ai forces irakiennes. Certains sont restés Un peu plus loin, au-dessus des toits, de nombreux blessés. Mais aujourd’hui jusqu’au bout, pris au piège de la ba­ des tirs nourris d’armes automatiques nous sommes arrivés au bout. » taille. Une dame de 67 ans, Haifa Yoü- résonnent. De temps en temps, des nis, est restée ensevelie sous sa maison bombes guidées lancées par les avions W Trois de mes soldats pendant les quatre derniers jours des explosent en faisant trembler le sol. combats dans le quartier d’àl-Maidan, Quelques centaines de combattants de sont morts et j’ai Elle est maigre, ses os sont saillants et sa Daech et leurs familles, peut-être aussi de nombreux blessés. peau est devenue presque translucide à des civils coincés avec eux, tiennent Mais aujourd’hui nous cause de l’absence d’exposition à la lu­ encore une rue, dans le quartier d’al- mière. « J’habite là-bas depuis soixante Maidan, le long du Tigre, «ils n’en ont sommes arrivés au bout jf ans, dit-elle. Nous étions à la cave de­ plus pour longtemps, ils ne peuvent plus LE CAPITAINE NATIQ, UN COMMANDANT D'UNITÉ puis des semaines. Puis une explosion a manœuvrer, dit le capitaine Natiq, un DU BATAILLON NAJAF fait s’effondrer la maison au-dessus de

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nous. Heureusement, il restait une ouverture par laquelle nous pouvions respirer et mon fils pouvait aller chercher un peu d’eau dans la rivière à la nuit tombée. On ne savait plus. quoi faire, quand les soldats sont arrivés. » Après neuf mois de combats achar­ • - - i l nés, d’abord dans l’est puis, à partir de -JL . "V ., février, sur la rive occidentale du Tigre, la bataille de Mossoul a été une affaire T-, ri d’endurance, mais aussi de méthode. tmi- ' Les forces irakiennes ont méthodique­ - ■*> ment repoussé les djihadistes dans leurs Deux soldats irakiens dernières lignes de défense ; le centre brandissent un drapeau noir historique de Mossoul, autour de la de l’État islamique, dimanche, mosquée où ils avaient proclamé voici après la libération de Mossoul trois: ans leur califat. La situation sem­ LUCIEN LUNG / RIVA PRESS blait presque bloquée ces derniers jours, après la destruction de la mos­ LE TWEET quée. Les forces irakiennes semblaient Le dernier réduit de Daech à Mossoul hésiter à lancer le dernier assaut. Mais Macron salue leur dispositif s’est lentement resserré la libération autour du dernier réduit de Daech. Puis les événements se sont précipités di­ de M ossoul Tigre manche. Le premier ministre irakien, «Mossoul libérée M ossoul-/ Haïdar al-Abadi, qui avait annoncé la deDaech: Ouest ! M ossoul- victoire par un communiqué en milieu hommage de la Est de journée, est arrivé à Mossoul en fin 'ylèilhyille France à tous Lim ites d’après-midi. Son convoi a traversé la de la ville vieille ville et s’est arrêté devant les ceux, avec nos LIGNES DE FRONT LE: Mosquée al-Nuri ruines de la mosquée al-Nouri. Le pre­ troupes, qui ont — 1er ja n v i e r 2 0 1 7 mier ministre a félicité les soldats et à contribué à cette — — T m a r s repris son convoi pour traverser le Ti­ A éroport gre sur un pont flottant devant les rui­ victoire», — 11 m a i

nes de l’hôtel Ninive, (©Emmanuel Q uartier repris Les soldats commençaient à s’échan­ Macron ■ à Daech le 09/07/17 ger les trophées ramassés sur le champ Sources ■ Reuters et isis.liveuamap.com de bataille, les drapeaux noirs de l’État islamique étant les plus recherchés. Dans la maison qui abrite l’état-ma­ traits au feutre bleu s’enfoncent dans À la nuit tombée, des Unités ont com­ jor de la Division d’or, à l’entrée de la l’entrelacs de ruelles. Il ne reste plus mencé à tirer de façon nourrie, mais vieille ville, les officiers supérieurs sont qu’un petit rectangle le long du fleuve, cette fois en l’air pour célébrer la vic­ passés saluer les généraux devant la entouré de flèches. Le dernier territoire toire. Les balles traçantes se sont mises grande photo aérienne qui a servi de de Daech à Mossoul. ■ à monter vers le ciel en pointillés oran­ carte à l’offensive de ces dernières se­ ge au-dessus de Mossoul. maines. Sur la grande surface grise, les

14 juillet 2017 Les forces turques pilonnent les positions des unité:î kurdes d'autodéfense|

14.07.2017 Intervention turque à Afrine: impossible «sans https://fr.sputniknews.com accord avec la Russie» LES TROUPES turques ont pilonné vendredi les Le ministre turc de la Défense Fikri Işık a annoncé Miliciens kurdes à Afrine forces kurdes d'autodéfense depuis la frontière la semaine dernière qu'Ankara n'excluait pas une © AFP 2017 George Ourfalian syrienne. opération militaire à Afrine en cas de menace L'artillerie turque installée dans la province de pour sa sécurité nationale émanant de cette Auparavant, un chef de l'Armée syrienne libre, Kilis, à la frontière avec la Syrie, a ouvert le feu région. qui a souhaité garder l'anonymat, a annoncé à contre les positions des forces d'autodéfense des Environ 20.000 membres de l'Armée syrienne Sputnik qu'après la fin du ramadan, conjointe­ Kurdes syriens en réponse aux tirs effectués par libre (ASL) et des militaires turcs participeront à ment avec les combattants de l'ASL, la Turquie de ces dernières, a signalé vendredi l'agence une nouvelle opération militaire antikurde dans envisageait de mener une opération aux abords DHA, citant des sources militaires. la région de la ville d'Afrine, située au nord-ouest de la ville de Tell Rifaat. Elle procède à ces fins à la répartition des militaires et des armes lourdes Les tirs pourraient avoir été entendus jusque de la Syrie et actuellement contrôlée par les vers Azaz, qui se trouve à 6 km de Tell Rifaat. • dans le centre de la province, dans la ville de Kilis, Unités de protection du peuple (YPG), d'après des a-t-on précisé. médias turcs.

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ia Croix mardi 11juillet 2017

vieille ville ont été reprises rue par Défaite à Mossoul, en mauvaise rue après de violents combats. » posture à Rakka, son autre fief en Mossoul, 750 000 personnes ont quitté les Syrie, Daech n’a pas dit son dernier combats de cette partie de la ville, mot, et reste maître de larges por­ souvent au péril de leurs vies. Am­ tions de territoire en Syrie et en Irak, année zéro nesty International a recueilli dans généralement peu peuplées. Une La seconde ville d ’Irak « libérée » p ar le régime, un rapport, publié aujourd’hui, importante poche demeure au sud- tout reste à reconstruire, pour stabiliser la région et ramener les témoignages d’habitants de est de Mossoul, autour de la localité la confiance entre communautés Mossoul-Ouest. L’organisation en de Hawidja, qui compte 100 000 conclut que les forces de la coali­ habitants. Situé à moins de 20 ki­ tion, notamment, ont eu recours lomètres de Kirkouk, sous contrôle à « l’utilisation injustifiée d’armes kurde, ce bastion présente un dan­ puissantes » sans prendre « les pré­ ger pour la stabilité de la région, qui cautions nécessaires pour éviter des fait régulièrement face aux incur­ pertes inutiles en vies humaines. » sions et attentats de Daech. Le groupe djihadiste demeure _Quelle aussi présent dans le nord-ouest est la situation du pays, dans l’enclave de Tal Afar, plus grande ville encore sous son ^ w. humanitaire contrôle total avec ses 150 000 à f1 'fr' 200 000 habitants. Enfin, autour des habitants? de la vallée de l’Euphrate, une large Les déplacés de Mossoul-Ouest partie de la zone frontalière • • • Ù// ont salué dimanche la « victoire ». A- r m • • • avec la Syrie reste des deux Y-.J - • Mais ils savent qu’ils vont devoir côtés sous contrôle de Daech, qui attendre. « Ils sont impatients de A Ç **; | y a transféré ses nouveaux quar­ rentrer chez eux. Beaucoup re­ tiers généraux, autour de Mayq- tournent pour la journée en taxi din, côté syrien, et d’Al Qaïm, côté voir l’état de leur maison et de irakien. Régulièrement bombardée leurs biens », explique Mary Lan- par les avions de la coalition, cette gam, qui s’occupe du camp d’Al Sa- région désertique prendra un cer­ lamiyah pour Acted. 66 000 per­ tain temps avant d’être totalement sonnes, selon les chiffres publiés contrôlée, au vu de la faiblesse du hier par le Haut-Commissariat aux régime syrien à l’ouest. Une Irakienne et son enfant dans les ruines de ta vieille ville de réfugiés (HCR), sont déjà revenues L’effondrement de Daech, qui Mossoul, le 5 juillet. Ahmad A l Rubaye/AFP à Mossoul-Ouest. «Mais, ce sera passera également par des affron­ un long chemin pour arriver à re­ tements à Deir Ez-Zor, ne semble trouver une vie normale», poursuit qu’une question de temps. « Le re­ Mary Langam. pli des combattants de Daech re­ A Mossoul, les défis Dans le camp d’Al , met en question le projet d’un ca­ les déplacés peuvent sortir à lifat. L’idée selon laquelle Daech condition d’être de retour pour doit avoir un territoire n’est plus pour gagner la paix 21 heures. Au début de l’offen­ d’actualité », analyse Agnès Le- sive, en octobre, les autorités ira­ vallois, consultante spécialiste du kiennes orientaient les déplacés Moyen-Orient. « Il faudrait voir, vers les camps, en priorité, afin lité le résultat d’une offensive de si Al-Baghdadi est encore vivant, de mieux contrôler ces nouveaux neuf mois, menée par une coalition quelle sera la stratégie de Daech _ _ La proclamation, arrivants. 80 % des déplacés vi­ internationale dirigée par Washing­ pour exister. » dimanche, par le premier vaient alors dans les camps. Leurs ministre de la « libération » ton. Avant cette intervention, et par tentes n’accueillent désormais — Compte tenu de la deuxième ville d’Irak prévention, plus d’une dizaine de que la moitié des déplacés. La ré­ fait naître de nombreuses camps avaient été ouverts pour re­ glementation s’est assouplie, et les de ses divergences questions sur l’avenir, cevoir les déplacés de Mossoul. Au déplacés essaient d’éviter ces vil­ internes, pour stabiliser la région total, ce sont 927 000 personnes lages de tentes, alors que la tem­ et ramener la confiance qui sont sorties des parties orien­ pérature monte actuellement à l’Irak peut-il entre ses communautés. tale puis occidentale de la ville de­ plus de 45 °C et que l’électricité se stabiliser? puis octobre. est souvent absente. « La première Les deux côtés de la ville n’ont _Quel est l’état préoccupation des gens ici est la Majoritairement occupée par cependant pas connu le même chaleur », confirme Mary Lan­ de la ville? sort. À l’est, la ville, plus moderne des populations sunnites, Mos­ gam. Restera ensuite à vivre avec soul a été libérée par les forces Le feu continuait à couver hier et aérée, a été moins détruite et re­ les traumatismes de la guerre et de dans la partie ouest de Mossoul, prise à Daech dès janvier. Les dé­ gouvernementales irakiennes, l’occupation de la cité par Daech. avec l’aide de la communauté in­ alors que les forces irakiennes ten­ placés ont été moins nombreux Elisa Fourt témoigne : « La plu­ taient de venir à bout de l’ultime qu’attendu. Aujourd’hui, « les ternationale, mais aussi de milices part des gens ne travaillaient plus. kurdes, chiites et arabes sunnites. poche de résistance djihadiste. La 170 000 déplacés de cette partie La télévision, le téléphone étaient veille, les images de la visite du pre­ sont en grande majorité revenus. Pour Karim Pakzad, chercheur à interdits. Les gens vivaient reclus. l’Iris, spécialiste de l’Irak, la lutte mier ministre irakien avaient pour­ L’eau et l’électricité, les commerces Certains ont été témoins de scènes tant acté la reprise de la deuxième fonctionnent »..constate Elisa contre Daech dans la bataille de de torture de la part des djiha- Mossoul a fédéré les différentes ville du pays. Haïdar Al Abadi pou­ Fourt, qui en revient pour Handi­ distes. » vait féliciter ses troupes de la « vic­ cap International. «En revanche, communautés, mais pour un toire », trois ans et un mois après à l’ouest, beaucoup plus densément _Daech reste-t-il temps seulement. « Les Kurdes (a débâcle de son armée devant peuplé, le nivedu de destruction veulent avoir leur part dans la Daech. Cette « victoire » est en réa­ est extrême. Les petites rues de la menaçant? victoire à Mossoul. À court terme,

15 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti Les zones de contrôle en Syrie et en Irak armée syrienne tji- Daech rebelles syriens Kurdes armée irakienne et milices alliées Q zones inhabitées offensives actuelles

Turquie Dohouk Kobané Kamechliyé Afrinv— - j r ' ' ıran ° Al-Bab O Manbidj Mossoul Hassaké Sindjar OErbil Rakka Lattaquié Qayyarah Souleymaniyé

Hama Kirkouk

Homs 'Tikrit O Qousseir Al Boukamal Palmy re Khanakin O Liban Haditha Province d'Al-Anbar > OBakouba

Ramadi Bagdad Falloudja RoutbaO

Kerbala O i Kout 50 km

Syrie : situation au 8 juin 2017 / Irak : situation au 16 juin 2017 Source: Institutefor the Study of War (ISW) Ia CROIX (

Massoud Barzani, le chef du parti démocrate du Kurdistan, pourrait faire entendre davantage sa volonté repères d’organiser un référendum pour l’indépendance du Kurdistan ». Neuf mois pour reprendre Si les Kurdes voient dans cette Mossoul victoire l’occasion d’étendre leur territoire, le « problème kurde » 17 octobre 2016. Les forces ira­ en Irak pourrait, ces prochains kiennes lancent l’opération de mois, fédérer sunnites et chiites, reconquête de la ville aux mains ■ estime le chercheur. Pour Myriam Benraad, maître de conférences à de Daech depuis juin 2014. Début novembre. L’armée entre «Vidée selon dans Mossoul par l’est. En dé­ laquelle Daech cembre, de nombreux attentats- doit avoir suicides des djihadistes obligent à temporiser deux semaines. un territoire Vest plus d'actualité. » Après avoir libéré les zones tenues par 8 janvier 2017. Les forces d’élite Mossoul de Daech, Daech, stabilisation atteignent le Tigre pour la pre­ l’Université de Limerick (Irlande) de la région... Les mière fois. Le 24, les forces ira­ et chercheuse associée à l’Iremam le gouvernement kiennes annoncent avoir « to ­ (CNRS), les dissensions entre irakien doit inaugurer défis sont nombreux. talement libéré » Mossoul-Est. chiites et sunnites ont surtout été une ère nouvelle S’y ajoutent de le fait de différentes factions ar­ de gouvernance 19 février. Lancement des opé­ mées : « Il faut distinguer les straté­ possibles mises en pour la deuxième ville cause de soldats de rations pour reprendre la par­ gies communautaires à portée poli­ du pays. tie occidentale. Les forces ira­ tique du sentiment des populations l’armée irakienne, kiennes y pénètrent après la civiles. On a beaucoup d’exemples Retour des suspectés de crimes reprise de l’aéroport. de familles chiites qui ont aidé des populations de guerre à l’encontre sunnites. » Pour elle, l’État irakien 18 juin. Assaut lancé sur la est le seul à pouvoir commencer déplacées, poursuite de combattants vieille ville. Le 21, la mosquée un vrai rapprochement. «À lui de des combats dans capturés et de civils. Al-Nouri est détruite par Daech. remplir ses obligations par rapport à une population sunnite en de­ mande. Certaines élites politiques Juillet. Les djihadistes mul­ n’ont rien fait pour leur population tiplient les attentats. Le 9, le depuis quinze ans. » premier ministre annonce que Pierre Cochez, Noé Michalon Mossoul est« libérée ». et Salomé Parent

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L E F I G A R O mardi 11 juillet 2017 À Raqqa, les hommes de Daech cernés de toutes parts Les forces arabo-kurdes, soutenues par les Occidentaux, sont désormais dans la Des combattants des Forces démocratiques syriennes, jeudi dernier dans un quartier de l'est de Raqqa. v id é o h a w a r n e w s a g e n c y / a p vieille ville et voient la fin du califat proche.

GUILLAUME PERRIER RAQQA battants et combattantes, venus dê tout le nord de la Syrie, mais aussi des ré­ gions kurdes de Turquie et d’Iran. SYRIE Accroupi sur un toit dans le quar­ À la tète de ces troupes se trouve une tier d’al-Sinaa, à l’est de Raqqa, Boran, femme kurde de 36 ans, Rojda Felat, 29 ans, un membre des YPG (Unités de consciente des responsabilités qui sont protection populaire), la branche armée les siennes. « C’est un honneur. Mais le du PKK en Syrie (Parti des travailleurs monde entier doit nous soutenir. Daech du Kurdistan), dessine d’un mouvement n’est pas un ennemi normal. Il est très de la main l’avancée décisive de ses organisé, avec une forte emprise idéolo­ compagnons d’armes dans la nuit du 4 Lattaquié gique. Après la libération des villes et des juillet. «Nos troupes sont entrées dans la villages, nous devons affronter d’autres vieille ville, par trois points différents sur défis et notamment convaincre les popu­ le front est», raconte ce combattant à SYRIE lations», souligne-t-elle. l’épaisse moustache, originaire de Ha- Les bataillons arabes et kurdes peu­ sankeyf, dans le sud-est de la Turquie. ®Damas vent compter sur l’appui de leurs alliés Dans le salon de la maison, vidée à la occidentaux, à commencer par les hâte par ses propriétaires et occupée États-Unis. Le matin du 4 juillet, jour par mie douzaine de guerriers kurdes, de la fête nationale américaine, c’est un le commandant de ce poste avancé fait impressionnant convoi militaire qui est le bilan de l’offensive. «Notre moral est des drones, des voitures suicides ou en entré dans Raqqa, par le front ouest au zénith. Nous avançons, la fin du cali­ cette fois. Trois semi-remorques char­ fat est une question de temps», affirme utilisant des tunnels pour passer sous la ligne de front», précise Metin, 22 ans, un gés d’obus de mortier de gros calibre, ce chef d’unité des YPG, dans son de caisses d’armes et de munitions, une treillis couleur sable. Kurde syrien d’al-Qamichli, C’est précisément après une attaque dizaine de véhicules blindés SUV, des « Cette guerre est aussi une guerre transporteurs de troupes... technologique, montre-t-il sur sa ta­ à la voiture piégée des djihadistes, dans blette où apparaît une carte de la ville ta nuit du 4 juillet, que les FDS, coali­ Des dizaines de cortèges de ce type se­ parsemée de points jaunes. Grdce à tion arabo-kurde soutenue par les pays raient entrés en Syrie depuis le début de cela, toutes nos positions sont connectées occidentaux, ont contre-attaqué et l’opération «Colère de l’Euphrate», of­ et mises en réseau, ce qui nous permet ficiellement tancée par les FDS le 5 no­ d’avoir une idée précise de l’évolution des vembre. Fin juin, un avion-cargo ache­ lignes de front. » Toutes nos positions minant de l’aide militaire a même atterri à Kobané, à trois heures de route du Les hauts murs de ta médina de Raqqa sont connectées et mises n’ont pas résisté longtemps aux assauts champ de bataille. Au moins 200 mem­ de la coalition anti-Daech, les Forces dé­ en réseau, ce qui nous bres des forces spéciales américaines se­ mocratiques syriennes (FDS). L’avancée permet d’avoir une idée raient déployés sur les points stratégi­ ques de la bataille pour sécuriser des des combattants arabes et kurdes, unis précise de l'évolution positions au fur et à mesure de l’avancée. pour reconquérir ta «capitale» syrienne des lignes de front 99 Dans le quartier d’al-Sinaa, on croi­ de l’État islamique a été décisive ces der­ BORAN, CHEF D'UNITÉ DES YPG se aussi des Français, beaucoup plus niers jours. Mercredi, ils ont encore ga­ discrets mais en nombre. «Leur pré­ gné 200 mètres à l’intérieur des vieux réalisé une percée dans la vieille ville sence est décisive sur le terrain», juge murs. La route stratégique qui traverse le de Raqqa. «Nous avons franchi les murs un volontaire britannique engagé avec centre-ville et mène à la vieille mosquée de la médina et atteint le marché aux lé­ les forces kurdes YPG et présent en est désormais sous leur contrôle. gumes. Maintenant il faut tout démi­ Syrie depuis un an. Jamais ces der­ Cernés de toutes parts, retranchés ner », décrit un officier YPG qui a parti­ nières n’ont bénéficié d’un tel soutien dans la vieille ville de ce qui était leur fief cipé à l’opération. militaire, même au moment de la ba­ syrien depuis 2014, les derniers djiha- Les mines artisanales disséminées taille de Kobané en 2014. Le rapport de distes de Daech n’ont plus que l’énergie dans la ville ralentissent la progression force avec les djihadistes s’est totale­ du désespoir à opposer aux assaillants, de la coalition anti-Daech, mais elles ment inversé. Rien ne semble pouvoir largement supérieurs en nombre et en empêcher les Kurdes de prendre leur puissance de feu. «Nous sommes en po­ n’entament pas sa détermination. Pour revanche. La reprise de Raqqa n’est sition de force et nous bénéficions des en finir avec leur cauchemar, les FDS et plus qu’une question de temps. ■ frappes aériennes de nos alliés. Alors les brigades arabes qui leur sont asso­ Daech lance des attaques surprises avec ciées ont déployé près de 10000 com­

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InternationaliNcU» Jjjork finies ju l y h , 2017

From left, Iraq’s Counterterrorism Service members passed bodies of Islamic State militants in Mosul’s Old City on Sunday; Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi (center) walked alongside police and army officers upon his arrival in Mosul.

front of the stump of the minaret and posed at the spot where Mr. Baghdadi made his speech. Destruction sur­ ISIS is routed as Iraqi rounded them, as did the stench of de­ caying bodies of Islamic State fighters, left to rot in the blazing sun. The battle for Mosul began in October, after months of planning between Iraqis forces reclaim Mosul and American advisers, and some Kurdish fighters supported by the Obama administration officials had MOSUL, IRAQ United States. hoped it would conclude before they left But the end of the Islamic State’s hold office, giving a boost to the departing on Mosul does not mean peace is at president’s efforts to defeat the Islamic hand. Other cities and towns in Iraq re­ State. Instead, it lasted until now, and it After a costly victory main under the militants’ control, and was far more brutal than many ex­ humanitarian crisis is just Iraqis expect an increase in terrorist at­ pected. With dense house-to-house tacks in urban centers, especially in the fighting and a ceaseless barrage öf one challenge ahead capital, Baghdad, as the group reverts to snipers and suicide bombers, the fight its insurgent roots. for Mosul was some of the toughest ur­ BY TIM ARANGO “It’s going to continue to be hard ev­ ban warfare since World War II, Ameri­ AND MICHAEL R. GORDON ery day,” said Col. Pat Work, the com­ can commanders have said. Iraqi offi­ manding officer of the Second Brigade, cers, whose lives have been defined by Dressed in a military uniform, Prime 82 nd Airborne Division, which is carry­ ceaseless war, said the fighting was Minister Haider al-Abadi has arrived ing out the American advisory effort among the worst they had seen. here in Mosul to congratulate Iraq’s here. “I have been with the for armed forces for wresting the city from “Iraqi security forces need to be on 40 years,” said Maj. Gen. Sami al-Aradi, the Islamic State group. The victory the top of their game, and we need to be a commander of Iraq’s special forces. “I marked the formal end of a bloody cam­ over their shoulder helping them as have participated in all of the battles of paign that lasted nearly nine months, they move through this transition to Iraq, but I’ve never seen anything like left much of Iraq’s second-largest city in consolidate gains and really sink their the battle for the old city.” He continued: ruins, killed thousands of people and hold in on the west side,” Colonel Work “We have been fighting for each meter. displa'ced nearly a million more. said as he rolled through the streets of And when I say we have been fighting While Iraqi troops were still mopping western Mosul recently in an armored for each meter, I mean it literally.” up the last pockets of resistance and vehicle. “ISIS will challenge this.” Even as Mr. Abadi arrived here outfit­ could be facing guerrilla attacks for The victory could have been sweeter ted in the black uniform of Iraq’s elite weeks, the military began to savor its as the Iraqis were denied the symbolism Counterterrorism Service, Iraqi forces triumph in the shattered alleyways of of hanging the national flag from the were pressing to erase a pocket of Is­ the old city, where the Islamic State, also Grand al-Nuri Mosque and its distinc­ lamic State resistance by the Tigris known as ISIS or ISIL, put up a fierce tive leaning minaret, which was wiped River. Speaking from his base in the old last stand. from the skyline in recent weeks as a fi­ city, Lt. Gen. Abdul-Wahab al-Saadi, a Hanging over the declaration of vic­ nal act of barbarity by Islamic State mili­ senior commander in that service, said tory on Sunday is the reality of the hard tants who packed it with explosives and that the militants’ enclave was about road ahead. The security forces in Mosul, brought it down as government troops 200 yards long and 50 yards wide and still face dangers, including Islamic approached. that he expected it to be taken later in State sleeper cells and suicide bombers. It was at that mosque in June 2014 the day or on Monday. And they must clear houses rigged with where Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi strode to After arriving here, Mr. Abadi met explosive booby traps so civilians can the top of a pulpit and declared himself with the Federal Police, who have taken return and services can be restored. the leader of a caliphate straddling the significant losses in the battle, and went Mosul was the largest city in either borders of Iraq and Syria, a vast terri­ to visit the joint command overseeing Iraq or Syria held by the Islamic State, tory where for three years Islamist ex­ the operation. But in an acknowledg­ and its loss signifies the waning territo­ tremists have governed with a strict ment that the victory he had come to rial claims of a terrorist group that had form of Islamic law, held women as sex proclaim was not completely sealed, its beginnings in the aftermath of the slaves, carried out public beheadings Iraqi officials said the prime minister American invasion of Iraq in 2003. The and plotted terrorist attacks against the would not make a public statement until group is also threatened with the loss of West. the last patch of Islamic State territory its de facto capital, the Syrian city of This past week, as fighting raged in Mosul was cleared. Raqqa, which is encircled by Arab and nearby, Iraqi soldiers took selfies in Earlier in the day, a post on Mr.

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Abadi’s official Twitter account stated that he had come to Mosul “to announce its liberation and congratulate the armed forces and Iraqi people on this victory.” Some militants had sought to escape by swimming across the river, but Gen­ eral Saadi said his soldiers had shot them. The general said he had planted

“There is no such thing as the phase ‘after ISIS.’ ISIS is a mentality, and this mentality will not end with guns alone.” the Iraqi flag on the banks of the Tigris on Sunday morning — an act he de­ scribed as a “special moment” in which he reflected on the many soldiers he had lost in the long battle. The retaking of the city, by all ac­ counts, came at a great cost. Sensitive to FADELSENNA/AGENCEFRANCE-PRESSE — GETTi' IMAGES the mounting casualties, the Iraqi gov­ Iraqi woman, who fled the fighting in the Old City, waited on Saturday to be relocated. ernment does not disclose how many of its troops have been killed. But deaths In the heart of the old city, craters lit­ people who assist ISIS, and the acts of among Iraqi security forces in the Mosul violence will never end.” battle had reached 774 by the end of tered intersections and roadways, marking the places where bombs pum- Marwan Saeed, another Mosul resi­ March, according to American officers, dent, who lives in the city’s east side, which suggests the toll is more than a meled the ground, dropped from coali­ tion warplanes. Street after street was which was liberated in January and thousand now. where life has largely been restored to Even more civilians are estimated to covered in soaring piles of rubble, with rebar poking out of shattered masonry. normal, with schools and shops reopen­ have been killed, many at the hands of ing and most civilians returning home, the Islamic State and some inadver­ In a church used as a weapons- making factory by the Islamic State, said he feared for the future, now more tently by American airstrikes. At least than ever. seven journalists were killed, including mortars were lying on the ground next to a pink backpack decorated with a pic­ “Frankly, I’m desperate over the fu­ two French correspondents and their ture,” he said. “ISIS destroyed the peo­ fixer, an Iraqi Kurdish journalist, in a ture of a kitten. When troops unzipped the backpack, they found plastic sachets ple’s mentality, and the wars destroyed mine explosion in recent weeks. of a white explosive powder, which they the infrastructure, and we paid the The Iraqis and their international identified as C4 used in militants’ price. There is no such thing as the partners will now be confronted by the bombs. phase ‘after ISIS.’ ISIS is a mentality, immense challenge of restoring essen­ The military victory in Mosul has and this mentality will not end with guns tial services like electricity and rebuild­ come without a political agreement be­ alone.” ing destroyed hospitals, schools, homes tween Iraq's two largest communities, Iraqi forces still have to retake several and bridges, which were wrecked in the Sunni and Shiite Arabs, whose stark sec­ Islamic State strongholds: Hawija and ground combat or by the airstrikes, ar­ tarian divisions led to the rise of the Is­ Tal Afar in northern Iraq and a series of tillery fire and Himars rocket attacks lamic State. For many members of towns in Iraq’s Euphrates River valley, carried out by the American-led coali­ Iraq’s minority Sunnis, the Islamic State stretching from Anah to Qaim. tion to help Iraqi troops advance. was seen as a protector against abuses While this is happening, Syrian fight­ “When the fighting stops, the humani­ they had suffered under Iraq’s Shiite-led ers backed by American firepower are tarian crisis continues,” said Lise government, especially under the for­ to complete the taking of Raqqa before Grande, the deputy special representa­ mer prime minister, Nuri Kamal al-Ma- moving to surround and kill the mili­ tive for Iraq for the United Nations sec­ liki. tants in Euphrates River towns on the retary general. After the Islamic State seized Mosul Syrian side of the border. Western Mosul, especially its old city, in 2014, many Sunnis welcomed them. “Mosul and Raqqa is not the end of it where the Islamic State made its last Mr. Maliki was then removed from of­ by any stretch of the imagination,” said stand, was hit particularly hard, becom­ fice, replaced by Mr. Abadi, a more mod­ Brig. Gen. Andrew A. Croft, a senior Air ing a gray and decimated landscape. As erate and less sectarian leader, but one Force officer with the American-led task the combat has drawn to a close, thou­ widely viewed as weak. Under Mr. force that is fighting the Islamic State. sands of civilians have begun to return. Abadi, there has been nö meaningful And there is the fear that many Is­ But 676,000 of those who left the west­ reconciliation. lamic State fighters who were not cap­ ern half of the city have yet to come “I will leave Mosul because it has be­ tured or killed had simply put down back, according to United Nations data. come a destroyed city,” said Aisha Ab­ their guns and blended in with civilians, It is not hard to see why. Of the 54 dullah, a teacher who endured life under to live to fight another day. neighborhoods in western Mosul, 15 the Islamic State. “In every corner of it “Do you know that most of the ISIS neighborhoods that include 32,000 there is memory and blood.” fighters have shaved their beards and houses were heavily damaged, accord­ And while the Islamic State, with its took off their clothes, and now they are ing to data provided by Ms. Grande. An harsh rule, alienated many of the Sunni free?” said Zuhair Hazim al-Jibouri, a additional 23 neighborhoods are consid­ residents it sought to represent, member of Mosul’s local council. ered to be moderately damaged. The residents said its ideology caught on cost of the near-term repairs and the among some of the population, particu­ Reporting was contributed by Rukmini more substantial reconstruction that is Callimachi and Falih Hassan from Mo­ larly young men. sul, Omar al-Jawoshy from Baghdad, needed in Mosul has been estimated by “There is no use in reconstructing the United Nations experts at more than and an employee of The New York Times city if the people of Mosul don’t change,” from Erbil, Iraq. $700 million, she said. Ms. Abdullah said. “There are still many

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InternationalîNeU»jîorkSitues ju l y h , 2017 The Islamic State is not dead yet

Antony J. Blinken The terrorist Contributing Writer group may have been defeated The liberation of Mosul — the Islamic in Mosul, State’s de facto capital in Iraq — marks a turning point in the war against the but it will world’s most dangerous terrorist return if group. Daesh, as the Islamic State is there is known throughout the Middle East, no longer controls significant territory in not a clear Iraq where it can harbor foreign fight­ strategy for ers or exploit resources, like oil. rebuilding And its core narrative — building an actual state — is in tatters. But while Iraq. the Trump administration will be right to celebrate the end of the caliphate as we know it, it is far too soon to feel comfortable, especially in the absence W ÊpM , J J İlli Bi 1 of a strategy for the day after Daesh. \ fl HI Fifteen years ago, at the start of In President George W. Bush’s run-up to the invasion of Iraq, then-Senators Joe Biden and Richard Lugar raised a its leaders are more likely to perpetu­ advantage of the fight against the prescient concern: “When Saddam ate the conditions that gave rise to Islamic State to seize control of 70 Hussein is gone, what would be our violent extremism. And Iraq’s neigh­ percent of the territories in northern responsibilities? This question has not bors will line up behind whichever sect Iraq that are in dispute between Arabs been explored but may prove to be the they support, reinforcing a zero-sum and Kurds, and which they won’t be most critical.” mentality in Iraq itself. inclined to give up. Kurdish independ­ Substitute “Islamic State” for "Sad­ That’s where American diplomacy ence is a powerful dream and Mr. dam Hussein” and the question they comes in. The United States can’t Barzani sees its realization as the posed retains a fierce urgency today. dictate outcomes to a sovereign Iraq. heart of his legacy. Even when the Islamic State is de­ But it can support, incentivize and But moving too fast will incur the feated militarily, the political and eco­ mobilize those willing to move Iraq in wrath of both Baghdad and the Sunnis, nomic conditions that facilitated its the right direction. not to mention Hirkey and Iran. If oil rise — unleashed in part by the 2003 This starts with backing what Iraq’s prices stay low, the Kurds will be hard invasion — will continue to fester. How, prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, calls pressed to become self-sufficient. then, to ensure that Daesh stays de­ functioning federalism — giving Iraqis Here too, the United States should feated? at the provincial level the responsibil­ resume its role as an honest broker. Most urgent is a fully resourced ity and resources to provide tor their There’s a deal to be made that gives effort to stabilize, secure, govern and own security, services and schools and the Kurds greater control over the oil rebuild liberated cities so that dis­ to govern their day-to-day lives. in their region, while keeping federal placed people can come home safely. That’s the best way to convince troops out ana negotiating joint re­ The good news is that a coalition of Sunnis that their future is within Iraq sponsibility for the disputed and Oil- 68 countries led by the United States arid not with a new Islamic State. rich city of Kirkuk. It won’t happen by to fight the Islamic State has raised the Iraq’s Sunnis used to oppose federal­ itself. necessary funds to start that process ism in favor of a strong central govern­ One final question: What, if any, through the United Nations. A similar ment; increasingly, they embrace it. United States military presence should plan exists for Syria. Iraq’s constitution provides for remain in Iraq to help make sure the But the ongoing civil war there will decentralization, but it has yet to be Islamic State does not rise again? make it challenging to implement, as put into effect. Some within the Shia America’s departure at the end of 2011 evidenced by the slow process of community, goaded on by Iran, will reflected the reality then, that most bringing the city of Tabqa — liberated insist on retaining the spoils of majori- Iraqis simply wanted us gone. Now, as two months ago and a gateway to the tarian rule, preserving a dominant Iraq awakes from the Daesh nightmare, Islamic State’s Syrian capital in Raqqa Baghdad to lord it over the Sunnis. there may be greater appetite to keep — back to life. Bringing functioning federalism to some Americans around to train and Even more challenging is what life begins with effectively implement­ enable Iraqi forces, and to provide comes next. Twenty-five million Sunni ing a law that governs Iraq’s militia, intelligence and counterterrorism Muslims live between Baghdad and known as the Popular Mobilization support—but not to engage in combat. Damascus. They have been alienated Forces. Shiite P.M.F. units must be How the Triimp administration navi­ from their governments. placed under state control, kept out of gates this political minefield will be Unless they can be convinced that risks tearing Iraq apart. another crucial test of its strategy. their state will protect and not perse­ Kurdish ambitions pose an equally cute them, an Islamic State 2.0 will volatile challenge to Iraq’s stability. ANTONY J. b linken, a managing director find plenty of new recruits and The Kurdish region’s leader, Massoud of the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy supporters. Barzani, has called for a referendum and Global Engagement, was a deputy Iraq offers the best prospects for on independence in September. secretary of state in the Obama admin­ success. But left to their own devices, Meanwhile, the Kurds have taken istration.

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L E F I G A R O mardi 11 juillet 2017 Malgré le succès de la « marche pour la justice », l’opposition peine à défier Erdoğan Les Turcs victimes de la chasse aux sorcières lancée par le pouvoir attendent désormais un plan concret.

CAMILLE GUILLOT

ISTANBUL

TURQUE « Droits, loi et justice. » Cet unique slogan a rythmé les 450 kilomè­ tres de la marche, partie d’Ankara le 15 juin et dont la fin a rassemblé diman­ che plusieurs centaines de milliers de personnes dans le quartier de Maltepe, sur la rive asiatique d’Istanbul. « Nous sommes très fiers d’avoir parcouru les 50 derniers kilomètres aux côtés de notre leader (Kemal Kiliçdaroglu, chef du principal parti d’opposition, NDLR), ex­ plique Ipek, habillée d’un voile rouge et d’un ensemble blanc, en référence aux couleurs du drapeau turc. Nous avons marché en famille car trop de personnes dans notre entourage ont été licenciées. Plusieurs centaines de milliers de personnes étaient réunies dimanche sur la rive Cette situation ne peut plus continuer. » asiatique d’Istanbul pour la fin de la «marche pour la justice», s t r i n g e r / r e u t e r s Depuis la tentative de coup d’État de l’été dernier et i’instauration de l’état d’urgence, en vigueur depuis le 20 juillet ples, troisième formation représentée au 2016, le gouvernement s’est lancé dans Parlement, attendent toujours d’être ju­ une chasse aux sorcières sans précédent gés depuis leurs cellules. Même sentence aux quatre corns de la Turquie. Près de pour le coprésident de ce parti prokurde, 50 000 personnes ont été arrêtées et plus Selahattin Demirtas. Accusé de liens de 100 000 suspendues ou limogées dans avec le Parti des travailleurs du Kurdis­ le pays. Deux enseignants ont entamé tan (PKK), considéré comme organisa­ une grève de la faim depuis quatre mois tion terroriste par la Turquie, les États- pour dénoncer ces purges massives. Une Unis et l’Union européenne, il risque résistance qu’ils poursuivent aujourd’hui jusqu’à 142 ans d’emprisonnement. en prison. « Nous avons vécu deux coups d’État : Kemal Kiliçdaroglu, le leader du un coup militaire le 15 juillet et un coup couleur politique, la foule attend, quant à principal parti d’opposition, le CHP civil cinq jours plus tard avec l’instaura­ elle, une union de toute l’opposition. Les (parti républicain du peuple), a été à tion de l’état d’urgence. Nous briserons membres du HDP ont soutenu l’action, l’origine de la « marche pour la justice ». ce mur de la peur », a déclaré le leader mais n’ont pas marché aux côtés du chef « Nous avons marché pour le droit des du CHP. Souvent critiqué pour son du CHP. De trop lourds désaccords sub­ opprimés [...] pour les journalistes incar­ inefficacité à imposer son parti comme sistent entre les deux partis. À commen­ cérés, pour les universitaires limogés », une alternative - tout du moins une vé­ cer par la question kurde. a-t-il déclaré. L’initiative de l’oppo­ ritable opposition au gouvernement -, Par ailleurs, personne n’a oublié que sant, surnommé « Gandhi Kemal » du Kemal Kiliçdaroglu a réussi l’exploit de Kemal Kiliçdaroglu ne s’est pas opposé à fait de sa ressemblance physique avec le réunir à nouveau une partie de l’oppo­ la levée de l’immunité parlementaire guide spirituel indien, n’est pas sans sition dans la rue. des députés en mai 2016. Une position rappeler « la marche du Sel » entamée Mais l’ombre de Recep Tayyip Erdo­ qui aurait peut-être évité les poursuites 80 ans.plus tôt par le leader du mouve­ ğan a plané au-dessus de la marche, à l’encontre de 138 députés. Le leader du ment d’indépendance. « L ’arrestation pourtant tolérée par les autorités et en­ parti fondé par Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, de notre député, Enis Berberoglu, accusé cadrée par des milliers de policiers pen­ le père fondateur de la Turquie, peut-il à d’avoir délivré des informations confi­ dant 25 jours. Le président turc a, à plu­ lui seul incarner l’opposition? «Non, dentielles au quotidien Cumhurriyet et sieurs reprises, montré des signes tranche Ihsan Eliaçik, le leader du grou­ injustement condamné à 25 ans de prison, d’impatience face à l’ampleur des évé­ pe des Musulmans anticapitalistes. Nous a été la goutte d’eau qui a fait déborder le nements. Accusant le chef de l’opposi­ sommes ici car nous devons rassembler vase », explique-t-il. tion de se ranger « du côté des terroris­ nos forces, sinon ça ne fonctionnera ja­ tes », il s’est fait menaçant ; « Si les, mais. » Et déjà les déceptions pointent. «Mur de la peur» autorités judiciaires vous convoquent de­ Malgré les 10 principes énoncés dans C’est la première fois qu’un député de main quelque part, ne soyez pas surpris. » son manifeste et les promesses que cette cette formation politique historique est S’adressant aux centaines de milliers marche « ne sera pas la dernière », son arrêté pendant l’exercice de son mandat. de manifestants, Kemal Kiliçdaroglu leader n’a énoncé aucun plan concret Point d’apogée, s’il en est, de la volonté s’est écrié dimanche ; « Vous avez mar­ sur la manière dont il compte obtenir du gouvernement de réduire au silence qué l’Histoire. Le 9 juillet est une nouvelle «justice». Les participants sont remo­ toute forme d’opposition. Neufs députés naissance. » Si les organisateurs veulent tivés, mais pas dupes, la route est encore du HDP, le parti démocratique des peu­ croire à une démarche citoyenne et sans longue. ■

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JLCJİİblUlC MARDI 11 JUILLET'2017 Les dernières heures de la bataille de Mossoul Les luttes de pouvoir et A Mossoul, les 9 et 10 juillet. d’influence ont commencé Des soldats des forces antiterroristes irakiennes Bagdad n’a pas encore arrêté de plan pour l’après-EI cherchent à reprendre les derniers quartiers aux , l’organisation Etat islamique (El). Sans djihadistes, parfois séparés m o s s o u l (IRAK) - envoyée spéciale succès. Les responsables politiques de d’eux par un simple mur, tandis que des familles n avril, depuis le toit d’une la province s’y opposent farouche­ franchissent la ligne de front. ment. Et Bagdad a balayé d’un revers luxueuse villa à flanc de colline, \ LAURENT VAN DER STOCKT POUR « LE M ONDE » dans le quartier Al-M^lalffu, de main la proposition britannique. E Le gouvernement irakien n’a pas ar­ dans le nord-est de Mossoul, lé'major général Najim Al-Joubouri scrutait de rêté de plan pour l'après-EI à Mossoul. ses petits yeux verts perçants les quar­ Les partis chiites au pouvoir ne veu­ tiers libérés de l’est de la grande ville du lent pas entendre parler de l’autono­ nord de firak* A 6 oans, droit dans son mie que réclament des responsables uniforme, le chef du commandement locaux de cette province riche en res­ des opérations de Ninive savourait le sources naturelles et qui est composée prestige de ce poste-clé ; il lui a été con­ d’une mosaïque de groupes ethniques fié en 2015, tant en raison de la carrière et religieux. Son avenir ne pourra se militaire qu’il a effectuée depuis l’ère décider sans un accord politique avec du dictateur Saddam Hussein que du le gouvernement régional du Kurdis­ fait qu’il soit originaire d’Al-Qayyarah, tan irakien, qui affiche ses ambitions une ville située à soixante kilomètres d'annexer les territoires disputés de Le responsable sunnite estime les lage», justifie Laïth Al-Adhari, un au sud de Mossoul. Sinjar à Kirkouk ët de cogérer Mossoul. forces de police insuffisantes - soit membre de son bureau politique. Le militaire ne cache pas ses ambi­ A défaut de plan, le cadre institution­ 7 0 0 0 pour toute la province contre Les relations étroites que M. Nou- tions. « Je veux être le gouverneur mili­ nel reste pour l’heure inchangé. Les 3 0 0 0 0 en 2013 - pour contrôler ces jaïfi entretient avec la Turquie déplai­ taire de Mossoul. Je peux faire beau­ élections pour le conseil provincial, forces tribales. Ce que réfute le général sent même aux habitants de Mos­ coup pour reconstruire la ville et don­ dont sera issu le prochain gouverneur Al-Joubouri, qui évoque «une dou­ soul, qui refusent cette ingérence ner du travail aux gens. Je ne gaspille­ civil, et qui devraient vraisemblable­ zaine de kidnappings et de rackets per­ étrangère. «Si l'Iran ne jouait pas de rai pas une partie de l’argent en pots- ment être repoussées à 2 0 1 8 , aiguisent pétrés par des mafias et des voleurs». son influence, on n’aurait pas à se tour­ de-vin comme le font les politiciens», les appétits. Différentes forces et partis Bagdad a interdit aux gardes de Ni­ ner vers les pays étrangers en soutien dit-il dans un anglais hérité de neuf politiques maillent le terrain et courti­ nive - une force de 4 0 0 0 hommes alternatif, se défend le responsable ans passés en Virginie, aux Etats-Unis. sent les élites locales avec de l’argent et créée par l’ancien gouverneur de Mos­ politique. Oui, la Turquie est un pays Najim Al-Joubouri ne ménage aucune des promesses de sièges. «Le sort de soul (2 0 0 9 -201 5 ) avec le soutien de la étranger, mais sunnite comme la po­ critique contre les responsables poli­ Mossoul et de la province va être décidé Turquie et du Kurdistan irakien -, en pulation de Mossoul, donc elle est plus tiques «qui attisent le confessionna­ par la Turquie, l’Iran, le Kurdistan ira­ partie intégrés aux unités gouverne­ proche de nous que de l’Iran chiite. » lisme pour remporter les élections». Il kien, et les personnalités locales qui re­ mentales de la Mobilisation populaire Favorable à une autonomie de la pro­ assure travailler à rétablir des bonnes présentent leurs intérêts. Les Améri­ (MP), de se déployer dans Mossoul. vince de Ninive, qui conserverait dans relations entre la population et les cains et les Occidentaux vont devoir in­ Issu d’une riche famille de la ville, ses frontières les territoires disputés forces de sécurité - elles étaient désas­ tervenir pour réduire les conflits, car mais sous le coup d’un mandat d’arrêt, entre Bagdad et Erbil, il plaide pour treuses avant 2 0 1 4 . quand l'ÈI aura été bouté hors de Mos­ Atheel Al-Noujaïfi ne peut plus y met­ une solution qui «assure au gouverne­ Face à des autorités locales condam­ soul, une guerre de renseignement, de tre un pied. Depuis sa villa rococo d’Er- ment régional du Kurdistan irakien que nées à l'impuissance, il invoque son ex­ chantages et de kidnappings va débu­ bil, le responsable sunnite de 5 9 ans dé­ ses intérêts seront préservés sur Mos­ périence comme maire de Tal Afar de ter. Ce que certains n'arriveront pas à plore « une décision politique». «Ils veu­ soul et Ninive. » Atheel Al-Noujaïfi se 2 0 0 5 à 2 0 0 8 , un bastion djihadiste à obtenir sur le terrain politique, Us le lent nous tenir hors de la ville pour pou­ défend de convoiter de nouveau le 8 0 km à l’ouest de Mossoul qu'il se tar­ prendront par la force», prédit ainsi voir mettre des forces qui sont sous poste de gouverneur, mais il entend gue d’avoir nettoyé d’Al-Qaida, et re­ Abdelaziz Al-Jarba, de l’organisation l’influence politique des chiites et créer peser sur l’avenir de la province, avec construit avec le soutien des Améri­ indépendante de médiation Al-Tahrir. un fait accompli. Si on était dans Mos­ son parti Mouttahidoun (« Unis »). « Je cains. «Je ne craignais personne. On ne soul, ces forces n'auraient aucune suis certain, ajoute-t-il, que le gouverne­ pouvait pas me virer!» Désespérés par Kidnappings et rackets chanCt, lessens seraient avec nous», ment comprendra qu’il doit donner le l'absence de services publics et l’insé­ La situation sécuritaire dans les zones ajoute-t-il. L’homme, qui affiche sa pouvoir aux gens de Mossoul et comp­ curité qui règne encore dans les quar­ libérées inquiète déjà. L’armée, la po­ proximité avec Erbil et la Turquie, est ter sur nos forces armées et politiques. » tiers libérés de Mossoul, certains habi­ lice locale et des combattants tribaux dans le collimateur des partis chiites de Ses détracteurs et opposants espè­ tants plébiscitent la nomination d’un ont été déployés. «Il n’y a pas de juridic­ Bagdad. Le parti Asaïb Ahl Al-Haq, dont rent que M. Noujaïfi sera tenu à gouverneur militaire de transition. tion claire sur qui est chargé de traquer la milice a intégré la MP, prétexte les l’écart. « Atheel Al-Noujaïfl a gouverné Mais les noms qu’ils évoquent pour le les cellules dormantes. Il y a des inci­ « liens forts » recréés entre les commu­ la province pendant six ans. L’arrivée poste sont plutôt ceux des généraux dents où des forces et des gangs en uni­ nautés d’Irak pour justifier l’ouverture de Daech est en partie de sa faute: il des forces antiterroristes Abdelwahab forme kidnappent des gens et prennent de bureaux dans la métropole sunnite. était toujours en bisbille avec Bagdad Al-Saedi ou Abdelghani Al-Assadi. leur argent. On a plus d’une dizaine de Les menaces adressées par son chef, et le commandement militaire», es­ Cette option a aussi les faveurs des forces tribales qui ne répondent qu’à Qaïs Al-Khazali, au président du Kur­ time le député Zahed Al-Khatoumi. acteurs civils qui ont participé à des leur propre chef, leur propre feuille de distan irakien, Massoud Bàrzani, et Avec son frère Oussama, vice-prési­ discussions sur la future gouver­ route. Si on continue comme cela, on va aux troupes turques qui stationnent dent de l'Irak, il serait pourtant déjà à nance de Mossoul sous l'égide des Na­ avoir une guerre entre ces groupes pour dans le nord de la province de Ninive, la manoeuvre pour reprendre l’ascen­ tions unies (ONU). En novembre 2 0 1 6 , le pouvoir et l’influence», dit Zahed Al- révèlent d’autres enjeux. «A chaque dant sur Mossoul et sa province, se­ le Royaume-Uni a défendu l'idée de­ Khatoumi, un député et membre du fois qu’elles libèrent un territoire, les lon les observateurs. ■ vant les autres membres de la coali­ gouvernorat allié au gouverneur ac­ forces de Barzani le gardent et ne lais­ HÉ. S. tion internationale de lutte contre tuel, Nawfal Hamadi Al-Sultan. sent pas les civils revenir dans leur vil­

22 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti

fcîlîonde SAMEDI 15 - DIMANCHE 16 - LUNDI 17 JUILLET 2017

de l’honnêteté du processus électoral. LES TURCS FACE A L’ARBITRAIRE «Pas besoin de l’UE» Jusque-là, la société et les partis avaient Après le putsch raté il y a un an, la démocratie turque est à l’agonie. subi, groggy, cette avalanche de coups et Le président Erdoğan a verrouillé le pays et réprime tous azimuts de mauvaises nouvelles. Mais un fait récent et majeur redonne un peu espoir. l y a un an, au soir du 15 juillet 2016, En deux temps, d’abord avec l’instaura­ Des centaines de milliers de Turcs ont des militaires factieux descendaient tion, pendant l’été, de l'état d’urgence, qui suivi la «marche pour la justice», entre dans la rue pour prendre le contrôle a ouvert la porte à des arrestations massi­ Ankara et Istanbul, à l’initiative du CHP, I le parti d’opposition de la gauche kéma- des ponts sur le Bosphore. D’autres s’en­ ves (de 40 000 à 50 000 personnes) et à volaient à bord de leurs chasseurs-bom­ des purges monstres (150000 fonction­ liste. C’est un réveil. Il ne suffira pas à lui bardiers pour attaquer le Parlement turc naires), sans compter les innombrables tout seul. Les Turcs ont besoin d’aide et et intercepter le président Erdoğan. Leur mesures attentatoires aux libertés (pri­ de soutien. tentative de putsch a échoué et la Turquie vations de passeport, saisies de biens et Les sociétés européennes doivent sou­ s’est réveillée, le lendemain, meurtrie de comptes, fermetures d’entreprises et tenir la Turquie face au défi qui lui est lancé, parce qu’elle est proche, parce mais fière d’avoir mis en échec cet d’établissements d’enseignement, etc.) qu’elle a manifesté, de longue date, son énième coup de force de l’armée. qui ont visé les membres de la confrérie Les militaires avaient dicté leur loi, de l’imam Fethullah Gülen, accusée par le désir d’intégrer l’Union européenne. d’une manière ou d’une autre, en i960, pouvoir d’avoir ourdi la tentative de coup Dans une interview, mercredi 12 juillet, à 1971,1980 et 1997. Mais plus en 2016. La d'Etat, mais aussi l’ensemble des oppo­ la BBC, le président Erdoğan a expliqué démocratie était enfin durablement et sants au régime, militants de la cause que son pays n’avait « pas besoin de VUE » solidement installée dans la République kurde, gauche laïque, etc. et que la Turquie serait «soulagée» d’un turque. Pendant les jours qui ont suivi le Les milieux islamistes et même toute rejet de sa candidature. Une nouvelle putsch manqué, une forme d’union déviance au sein de l’AKP, le parti islamo- provocation qui montre combien ce der­ nationale - dont le Parti démocratique conservateur au pouvoir, sont aussi dans nier cherche à se débarrasser de ce qu’il des peuples (HDP, prokurde) a été d’em­ le collimateur. La délation et l’arbitraire voit comme une entrave à son désir illi­ blée écarté - a régné autour de Recep sont devenus la règle. La justice, engor­ mité d’arbitraire. Tayyip Erdoğan, malgré les réserves et les gée par les procédures, juge en masse à Parce que la presse est le meilleur controverses l’entourant. Il incarnait une partir de dossiers bâclés et toute la lu­ baromètre de la liberté d’expression, Turquie civile, sortie des urnes et non des mière sur les sombres heures du 15 juillet Le Monde et Reporters sans frontières casernes. Une démocratie certes impar­ est loin d’avoir été faite. ont donc décidé de s’associer pour lancer faite mais réelle et vivace. Le deuxième temps de l’instauration un appel à libérer les dizaines de journa­ d’une autocratie légale en Turquie a été listes emprisonnés en Turquie - Recep Coup d’Etat, civil celui-ci l’adoption, par référendum, le 16 avril, Tayyip Erdoğan n’en reconnaît que- Un an plus tard, le putsch a réussi et la d’une réforme de la Constitution don­ deux - et à rouvrir les quelque 150 médias démocratie turque n’est plus que l’ombre nant au président turc des pouvoirs fermés en un an. La défense de la démo­ d’elle-même. Pourtant, les factieux du encore renforcés. Le oui est passé de cratie en Turquie est une garantie de paix 15 juillet sont sous les verrous ou en fuite. justesse avec 51,41 % des voix, révélant pour les Européens. ■ C'çst le président Erdoğan, miraculé du une société plus divisée que jamais, mais CHRISTOPHE AYAD 15 juillet, qui a ramassé la mise en me­ aussi de forts soupçons de fraude. Un nant son propre coup d’Etat, civil celui-ci. tabou a été brisé avec la remise en cause

f t f f î ù n à t SAMEDI 15 - DIMANCHE 16 - LUNDI 17 JUILLET 2017 La couronne qu’Erdogan s’est offerte p ç - j - Le président s’est octroyé les pleins pouvoirs par la fraude, mais le peuple COI Cil tUL refuse de se soumettre, analyse le journaliste Can Dündar

soit le vainqueur. Deux options, chant à tous ses opposants d’être l’une encore pire que l'autre, nous des putschistes. «J attendaient. Si les putschistes C’est efféctivement ce qu’il s’est Can Dündar est un journa­ réussissaient, nous nous serions passé. Grâce à la sournoiserie poli­ liste, exilé en Allemagne. retrouvés avec un gouvernement tique qu’il a mûrie au fjl des ans, Directeur de la rédaction militaire. Et s’ils perdaient, un Erdoğan a transformé le putsch du quotidien Cumhuriyet, Etatpolicier... qui prévoyait de le renverser en un il a été emprisonné en 2015 II n’y avait pas de doute que, si Er­ contre-coup d’Etat dont l’objectif pour avoir révélé que les doğan était renversé, les militaires était de le maintenir au pouvoir à services secrets turcs qui lui auraient succédé auraient jamais. Il a écrasé le putsch en effectuaient des livraisons instauré une nouvelle dictature. appelant ses partisans à descendre d ’armes à des groupes Par CAN DÜNDAR Nous ne pouvions tout de même dans les rues. Et il a réussi à tour­ islamistes rebelles en Syrie. pas attendre la démocratie d’une ner à son avantage ce climat mentalité qui tolérait le pilonnage d’« union nationale » qui s’est créé Libéré puis condamné à cinq ans la nuit du 15 juillet, de l’Assemblée nationale 1 là en faveur de la démocratie. II a ans et dix mois de prison alors que les chasseurs D’un autre côté, si Erdogân proclamé «putschiste», «traître» pour « tentative de renverse­ turcs bombardaient le ment du gouvernement» D échappait à ce coup d’Etat, il ren­ et « terroriste » tous ceux qui s’y palais présidentiel, je savais que forcerait ses pouvoirs et lancerait sont opposés. Il a instmmentalisé en2016, il a quitté la Turquie. nous serions les vaincus quel que une chasse aux sorcières en repro­ cette mobilisation dans le cadre du

23 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti référendum-constitutionnel pour a découvert qu’au moins la moitié ché à tous ses opposants d’être des pal parti d'opposition, Erdoğan a mener campagne en faveur du du peuple lui était opposé. Il a «gülénistes». été confronté à une réaction à oui. Au final, il s’est offert une posi­ même été battu à Istanbul qu'il Un an après, voici un aperçu de la laquelle il ne s'attendait pas. tion qui lui permettait de régner avait remportée en 1996 et qu'il situation: Kemal Kıiıçdaroglu, le principal sur le gouvernement, le Parle­ n’avait plus jamais perdue. Toutes Les prisons étant pleines, les dé­ leader de l'opposition, accusé jus­ ment, la justice, la bureaucratie, les les grandes villes, la-frange la plus tenus sont obligés de dormir à qu’à maintenant de s’être tu face à médias, les universités, l’armée, la éduquée de la société, les villes in­ tour de rôle dans les lits qui se trou­ la répression et d’avoir abandonné police, bref, sur toutes les institu­ dustrielles les plus exportatrices, vent dans les dortoirs. La Turquie la grogne qui montait de la rue, a tions étatiques. et la jeunesse turque ont dit non. conserve le titre de «plus grande -enfin - dit «assez!», et est lui- Aucun dirigeant n’a disposé d’un Alors que dire non était quasiment prison de journalistes au monde ». même descendu dans la rue pour tel privilège dans l’histoire de la considéré comme un crime, que Les deux coprésidents et dix dépu­ entamer «la grande marche pour Turquie, pas même Atatürk... C’est les médias ne pouvaient évoquer tés du Parti démocratique des peu- la justice » entre Ankara et Istanbul un acte de despotisme que l’on que le oui et en dépit d’une campa­ AUCUN DIRIGEANT [son arrivée, dimanche 9 juillet à peut rencontrer dans les dictatu­ gne électorale sous pression... Istanbul, a donné lieu à une mani­ res. C’est un pas constitutionnel Dans ces conditions, il n'avait N’A DISPOSÉ festation géante]. Les sociaux-dé­ qui a été franchi vers un régime que deux possibilités: tenter de D’UN TEL PRIVILÈGE mocrates qui, par stratégie politi­ dirigé par un seul homme, une jouer le rôle de «président de DANS L’HISTOIRE que, essayaient jusqu'à présent de seule idéologie et un seul parti. tous» sur le trône présidentiel se rapprocher des partis du centre- Or, la vérité est que la couronne auquel il avait accédé en trichant; DE LA TURQUIE, PAS droit, sont descendus dans la rue qu’Erdogan s’est offerte est en toc. ou accroître les pressions et punir MÊME ATATÜRK... pour la première fois. Les autres Car - il est le premier à le savoir - il ceux qui avaient dit non... mouvements de gauche n’ont pas a perdu le référendum. Et pour Ceux qui connaissaient Erdoğan pies (HDP, prokurde), le troisième tardé à rejoindre la marche. pouvoir changer ce résultat, il s’est étaient sûrs qu’il allait choisir la grand parti d’opposition, sont Nous pouvons effectivement vu obligé de recourir à la fraude deuxième option. Car, comme le maintenus en détention. Depuis le parler d’un front démocratique électorale, chose que personne montre l’exemple de plusieurs contre-coup d'Etat du 20 juillet, on ■ qui s’est formé de manière sponta­ n’avait osé faire en Turquie depuis dictateurs dont nous avons lu les estime le nombre de personnes née sur la route d’Istanbul. Le mot 1946, et à intervenir dans les urnes biographies, il a écarté tous ses limogées de leurs fonctions à d’ordre de cette marche, « justice », au dernier moment. compagnons de route qui 150 000,dont 50000 enseignants, reflète un besoin si fort qu’il suffit Lorsque le front du non, celui qui auraient pu lui proposer des solu­ et près de 50000 personnes à rassembler tout le monde sous se verrait plus tard dérober sa vic­ tions raisonnables, il n’a plus seraient en détention. sa bannière. Et il revêt une impor­ toire au référendum, est descendu toléré que des médias qui accla­ Le véritable impact durable est ce tance cruciale car il montre qu’en dans les rues, Erdoğan a proclamé maient tout ce qu'il entreprenait, nuage de peur qui pèse sur la dépit de toutes les pressions, la l’état d’urgence le 20 juillet. Ça, et il est arrivé à un stade où, de société. L’arrestation d’un seul société refuse de se soumettre. c’était son coup d’Etat à lui! En peur d'être jugé, il ne supporte pas journaliste suffît à faire taire des Le destin de la Turquie et d’Er- écartant le Parlementet l’appareil la moindre opposition. dizaines d’autres. dogan sera scellé par cette contes­ judiciaire, il pouvait désormais Il a transformé l'état d'urgence Mais en vain... Car, dâns le lot, il y tation qui viendra de la rue. Et arrêter n'importe qui, interdire en un régime visant à protéger son en a qui écrivent, parlent et protes­ non par la crainte d'un nouveau toute fâcheuse manifestation ou palais. Il a muselé le Parlement. Il a tent, malgré tout, au péril de leur putsch, ni par les spéculations sur encore n’importe quel journal. chargé les médias qui étaient à sa vie. De plus en plus isolé du l’état de santé d’Erdogan, ni botte d’attaquer ses concurrents. monde, Erdoğan est contraint même par la peur de complots in­ LA FORCE DE L’ÉPÉE En limogeant les magistrats, il a d’amplifier la répression et de faire ternationaux... Il a réussi à utiliser le chaos du fait classer les enquêtes qui le met­ construire de nouvelles prisons... Il est inutile d’être pessimiste. 15 juillet pour organiser son pro­ taient en cause et a proclamé cou­ Le mois dernier, lorsqu'il a fait Mais il est encore tôt pour être op­ pre coup d’Etat du 20 juillet. Fatale­ pables ses opposants. En essayant incarcérer Enis Berberoglu [con­ timiste... ■ ment, il est facile d’accéder au pou­ de faire oublier qu’il était, depuis damné le 1 4 juin à vingt-cinq ans de (Traduit du turc par voir par la force de l’épée, mais pas des années, le complice de l’imam prison pour « espionnage »], le vice- Antoni Yalap.) de s’asseoir dessus. Cela a été diffi­ Fethullah Gülen qu’il accuse d’être président du Parti républicain du cile pour Erdoğan aussi. Parce qu'il derrière le coup d’Etat, il a repro­ peuple (CHP, kémaliste), le princi­

LEXPRESS 19 JUILLET 2017 Emmanuel Macron visionne La Bataille de Mossoul à l'Elysée

Par LEXPRESS.fr, le 19/07/2017 [INFO L'EXPRESS] Emmanuel Macron s'est fait projeter mardi soir, à L'Elysée, le film de Bernard-Henri Lévy. Des combattants et quelques VIP l'accompag­ naient. En pleine crise d'autorité avec le chef d'état major des armées, Emmanuel Macron était accompagné de son chef de cabinet militaire, l'amiral Bernard Un extrait de La Bataille de Mossoul, le film de BHL projeté mardi Rogel, pour assister à la projection privée, mardi soir à l'Elysée, de La Bataille soir à L'Elysée, devant Emmanuel Macron et son chef de cabinet mil­ de Mossoul, un documentaire signé Bernard-Henri Lévy et diffusé en mars sur itaire, l'amiral Rogel. Arte Arte. Étaient présents autour du chef de l'Etat l'auteur, ainsi qu'une délégation de D'autres membres du cabinet d'Emmanuel Macron avaient également fait le combattants kurdes emmenés par Sirwan Barzani, général de brigade pesh- déplacement, aux côtés de personnalités comme les écrivaines Christine merga et neveu de Massoud Barzani, le président du Kurdistan irakien. Angot et Fred Vargas ou l'architecte Jean Nouvel. ■

24 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti

L-MONITflRI July 12, 2017 'Justice for all' in Turkey must include Kurds The Turkish opposition's Justice March reveals that the president's exhausting hate rhetoric is wearing thin in Turkey and for much of the world.

Pinar Tremblay July 12, 2017 with Kurdish leaders to brand the march as corrupted by terrorists. Since the http://www.al-rnonitor.com 2013 Gezi Park protests, Erdoğan has successfully and meticulously brand­ ed all opposing figures as traitors, spies and terrorists. urkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Dogu Perincek, chairman of the marginal but ultranationalist Patriotic Party, Kilicdaroglu walks on the final stage of his 25-day protest, dubbed the T who is known for his denial of the Armenian genocide, harshly criticized “Justice March,’’ against the detention of the party’s lawmaker Enis Kilicdaroglu for accepting HDP members to the march. Perincek said this Berberoglu, in Istanbul, Turkey, July 9, 2017. alliance is a US scheme and likened it to the addictive and deadly bonzai Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the leader of Turkey's main opposition party, wrapped up drug. Alp Altinors, an HDP council member, did not mince words regarding his 25-day, 270-mile Justice March from Ankara to Istanbul last week and was Ogan or Perincek. He told Al-Monitor, “For them, the best Kurd is either a greeted at a rally attended by more than a million people. Does the enormous dead or enslaved one. But we focus on the march. The quest for justice is a support for the anti-authoritarian campaign indicate a turning tide in Turkish public demand. It cannot be limited to any political party. That is how we politics? approach the matter. We do not dwell on the CHP’s past mistakes, and [we] The 25-day period was chosen deliberately to symbolize the prosecutors’ seek justice for all.” Altinors added that those who oppose the justice march demand for a 25-year prison term for Enis Berberoglu, one of Kilicdaroglu's are aiding Erdogan’s regime and emphasized that without Kurds, the opposi­ fellow members of the Republican People’s Party (CHP). tion cannot succeed anytime soon. Throughout the march, the most controversial issue was the reaction of mem­ Yet this effort to discredit the opposition — an effort that has grown in frequen­ bers of two other opposition parties. One is the Nationalist Action Party cy and ferocity during the past five years — has almost run its course. The (MHP), ultranationalists who have long operated in unison with Turkish march only got stronger after the participation of HDP members. There were President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Several prominent Gray Wolves — as parents of military cadets who are still in jail a year after the July 15 coup party members are known by the public — have distanced themselves from attempt and family members of those who died. In addition to Islamist groups the MHP and have been operating as part of the opposition. such as Anti-Capitalist Muslims, even AKP founding members such as Fatma Bostan Unsal participated in the march and supported Kilicdaroglu’s quest for The other opposition group is the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party justice. Families of Gezi protest victims and the 2011 Roboski massacre were (HDP), whose co-chairs and several members are currently in jail. also present. Ironically, what led to the arrest of CHP lawmaker Berberoglu was the vote Though Ogan was critical of HDP's Turk marching along with Kilicdaroglu, his own party approved in May 2016 allowing parliamentarians to be stripped another former key MHP member, Meral Aksener, publicly announced her of their legal immunity. At the time, Kilicdaroglu and other CHP members support for the Justice March early on. She explained to her followers on explained that they had to vote "yes" to keep from being labeled terrorists Twitter that if the leader of the main opposition party is obliged to march with alongside the HDP. However, last month several CHP lawmakers publicly a sign that reads “justice,” then everyone needs to pause and think. At the acknowledged their mistake. On July 9 at the Justice Rally, without making end of the march, Aksener congratulated Kilicdaroglu and reminded the pub­ references to Kurds, Kilicdaroglu said the march helped opposition members lic that Mahatma Gandhi's Salt March led to Indian independence. cast aside their fears. Is that really the case? et some senior AKP members crudely ridiculed Aksener's support for the It is crucial to see the complicated interaction of the CHP with Kurdish and march. Parliamentary Speaker Ismail Kahraman, who is known for his ultranationalist factions of the political opposition. The HDP announced its Y Islamist stance, referred to Aksener as “Meral Kilicdaroglu” at a Ramadan din­ support for the march. On the 19th day of the march, HDP leadership briefly ner, implying she has become a Kilicdaroglu concubine. (Kahraman’s words joined the walk and was photographed with Kilicdaroglu under the banner once again remind us that independent-minded women in Turkish politics are “Justice for all.” no longer acceptable.) Aksener was furious and posted a searing open letter eactions to this brief photo op were immense, reflecting the opposition's on her Twitter account. Aksener expressed disappointment in her colleague Rcomplex divisions. For example, Sinan Ogan, a former member of the with strong words, saying Kahraman has learned little of Islamic education ultranationalist MHP and now an independent member of the opposition, pos­ and values in his 77 years. ted a much-debated tweet. Ogan said, “Was not Ahmet Turk [an elder HDP The Justice March has made clearer a few observations about Turkish poli­ member who was let out of prison at the request of MHP leader Devlet tics. Bahçeli] released from prison due to his [deteriorating] 'health?' If he is well enough to march, why [did Bahçeli] act as a liaison for his release?” First, Kurdish support is essential for the opposition to have any realistic chance of standing up against Erdoğan and continuing within the legitimate Thousands commented. Most were critical of Ogan's words and labeled his political domain. rhetoric as anti-Kurdish, even racist. Yet, Ogan’s real jab was at Bahçeli, who had asked for Turk to be released. Ogan had criticized Bahçeli for encourag - Second, younger generations of Kurds and Turks, along with members of var­ ing Gray Wolves to attack him and others who were campaigning against the ious political parties, are becoming disillusioned with the stalled peaceful polit­ constitutional reforms. In addition, he was perplexed to see Bahçeli extending ical process. But the AKP’s obsessive political control only allows their voices his get-well wishes to Turk but not the Gray Wolves. This tweet should also to be heard when they are fighting against each other. be seen as a continuation of the internal battle of the ultranationalist move­ Third, Kurds, women and other political minorities are viewed as passive, dis­ ment in Turkey, which is gradually being absorbed into the ranks of Erdogan's posable figures whose opposition cannot be tolerated in politics. All of these Justice and Development Party (AKP). are worrisome indications of Turkey’s potential slide into total dictatorship. Still, it is also crucial to see that Ogan’s tweet encouraged pro-government AKP-controlled media outlets ignored the march for as long as they could, voices against the march. The hashtag #AdaletDedilerPKKCikti means, then mentioned it only in passing as the “so-called justice march.” Erdoğan, ‘They said justice, but it turned out to be the PKK [Kurdistan Workers Party].” during the recent G-20 meetings in Germany, called HDP Chairman The AKP’s virtual troll army used this comment and the photo of Kilicdaroglu Selahattin Demirtas — sometimes fondly referred to as the "Kurdish o

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o Obama" — a "terrorist.” Erdogan’s words received little to no attention Tremblay is a columnist for Al-Monitor's Turkey Pulse and a visiting scholar of in respected international media outlets, unlike the imprisoned Demirtas’ political science at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She is a columnist for Turkish news outlet T24. Her articles have appeared in Time, New response. It seems the majority of Turks and much of the world are disillu­ America, Hürriyet Daily News, Today's Zaman, Star and Salom. On Twitter: sioned by Erdogan’s gimmick of branding everyone who opposes him ter­ @pinartremblay rorists, spies and traitors. ♦

FRONTPAGEMAG.COM " July 19, 2017 Red Lines in Syria Will Turkey’s attacks on U.S. allies stir Washington to action?

Kenneth R. Timmerman / July 19, 2017 After Turkey violated a 2013 eration. http://www.frontpagemag.com truce negotiated in Oslo that called for the PKK There were few references to the PKK by the to remove its fighters from Turkey into northern speakers, and the PKK central committeeman uleymania, Iraq - With Saturday’s bombing Iraq, the PKK relocated remaining fighters into himself never spoke. The final declaration of the S of Afrin, a town controlled by America’s the Kurdish areas in Syria, known as Rojava. conference makes no mention of the PKK. Kurdish allies in northern Syria, Turkey appears Like most Kurds, Ms. Osman believes Turkey Both President Trump and Secretary of Defense to have crossed a line. and its allies in the region do not want to see a Mattis have warned Turkey not to attack Turkish artillery pounded the Ashrafiyeh neigh­ successful democratic self-governing region in America’s Kurdish allies in Syria. Turkey has borhood near the city center as well as surround­ northern Syria, because it would encourage their blithely ignored those admonishments until now. ing villages. Reports from the region said the own Kurds to seek greater autonomy. ess than a month after President Trump at Turkish attack killed five civilians, including an “They accuse us of not being democratic, but we Lthe White House personally rejected entire family that was buried alive in their own have allowed all political and ethnic groups to Erdogan’s demand that the U.S. drop support for home, and damaged dozens of homes. have representatives in the regional govern­ the Syrian Kurds, Turkey began moving troops to “This is considered the first targeting of the city ment. Our project is for all of Syria, not just encircle Afrin, the political capital of the Syrian since the start of Turkish preparations” to expand Kurds,” she told me. Kurdish region, and other Kurdish controlled military operations in Northwest Syria last Ms. Osman traveled to Northern Iraq in a group areas. month, according to the UK-based Syrian of 65 Syrian Kurdish activists, representing near­ After Turkey started to attack YPG positions in Observatory for Human Rights. ly twenty political groups. late June, Secretary of Defense James Mattis The Turkish attacks were not directed against Normally, they would have entered Iraq via a upped the ante by declaring that the United ISIS or against any other Islamist group. The pontoon bridge over the Tigris River at Semalka, States might allow the Kurdish group to keep Turks targeted Afrin because it has become a in an area that has escaped the current fighting. U.S. supplied weapons after the battle for Raqqa key political hub for the Democratic Union Party ut the Kurdish Regional Government in Iraq to smash ISIS was over. of Syria, the YPD, which Turkey accuses of Bclosed the border recently, forcing the Syrian Some of Erdogan’s erstwhile political allies being part of the PKK. pro-democracy delegates to make a dangerous believe he Erdoğan is playing a dangerous I spoke with Asya Abdallah Osman, the co-pres­ 16-hour trek by foot across the only other border game. ident of the YPD, on the sidelines of a confer­ crossing into Iraq near Mount Sinjar, which is Even before the Turkish attacks on civilians over ence both of us were attending in Iraqi Kurdistan. controlled by Iranian-backed Shiite militias. the weekend, former Turkish Foreign Minister She was visibly shaken when she called home “There is no Kurdish Regional Government,” Ms. Yasar Yakis, who helped found Erdogan’s ruling and learned details about the civilian casualties Osman said dismissively. “There is only the AKP party, counseled against attacking the in Afrin. KDP,” the Kurdish Democratic Party, dominated Syrian Kurds. “We have been fighting [ISIS] because we as by President Massoud Barzani and his family. “The best course would be to negotiate a deal women do not want to be subjected to their inhu­ She and other Kurdish activists at the weekend with the Syrian Kurds, persuade them not to manity. But we need your help,” she said, mean­ conference believe that Turkey pressured the attempt to change the ethnic composition of the ing the United States. “We need no other. This is Barzanis to close the Semalka border crossing in region, and establish - preferably in cooperation war and people are dying. It won’t be resolved by order to further isolate them. “Semulka is our with the Syrian government - a multi-ethnic, politics, only by hard power.” only gate to the outside world,” she said. “When multi-confessional democratic administration,” he swept aside the Turkish allegations that it is shut, we are closed off.” Yakis wrote in a column for Arab News. S the regional government of the YPD, and its She attributed claims that the YPD and its militia That is precisely the project Ms. Osman and the associated militia, known as the People’s were controlled by the PKK to Turkish propagan­ YPD have been proposing. Protection Units (YPG), were controlled by the da. “Of course, we have dialogue with other Erdoğan showed his arrogance in Washington PKK, or that the PKK was using YPD territory to Kurdish parties, including the PKK. So do most when he calmly observed his bodyguards cross launch attacks into Turkey. Kurdish groups in the region. But we run our a Capitol Police barrier in May to viciously bludg­ “We are an independent political party that party and our administration ourselves. We elect eon opposition protestors with truncheons. belongs to Syria and to the Kurds. If the PKK has our own officials and they take orders from no But by putting his forces in a position where they come to Syria, it’s because Turkey has forced one.” could potentially clash with U.S. military units them to come,” she said. Indeed, I only learned after the conference that a assisting the YPG and the Syrian Democratic Turkey has long accused the Kurdish Workers member of the PKK central committee had Forces, Erdoğan has shown a reckless side as Party, or PKK, or fighting a terrorist war against attended the weekend event, sponsored by the well. it, but also has been willing to negotiate with Kurdistan National Congress, where three hun­ Turkey has been warned twice. Will Afrin prove PKK leaders when it felt it could reach a deal to dred delegates from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey to be the third strike for Erdoğan in Syria? • curtail the violence. strategized over a future Kurdish state or confed­

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International iNcU» Jîork Siııtcs J u l y 1 2 , 2 0 1 7 Iraqi victory in Mosul conceals deeper risk controlled government and its security could turn their guns on one another in a MOSUL, IRAQ forces and militia allies against Sunni scramble for power. And the thoughts of families have kept sectarian divisions many in Iraq’s Sunni community have fresh. And with no sectarian reconcilia­ stayed fixed on revenge against their Conflicts on the margins tion process to speak of, any setback in neighbors who supported the Islamic the resettling of Mosul could danger­ State, with increasing reports of violent threaten to unravel the ously add to the list of grievances. reprisals. For the mostly Sunni residents of Mo­ The Kurds, who have operated an au- multisectarian country sul, there are the devastating afteref­ tonomous enclave in the north since the fects of living under the Islamic State, 1990s, are moving quickly to hold a refer­ BY TIM ARANGO also known as ISIS, ISIL or Daesh. And endum on independence in September, there is deep doubt and fear over what The fighting is all but over in Mosul, and despite pleas from American diplomats will happen to them next. the billboards are already up: hastily to hold off. raised signs in which the government “The people of Mosul need to be psy­ So, the end of the Mosul battle, even urged the Iraqi city’s Sunni residents to chologically treated and rehabilitated with the Islamic State still in control of “turn the page” from the terrorists of the through long-term programs,” said inti­ other areas of the country, brings forth a Islamic State. şar al-Jibouri, a member of Parliament vital question that has been asked ever from Mosul. “Thèy have lost family As Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi since the multisectarian state of Iraq visited Mosul to declare victory and call members, been tortured, beaten for silly was created from the ashes of World reasons by ISIS.” for unity, civilians on the longer-secured War I: Can the country hold together? east side of the city danced and waved Concerns are growing that Shiite At great cost in lives and property, Iraqi flags. Some called for brotherhood militias that mobilized in other parts of Iraqis have shown that they can defeat the country to fight the Islamic State between Sunnis and Shiites, or chanted, the Islamic State militarily. But whether “By our souls and blood, we sacrifice for you, Iraq!” It is a moment for Iraqis to celebrate after nearly nine months of bloody war­ fare against the Sunni extremists of the Islamic State. But despite the flaring of hope for a new national unity, the gov­ ernment’s costly victory in Mosul and the questions hanging over its after- math feel more like the next chapter in the long story of Iraq’s unraveling. Most pressing is the need to bring back hundreds of thousands of dis­ placed Sunni civilians. But Iraq has failed to rebuild and resettle some other communities freed from the Islamic State as tensions between the Sunni mi­ nority and the majority Shiites still un­ dermine efforts to reunite the country. Reports of past abuses by the Shiite-

Clockwise from top: Iraqi soldiers walking through the old city part of Mosul, where security forces rescued two more girls from the Yazidi religious minority who had been held as sex slaves; a bridge destroyed in the fighting; federal police officers waving the Iraqi flag as they celebrated the city’s liberation. As part of the celebration, the Iraqi prime minister declared victory in Mosul, saying, “Iraq is now more united than ever.”

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they are up to the political challenges to Region Security Council and the area’s tened buildings and upturned, charred bring the country together again — or top intelligence official. “Is the rest of trucks; even the windows of the cars even get the lights turned on in Mosul, Iraq united? Even the Arabs in Iraq are civilians are driving have been blown or bring the displaced back home, for not united.” out. Cross the bridge, though, and sud­ that matter — is another question en­ He continued: “We are not the reason denly the world emerges in light and col­ tirely. Iraq is falling apart. I think Iraq is a fab­ or, with shops and restaurants open, and “Right now we are only fighting ricated state. It was built on the wrong loud traffic jams. foundations.” Daesh militarily,” said Jabar Yawar, the Fighting continued on Monday in a And then there is Syria. The civil war secretary general of the pesh merga, the small patch of the old city, and security across the border, as much as the sectar­ Kurdish security forces in northern forces there rescued two more girls from ian policies of the former prime minister, Iraq. Iraq’s Yazidi religious minority who had Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, helped the Is­ As for politics and governance, Mr. been held as sex slaves. lamic State regenerate in Iraq after its Yawar, whose men participated in the All day long on Monday, Iraqi state early phases of the Mosul battle last fall, predecessor, A1 Qaeda in Iraq, was television played patriotic songs in hon­ said: “There is nothing, no plan. We are largely eradicated. The group was able to expand into Syria before sweeping or of the security forces, and later in the fighting, and that’s it.” evening, a news flash alerted that Mr. Hoshyar Zebari, Iraq’s former foreign across the border in 2014 and taking Mo­ Abadi would make a “historic” speech, minister, a Kurd originally from Mosul, sul. said, “Everyone is in a hurry to achieve Without peace in Syria, officials say, surrounded by soldiers. The prime min­ there is little chance for peace and sta­ ister, once again, declared victory in Mo­ bility in Iraq. sul, saying, “Iraq is now more united “Even the Arabs in Iraq “Syria and Iraq are closely con­ than ever,” and he declared Tuesday a are not united.” nected,” Mr. Maliki said in an interview national holiday of celebration. this year. “If the situation in Syria is un­ In the skies over Mosul, Iraqi air­ stable, Iraq will be unstable.” planes dropped three million leaflets on a military victory, without regard for the When asked about the future of Iraq a city where many of the residents are destruction or the day after.” after the Islamic State, Mr. Maliki said: no longer there. Mr. Zebari is now working to support “The state cannot control the situation. Each leaflet showed a map of Mosul in the Kurdish referendum, which is likely The coming phase will be bad.” the colors of the Iraqi flag — red, white to go forward despite objections from With the larger questions hanging and black — with the message: “Mosul the United States, Hirkey and Iran. over the country, the immediate chal­ has been returned to the bosom of Iraq.” Most expect a resounding “yes” vote, lenge of stabilizing Mosul is monumen­ given the depth of feeling among Kurds tal, especially in the city’s west side. The Falih Hassan contributed reporting. to have their own state. fight has essentially turned the city into “Forget Kurdistan,” said Masrour two, divided by the Tigris River. The Barzani, the chancellor of the Kurdistan west is a gray, dusty wasteland of flat­

JULY 7, 2017 PYD says Kurds determined to expel Turkish forces from northern Syria July 7, 2017 Kurdish Region, Syria PYD leader http ://ar anews.net Salih Muslim THE KURDISH DEMOCRATIC UNION PARTY IN SYRIA (PYD) said they (c) speaking to will expel the Turkish military and Turkey-backed groups from north­ the Syrian ern Syria. This comes after Turkey threatened to attack The Kurdish dis­ Democratic trict of Afrin (Efrin) northwest of Aleppo. Forces (SDF) in Kobane. Photo: “We at the general council of the PYD condemn and denounce the bombing ARA News of the Turkish occupation and its mercenary forces to the areas of Afrin and al-Shahba [northern Aleppo] and consider this an attack on the entire Kurdish people and Syrian people as a whole,” the PYD said. “We assure our people in Rojava and northern Syria that will not spare any effort until the Turkish occupation failed and its even expelled from all the areas it’s occupied,” the Kurdish party said in a statement on Thursday. The Barzani-backed Kurdish National Council in Syria (KNC) on Tuesday con­ demned the Turkish threat to in northwestern Aleppo, and The PYD called on all Syrian parties, including the Kurdish National Council called on the Kurdish government in Iraq to stop the Turkish attack on Afrin. (KNC), to unite and oppose the Turkish intervention, accusing the KNC of ‘treachery’. The PYD said that one of their main goals is to unite the Kurdish “We at the Kurdish National Council (KNC), while we support any effort to parties. combat extremism and terrorism in all its forms and names, we believe that such actions will not serve international efforts to combat it and will hinder “At the same time, everyone is witnessing an intensive diplomatic move by efforts to eliminate terrorism,” the KNC said, calling for dialogue. the KNK [Kurdistan National Congress] to prepare for a national consultative meeting to be held in Sulaymaniyah this mid-month, and also advised by the On Tuesday, Abdulkarim Omer, who administers Cezire’s foreign relations, friends of the people of Kurdistan to the necessity of achieving national unity led a delegation from the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) to the KNC to in the Kurdish society and support the national gains and democracy and invite them for a consultative meeting in Slemani. completion of the Kurdish national agenda which would ensure a democratic However, the KNC told the delegation that they will not participate, unless and stable Middle East,” the PYD said. KNC members are released from Rojava prisons and KNC offices reopened. ■

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las.-İE HUFFINGTÖN POSTf July 18,2017 Was Turkey’s Coup For Real? The truth will come out.

David L. Phillips, Erdoğan disappeared during the coup. In the Jul 18, 2017 early hours of the morning, he surfaced to www.huffingtonpost.com address the nation using FaceTime. He called on ccording to US Secretary of State John followers to take to the streets in defense of AKerry, “It does not appear to be a very bril­ Turkey’s democracy. liantly planned or executed event.” Kerry has a uch speculation exists about the coup in Imams echoed Erdogan’s appeal. The chant knack for understatement. It was a botched coup MTurkey on July 15, 2016. Some even call it “Allahu akbar” - God is great - reverberated that showed all the hallmarks of incompetence. a “false-coup,” which President Recep Tayyip from the muezzins of mosques. Many thousands Would Erdoğan be so reckless to stage an event Erdoğan organized in order to justify a crack­ of supporters went to Atatürk Airport and that endangered Turkish citizens, killing 265 down against oppositionists. There are many Taksim Square in Istanbul. They also gathered people? Another theory exists about Erdogan’s other instances when a military tried to remove outside the presidential palace in Ankara. complicity. the civilian head of government. Case studies suggest a pattern, which can be used to evaluate F-i6s controlled by the putschists allegedly Rather than organize the coup, Erdoğan was the events in Turkey one year ago. bombed the army headquarters and the Turkish either tipped off by members of the putsch or by Grand National Assembly (TGNA). the intelligence agency of a foreign government. When conducting a coup, the first action Though Turkey’s military has a reputation for Instead of preventing the coup, Erdoğan allowed involves capturing or killing the head of govern­ events to progress just far enough so claims of a ment, in this instance Erdoğan. efficiency, its actions were poorly considered and badly executed. The coup fell far short of best coup were credible but not so far as to present In parallel to killing or capturing the head of gov­ practices for military takeovers. any real risk. ernment, loyal military and security units must How could mutinous soldiers have been In his first public remarks during the early be immobilized to prevent them from obstruct­ morning of July 16, Erdoğan issued a chilling ing the coup. unaware of Erdogan’s plans to leave the hotel? Failing to find him was a major gaff that under­ threat: “This latest action is an act of treason. Public information is critical. The putschists typ­ mined the coup from the outset. This attempt, this move, is a great gift from God ically seize control of media so they can manage for us. Why? Because the move will allow us to Why wasn’t Erdoğan apprehended on his way to the flow of information to the public. Traditional clean up the armed forces, which needs to be media outlets involve radio and television, both the airport before his presidential plane took off? completely cleaned.” In a rush to judgement, he The coup plotters possessed F-16 fighter jets. public and private. New media include social vowed to purge all state institutions of “the media such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Why didn’t they intercept or shoot down virus” spread by supporters of Fethullah Gulen. Erdogan’s plane? A head of the putsch presents himself so the pub­ The Turkish government had already prepared lic can attach a face to the events and find reas­ embers of the Turkish General Staff repre­ lists of oppositionists. The authorities moved senting major branches of the Turkish surance. If the public protests the coup, muti­ M immediately to arrest them. To date, about nous soldiers use all necessary measures to pre­ armed forces were detained. Was their arrest 50,000 security officers and civil servants have serve order. part of the coup design or was it intended to pre­ been arrested and another 150,000 dismissed vent them from joining the ranks of mutineers? from their jobs. Approximately 150 journalists The following occurred in Turkey. MIT’s Hakan Fidan, was not apprehended. Of all are in jail. Members of parliament, judges, and educators have also been dismissed or arrested. Erdoğan was vacationing in Marmaris on July the members of Turkey’s national security estab­ 15. When mutinous soldiers arrived at his hotel lishment, Fidan is closest to Erdoğan and best Instead of reconciliation, Erdoğan arrested to arrest him, Erdoğan had checked out and was positioned to protect the president. Erdoğan another 7,000 people on the one-year anniver­ sary. Erdoğan vows to approve a bill reinstating on his way to Dalaman aiport. once called him his “sır küpü,” which means ‘jar of secrets’. the death penalty if parliament proposed it. The first inkling of the coup occurred in the early Some say Erdoğan is paranoid. But even para­ evening when mechanized units used tanks to The putschists never presented themselves to block the Bosphorus Bridge and the Fatih Sultan the public, explaining events and offering reas­ noid people have enemies. Mehmet Bridge, crossing from the Asian side to surance. Erdoğan was profoundly aware of potential chal­ the European side of Istanbul. Land forces on Why did the coup plotters fail to take over major lenges from the TSK. Turkey has a histoiy of mil­ the bridge were joined by the gendarmerie. itary coups in i960, 1971, 1980, and 1997. private networks that most Turks actually rominent members of the Turkish Armed watch? Both TRT and CNN Turk have relatively Erdoğan was directly affected by the coup of 1997, which outlawed the Refah Party to which PForces (TSK) were arrested. Chairman of the small viewing audiences. General Staff General Hulusi Akar, and Deputy he belonged. And why did the coup plotters allow social media Chief of Staff Yasar Güler were imprisoned at the o pre-empt challenges, Erdoğan pushed Akincilar air base on the outskirts of Ankara. to function? They could have jammed coverage, but didn’t. It is ironic that Erdoğan addressed Tthrough constitutional reforms affecting the Commander of the Land Forces General Salih Kemalist judiciary. Pro-government prosecutors the nation using FaceTime, a form of social Zeki Çolak, Gendarmerie Commander Galip conjured fantastical plots, Ergenekon and media he vowed to eliminate. Mendi, Commander of the Air Force General Operation Sledgehammer, which were used to Abidin Unal, and Commander of the Turkish While imams called Erdogan’s supporters to the crack-down on retired and current military offi­ Naval Forces Bulent Bostanoglu were also taken streets, the putschists issued instructions for cers. Arrests sent shock waves through Turkey’s into custody. Hakan Fidan, head of the National people to stay indoors. Allowing Erdoğan sup­ security establishment. Intelligence Agency, was rushed to a secure loca­ porters free reign allowed a groundswell of pop­ tion. ular support for the president. Events in Egypt further exacerbated Erdogan’s concerns. Erdoğan identified closely with TRT, Turkey’s public television, was taken off the Damage to the TGNA was minimal. Crater analy­ Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi as a kindred air. Soldiers also seized control of CNN Turk, sis suggested that explosives inside the building spirit and fraternal political ally. Morsi was a interrupting a live broadcast. No private televi­ were used, rather than high impact ordinance of leader of the Muslim Brotherhood and a known sion channels were affected. fighter jets. Islamist. When Morsi was overthrown >•

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> by General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in 2013, atize repression. Mr. Phillips is Director of the Program on Peace-building and Rights at Columbia Erdoğan feared something similar. He accused Secrets are hard to keep. Repression is difficult University’s Institute for the Study of Human the West of masterminding Morsi’s removal. to maintain. Close to two million people rallied Rights. He worked on Turkish issues as a sen­ in the Maltepe district of Istanbul on July 8. Erdoğan was pro-active to prevent a similar fate. ior adviser and foreign affairs expert to the They demand “adalet” - justice and the rule of Erdogan’s purge is called a “civilian coup” or a U.S. State Department’s Bureau o f European law. They want answers. “controlled coup,” because it pervasively elimi­ Affairs under President Clinton and Bush. His nated opposition and generated widespread fear When Erdoğan eventually leaves power, Turks recent book is titled An Uncertain Ally: Turkey in society and professional ranks. An open- and the world will learn what really happened. Under Erdogan’s Dictatorship. ended state of emergency has been used by The truth will come out. • Erdoğan to eliminate the rule of law and system­

FP Foreign Policy | July 18, 2017 Iraqi Kurds Want America as Their Divorce Lawyer Kurdish leaders are trying to persuade the United States to broker a potentially explosive split between Erbil and Baghdad.

By Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian Washington also worries about the reaction of July 18, 2017 - neighboring countries such as Turkey and Iran, http://foreignpolicy.com/ which view the creation of a Kurdish state as an existential threat. raqi Kurds are mounting a campaign in “The Americans do not want this additional Washington this week to rally U.S. govern­ source of pressure,” said Randa Slim, the direc­ Iment support for an independence bid before a tor of the Track II Dialogues initiative at the non­ referendum in September. But Baghdad opposes partisan Middle East Institute, adding that even talk of secession, and with the United States a strong “yes” outcome is unlikely to change committed to a one-Iraq policy, it’s going to be minds in Washington. an uphill fight. “After the referendum, the position of the Falah Mustafa Bakir, the head of the Americans is going to be what you see now — it’s Kurdistan Regional Government’s Department not good, it’s not the right time, it’s better for the of Foreign Relations, told Foreign Policy during region to be whole, to be not divided,” Slim told a visit to Washington that the message he hoped FP. to convey to his American counterparts was that January 2005, in which Kurds voted overwhel­ Barzani isn’t necessarily hoping to make an “an independent Kurdistan is a solution and not mingly for independence, this referendum is a problem.” immediate declaration of independence, howe­ officially sponsored by the regional government. ver, and his willingness to play the long game “The United States can play a veiy important “Whoever sits in Baghdad wants to grab all increases his options. The 2005 referendum, role,” Bakir told FP. “It has leverage, and it has the power and control everything,” said Bakir, even though it carried no legal weight, neverthe­ tools, in order to be the broker ... in bringing adding that the Kurds were never treated like less increased the Kurds’ bargaining power Erbil and Baghdad to this process of negotia­ genuine partners. But the United States has during the debate over Iraq’s new constitution, tion.” developed what to Erhil feels like an equitable which enshrined Iraqi Kurdistan’s status as the Iraqi Kurds, who are concentrated in the relationship, and Bakir hopes to draw on that country’s only autonomous region. country’s autonomous northern region, have relationship during his visit this week. A “yes” vote for the 2017 referendum could long chafed under centralized rule. In the 1990s “The United States has found out that Kurds do much the same, both for direct negotiations under Saddam Hussein, they were the targets of are their best friends and allies — in building between Erbil and Baghdad and in the run-up to a genocidal campaign that forced hundreds of democracy, in fighting terrorism, in caring for the Iraqi national elections in April 2018. thousands of Kurds to flee into the mountains the displaced communities and standing for the for safety. Barzani wants to “slow walk” toward inde­ minorities,” he said. pendence, said Nicholas Heras, a fellow at the The 2005 Iraqi Constitution established the So far, Bakir has met with National Security Center for a New American Security. “Barzani autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government, Council Middle East director Derek Harvey; can use a resounding ‘yes’ on the referendum. or KRG, which gained international acclaim for Stuart Jones, the acting assistant secretary at the This will give him political leverage.” the role of its Peshmerga militias in the fight State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern against the Islamic State. For the time being, the potential powder keg Affairs; Brett McGurk, the special U.S. envoy for of Kurdish independence remains unlit, and coo­ But many Kurds believe Baghdad has failed the coalition to defeat the Islamic State; and ler heads are prevailing. “All sides are coming at to respect their rights. Under the constitution, members of House Foreign Affairs Committee, it from a nonconfrontational approach,” Slim the Kurdish region is guaranteed a 17 percent cut said. “They are both, and especially the Kurds, of the national budget. But in 2014, following a "The Americans do not calling on the Americans to a trilateral dialogue dispute over oil sales, then-Iraqi Prime Minister process on the terms of the divorce between Nouri al-Maliki refused to send the requisite want this additional source Baghdad and Kurdistan.” payment, sparking a financial crisis. of pressure," said Randa Foreign Minister Bakir believes that the In June, Kurdish President Masoud Barzani close partnership that Erbil and Washington announced that the region would hold a referen­ Slim have developed over the past several years, and dum on Sept. 25 in which Iraqi Kurdistan’s their shared values, means that that partnership approximately 5 million residents would answer among others. should continue as Iraqi Kurdistan pursues inde­ “yes” or “no” to the question, “Do you want an pendence. independent Kurdistan?” Still, the United States is unlikely to take the KRG’s side. U.S. officials often argue that a “The people of Kurdistan do hope that the It’s not the first time that Barzani has called United States would stand by the values, the for a referendum, but this time is different. The strong, stable, unified Iraq is the region’s best bet to fight terrorism and prevent the return of principles, and also the friendship that we have Kurds are now well-known and well-liked state­ developed,” Bakir said. ■ side. And unlike the informal referendum held in the Islamic State or similar extremists. And

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X e M m â t 19 JUILLET 2017 L'amertume des habitants de Mossoul-Ouest Cinq mois de combats contre l'EI ont provoqué la destruction de

quartiers entiers de la ville irakienne Dans un quartier détruit de Mossoul, le 29 juin. LAURENT VAN DER STOCKT POUR « LE MONDE»

MOSSOUL (IRAK) - envoyée spéciale combats qui y ont fait rage d’oc­ de procéder, assure le général unies pour l’Irak, Jan Kubis. tobre 2016 à janvier, certains Sami Al-Aridhi, des forces antiter­ . Plus de 800000 personnes ont n est allé se coucher un quartiers sur l’autre rive du Tigre roristes irakiennes. Les Améri­ été déplacées par les combats à soir avec le gouverne­ ont été presque entièrement dé­ cains auraient dit: “On détruit l’ouest, selon l’ONU. Alors que l'est ment. On s’est réveillé truits dans la bataille engagée de­ tout et après, on se bat." Ce n'est de Mossoul bouillonne déjà d’ac­ le lendemain avec puis le 19 février. pas ce que Ton a fait. Croyez-moi, tivités et de commerces, la recons­ O /'[organisation] Etat islamique. si Ton avait utilisé toute notre truction de l'ouest, plus pauvre et L'EI nous a volé nos maisons et nos «U n désastre hum ain» force de frappe, ça aurait été tota­ davantage marqué par les années voitures. On a perdu plus encore Face à la résistance de plus en plus lement détruit.» Les militaires de défiance entre la population à avec la libération. Tout est détruit : acharnée des djihadistes, retran­ évoquent les pertes de plus en majorité sunnite et les autorités nos maisons, notre patrimoine, chés parmi les habitants utilisés plus sévères subies côté gouver­ chiites de Bagdad qui ont suivi nos mosquées, nos hôpitaux, notre comme boucliers humains, les nemental et la volonté d'avancer l’invasion américaine de 2003, re­ université. On n’a plus de travail, frappes aériennes de la coalition rapidement pour éviter les con­ vêt un fort enjeu politique. plus d’avenir.» La voix chevro­ internationale et les tirs d’artille­ tre-attaques de l’EI et libérer les Dans les conversations, l’argu­ tante, Ali Nachwan ne peut pas rie des forces irakiennes se sont civils affamés par des mois de ment confessionnel ne tarde ja­ contenir la colère qui le gagne à faits plus intenses. La vieille ville, siège pour justifier le déluge de mais à ressurgir. «Depuis le début, l’évocation de la désolation dans devenue la forteresse de l’EI, a été feu qui s’est abattu sur l’ouest de c’est le plan prévu par les Etats- laquelle a été laissé l’ouest de détruite à plus d’un tiers - soit Mossoul. Mais, leurs explications Unis, Israël et l’Iran: éradiquer la Mosspul après cinq mois de com­ près de 5000 habitations - dans ne satisfont pas les habitants. communauté sunnite», croit, bats entre les forces irakiennes et les combats entre mi-juin et mi- comme beaucoup, Ali Nachwan. les combattants de l'EI. juillet, selon les observations réa­ « Rendre aux gens leur dignité » Qassem Al-Charifi n’est pas loin de Autour de lui, dans l’assistance lisées par images satellite par l’UN «La plupart des destructions ont penser la même chose: «C'est réunie comme chaque matin Habitat. Dans le reste de la ville, été causées par les forces irakien­ comme les Américains, c’est ainsi dans l’échoppe de thé d’Abou 10000 autres habitations ont été nes. Pour elles, Mossoul n’était que les politiciens chiites se vengent Hammoudi, sur la grande ave­ détruites, surtout à l’Ouest. plus une ville, seulement une série des sunnites. Maintenant, lesforces nue de Bagdad, dans le quartier «C’est une destruction massive. de coordonnées GPS à transmet­ de séburité ont le dessus sur la po­ de Mossoul Al-Djadida, les hom­ Un désastre humain. Cela va pren­ tre aux avions de la coalition. Si pulation. Vous ne pouvez exprimer mes ne trouvent rien à y redire. dre du temps défaire le décompte j'avais su que ce serait cela, la pré­ aucune critique, sinon ils vous di­ Le conducteur de camions de de toutes les victimes. Il y a encore tendue libération, j’aurais préféré sent que vous êtes avec l’EI. » m 25 ans m ontre le canapé de beaucoup de corps sous les rui­ ne pas être libéré », confie, amer, HÉLÈNE SALLON l’autre côté de la rue sur lequel il nes», lâche Othman Hamed Latif, Qassem Al-Charifi, un fonction­ dit dormir tous les soirs. « Toute un marchand de boiseries de naire du ministère de l’électricité ma famille a été tuée dans une 60 ans et père de huit enfants, qui de 43 ans. Othman Hamed Latif frappe aérienne sur notre mai­ ne cache pas sa « déprime ». abonde en son sens : «Le gouver­ son », explique-t-il, incapable de Selon les estimations de l’orga­ nement nous a injustement trai­ se souvenir de la date. « C’était le nisation non gouvernementale tés. Il nous a dit de rester chez 1 7 mars », répondent en choeur Airwars, basée à Londres, les frap­ nous, en nous faisant croire que ce les autres hommes. pes de la coalition auraient fait serait une bataille rapide et facile. «La maison d’Ali et la nôtre ont 5 805 morts parmi les civils entre On aurait pu s’enfuir si on avait su été touchées dans unefrappe. Tout le 19 février et le 19 juin. D’autres, avant qu’il en serait ainsi. » le pâté de maisons a été détruit. dont le nombre est encore impos­ Le premier ministre, Haïder Al- Quatorze immeubles d’un coup. sible à établir, ont été tués par les Abadi, a promis que la reconstruc­ Trois cent cinquante personnes snipers, les obus et les pièges ex­ tion débuterait rapidement. sont mortes alors qu’il n’y avait plosifs de l'EI. Le bilan des pertes «Pour transformer les gains de la pas plus de dix combattants », pré­ humaines devrait être lourd dans victoire militaire en stabilité, sécu­ cise Raad, un ouvrier de 48 ans, la vieille ville, lieu des combats leş rité, justice et développement, le sauvé des décombres avec sa plus violents, où les pompiers de gouvernement devra tout faire femme et ses sept enfants. la défense civile ont entamé l’ex­ pour rendre aux gens leurs vies Contrairement à l’est de Mos­ traction des corps des décombres. dans la société et leur dignité », lui soul, largement épargné par les «Il n’y avait pas d’autre moyen a enjoint l’envoyé dés Nations

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July 19, 2017 Turkey’s state news agency exposes US positions in Syria A Turkish state news agency revealed US troops' positions in Syria in what US officials see as further Turkish hostility over the US alliance with the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units.

Amberin Zaman July 19, 2017 www.al-monitor.com

urkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency has revealed what it claims to Tbe the locations of 10 US military bases in the Kurdish-controlled areas of northern Syria, a move that will likely put a further dent in the rocky rela­ tionship between the two NATO allies. US officials told Al-Monitor that they had conveyed their concerns about the disclosure of sensitive information to Turkish authorities.

Anadolu dropped its bombshell complete with maps pinpointing the loca­ tions of US special forces in Kobani, Manbij and Rumeilan, among others, via its Turkish-language service this week. The story was picked up by local newspapers but generated remarkably little fuss considering the sensitive nature of its content. The report included the numbers of US troops in sev­ eral locations and the presence of French forces as well who are working Kurdish fighters from the People's Protection Units stand near US with the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) to combat the military vehicles in the town of Darbasiya next to the Turkish border, Islamic State. Syria, April 29, 2017. REUTERS/Rodi Said

Turkey is furious about the partnership, claiming that weapons provided to the YPG are winding up in the hands of the Kurdistan Workers Party, a 'secret' US bases in Syria seems like a Turkish attempt to trouble the Kurdish rebel faction that is waging war for self-rule inside Turkey. The Pentagon for its cooperation with YPG that endangers Turkey." claims were repeated at a meeting of the National Security Council on July 17, the day the Anadolu story first ran. In March, Turkey shuttered the Oregon-based Mercy Corps, which along with other Western humanitarian relief organizations delivering aid to Syria On July 18, Anadolu’s English-language service ran a translation, which via Turkey became a target of a smear campaign by pro-government media was swiftly picked up by the Daily Beast and carried to an international outlets. The newspapers alleged that the outfits were staffed by spies and audience. that their main beneficiaries were the YPG. As a result, all humanitarian relief supplies to Kurdish-controlled northern Syria are now being delivered Roy Gutman, who penned the Daily Beast piece, revealed the anger felt by via the Semelka border crossing in Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq. the Pentagon. A spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve, the US-led coalition fighting IS, asked Gutman not to share the information published A Turkish official speaking on condition of strict anonymity told Al-Monitor by Anadolu, saying it would be “professionally irresponsible’’ and “put coali­ that a renewed request in June by the United States to allow aid through, tion lives in jeopardy.” A spokesman for the Central Command requested including supplies for an estimated 200,000 Sunni Arab civilians displaced the same. by the fighting in and around Raqqa, had been denied.

s Gutman noted, however, the Anadolu stories were already out there Geolocation experts contacted by Al-Monitor said military surveillance Aand “Turkish security officials confirmed” their accuracy — unsurprising drones could have obtained the data in Anadolu’s story. Turkey is known to as Turkish security officials were probably the main sources for the triple- have many such drones flying over northern Syria. Some of the information bylined article. could also be garnered through satellite imagery and even geolocation apps. The US government shares some coordinates with Turkey, if not at US officials regard Anadolu’s story as more churlishness from Turkey over the level of specificity outlined by Anadolu, in order to deconflict their the US-YPG alliance if not an outright hostile act. A spokesperson for respective forces. Operation Inherent Resolve said that while they cannot independently ver­ ify the sources that contributed to the Anadolu story, "we would be very The need for deconfliction gained urgency after Turkish jets struck YPG tar­ concerned if officials from a NATO ally would purposefully endanger our gets in April near the northern Syrian town of Derik. US special forces were forces by releasing sensitive information.” about 6 miles from the strikes and Turkey gave the United States less than an hour’s notice before carrying them out. ♦ "We have conveyed these concerns to the Government of Turkey,” the spokesperson added. Editor’s note: July 19, 2017. This article has been updated to include a response from Operation Inherent Resolve. To be sure, when paired with Turkey’s ongoing attacks against YPG forces in Afrin and its refusal to allow any humanitarian aid, not even baby formu­ Amberin Zaman is a columnist for Al-Monitor's Turkey Pulse who has covered la, destined for Kurdish-controlled areas in Syria to pass through its bor­ Turkey, the Kurds and Armenia for The Washington Post, The Daily Telegraph, The ders, the story fits the broader pattern of Turkish attempts to torpedo the Los Angeles Times and the Voice of America. She served as The Economist's Turkey correspondent between 1999 and 2016. She was a columnist for the liberal Syrian Kurds’ efforts to cement their newfound autonomy and any potential daily Taraf and the mainstream daily Haberturk before switching to the independent American support for it. The Anadolu story may well be intended as some Turkish online news portal Diken in 2015. On Twitter: @amberinzaman kind of warning to the United States that it's watching its every move.

agip Soylu, the Washington correspondent for the pro-government RTurkish daily Sabah, concurred in a (now deleted) tweet: "Exposing

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i f e J l t o n d e 20 JUILLET 2017 Pour moderniser sa défense, la Turquie s’arme auprès de l’UE et de la Russie Ankara achète un système antimissile à Moscou, au risque d’envenimer sa relation avec l’OTAN

ISTANBUL - correspondante d'une interview diffusée sur la 2,6 milliards d’euros). Les deux turques à propos des S-400 aient chaîne publique TRT Haber. premiers exemplaires seront fa­ resurgi en ces jours de commé­ endredi 14 juillet, alors Vladimir Kojine, le conseiller briqués en Russie, les deux moration du putsch et alors que le qu’un accord préli­ du président Vladimir Poutine autres en Turquie. président Erdoğan a déploré une V minaire venait tout pour la coopération militaire et Si elle se confirme, la vente de nouvelle fois le « manque d’empa­ juste d’être signé entre la Turquie technique, avait reconnu fin juin systèmes russes de défense antia­ thie» de ses alliés occidentaux. et le consortium franco-italien que les négociations concernant érienne à un pays membre de Les tensions empoisonnent les Eurosam pour la production les détails techniques du contrat l’OTÀN viendra tonifier l’alliance relations avec les Etats-Unis. An­ conjointe de systèmes de dé­ « étaient pratiquement termi­ entre Moscou et Ankara. La ré­ kara ne cesse de réprouver le sou­ fense, Ankara a réitéré son inten­ nées», seuls les aspects finan­ conciliation sera certes achevée tien apporté par le Pentagone aux tion d’acquérir les systèmes rus­ ciers restant à finaliser. L’octroi après la grave crise survenue dans milices kurdes syriennes YPG, ac­ ses antimissiles S-400. d’un prêt russe à Ankara pour leurs relations en 2015, au mo­ tives dans le nord de la Syrie, vues Les médias turcs n’ont de cesse l’achat des antimissiles serait en ment de la destruction par l’avia­ comme « terroristes » par Ankara. d’en faire gorge chaude, assurant négociation. tion turque d’un bombardier Les tensions se sont accrues avec que les derniers détails tech­ Soucieux de développer l’indus­ russe survolant la frontière turco- l’Allemagne depuis que les autori­ niques du contrat avec Moscou trie de défense de son pays, le pré­ syrienne, mais les relations de la tés turques ont refusé la semaine ont été finalisés. «Nous en sident Erdoğan mise sur des Turquie avec l'Alliance atlantique dernière à des députés du Bundes­ sommes au stade de la signa­ transferts de technologie. La Tur­ risquent d'en souffrir. tag l’accès de la base de Konya ture», a assuré mardi le ministre quie tient à produire ses propres (centre de la Turquie), une base de de la défense, Fikri Isik. systèmes antiaériens, ce qui, se­ « Manque d’empathie » l’OTAN où des soldats allemands Avant l’annonce de la coopéra­ lon les experts, sera un processus Pour Vladimir Poutine, s’engager sont stationnés. Un mois plus tôt, tion avec la France et l'Italie, le long et coûteux. «Si le contrat est avec la Turquie revient à affaiblir un refus similaire avait empêché ministre avait confirmé l’impor­ signé, les S-400 ne seront pas livrés l’OTAN, perçu par lui comme une une délégation parlementaire al­ tance des relations avec la Rus­ à la Turquie avant 2020», assure menace. Recep'Tayyip Erdoğan, lemande de se rendre, au sud de la sie. «Nous allons répondre aux l’expert militaire russe Vladimir lui, veut faire montre d’indépen­ Turquie, sur la base d’Incirlik - qui besoins immédiats en achetant Moukhine dans le quotidien Ne- dance à l’égard de ses partenaires n’est pas un site de l’OTAN -, pous­ les systèmes.russes tout en déve­ zavissimaïa Gazeta du 17 juillet. traditionnels, avec qui les rela­ sant Berlin à décider le transfert loppant nos propres systèmes Le contrat prévoit la fourniture tions sont au plus bas depuis le en Jordanie de ses 280 soldats pré­ nationaux de défense aérienne», de quatre batteries de S-400 pour putsch raté-du 15 juillet 2016. Pas sents dans la base. ■ avait-il déclaré le 4 juillet lors 2,5 à 3 milliards de dollars (2,1 à étonnant que les rodomontades M ARIE JÉGO

m s 1?. HUmNGTON POST 20 ju ille t 2017 Une agence de presse turque a révélé la localisation de soldats français et américains en Syrie Les États-Unis ont fait part de leur "inquiétude" pour leurs troupes, exposées à des "risques inutiles". AFP - 20/07/2017 serions très inquiets si des responsables d’un www.huffingtonpost.fr allié de l'Otan mettaient volontairement en danger nos troupes en divulguant des informa­ Des forces spéciales françaises et améri­ INTERNATIONAL - L’agence de presse tions confidentielles”, a-t-il déclaré. caines sont engagées dans la bataille de progouvemementale turque Anadolu a révélé "Nous avons fait part de nos inquiétudes au Raqqa en Syrie aux côtés des combattants lundi 1 7 juillet la localisation de forces spéciales gouvernement turc", a-t-il ajouté, en refusant kurdes. Une décision qui ulcère la Turquie américaines et françaises au nord de la Syrie, de commenter l'exactitude des localisations qui a décidé de révéler emplacement de ces provoquant ainsi la colère des États-Unis, qui dévoilées par Anadolu. soldats par la voix de son agence de craignent pour la sécurité de leurs soldats. UNE RELATION TENDUE ENTRE presse. Anadolu a donné l'emplacement de 1 0 ins­ ÉTATS-UNIS ET TURQUIE tallations militaires américaines, allant même Ces 1 0 bases militaires (deux aérodromes et jusqu’à révéler parfois le nombre de soldats des huit avant-postes) sont utilisées pour apporter La relation entre les États-Unis et la forces spéciales s'y trouvant. Ainsi selon un soutien au Parti de l'union démocratique Turquie, pourtant alliés au sein de l'Otan, s'est l'agence, 2 0 0 soldats américains et 7 5 soldats kurde (PYD), et à sa branche armée, les Unités refroidie depuis l'intervention en Syrie de la des forces spéciales françaises se trouveraient de protection du peuple kurde (YPG), coalition mise en place par Washington pour dans un avant-poste à une trentaine de kilomè­ qu’Ankara considère comme liée au Parti des défaire l'EI. Les États-Unis comptent en effet tres au nord de Raqa, capitale autoproclamée travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK). sur le YPG et d'autres groupes kurdes pour de l’organisation jihadiste État Islamique (El). La Turquie considère les séparatistes combattre l'EI au sol. Pour cela, ils ont envoyé La divulgation de ces informations confi­ kurdes du PKK comme une organisation "terro­ des armes aux Kurdes, mais cela inquiète dentielles expose les forces de la coalition à des riste", alors que le conflit kurde en Turquie a Ankara qui craint que ces armes finissent aux "risques inutiles", selon le porte-parole du coûté la vie à plus de 4 0 . 0 0 0 personnes depuis mains du PKK. • Pentagone, Adrian Rankine-Galloway. "Nous son déclenchement en 1 9 8 4 .

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International jXelu Jîork Situes Monday, july 17,2017 Iran holds sway in Iraq after ------U.S. opened door

Tehran fills power vacuum using military, political and economic influence

BY TIM ARANGO Walk into almost any market in Iraq and the shelves are filled with goods from Iran — milk, yogurt, chicken. Turn on the television and channel after channel broadcasts programs sympathetic to Iran. A new building goes up? It is likely that the cement and bricks came from Iran. And when bored young Iraqi men take pills to get high, the illicit drugs are likely to have been smuggled across the porous Iranian border. And that’s not even the half of it. Across the country, Iranian-spon­ sored militias are hard at work estab­ lishing a corridor to move men and guns The country’s dominance over Iraq jaf, it even picks up the trash, after the to proxy forces in Syria and Lebanon. has heightened sectarian tensions provincial council there awarded a mu­ And in the halls of power in Baghdad, around the region, with Sunni states, nicipal contract to a private Iranian even the most senior Iraqi cabinet offi­ and American aliies, like Saudi Arabia company. One member of the council, cials have been blessed, or bounced out, mobilizing to oppose Iranian expansion­ Zuhair al-Jibouri, resorted to a now- by Iran’s leadership. ism. But Iraq is only part of Iran’s expan­ common Iraqi aphorism: “We import When the United States invaded Iraq sion project; it has also used soft and apples from Iran so we can give them 14 years ago to topple Saddam Hussein, hard power to extend its influence in away to Iranian pilgrims.” it saw Iraq as a potential cornerstone of Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Af­ Iran has many political allies in Iraq’s a democratic and Western-facing Mid­ ghanistan, and throughout the region. Parliament who can help secure its dle East, and vast amounts of blood and Iran is a Shiite state, and Iraq, a Shiite goals. And its influence over the choice treasure — about 4,500 American lives majority country, was ruled by an elite of interior minister, through a militia lost, more than $1 trillion spent — were Sunni minority before the American in­ and political group the Iranians built up poured into the cause. vasion. The roots of the schism between in the 1980s to oppose Mr. Hussein, has From Day 1, Iran saw something else: Sunnis and Shiites, going back almost given it substantial control over that a chance to make a client state of Iraq, a 1,400 years, lie in differences over the ministry and the federali police. former enemy against which it fought a rightful leaders of Islam after the death Perhaps most crucial, Parliament war in the 1980 s so brutal, with chemical of the Prophet Muhammad. But these passed a law last year that effectively weapons and trench warfare, that days, it is about geopolitics as much as made the constellation of Shiite militias historians look to World War I for analo­ religion, with the divide expressed by a permanent fixture of Iraq’s security gies. If it succeeded, Iraq would never different states that are adversaries, led forces. This ensures Iraqi funding for again pose a threat, and it could serve as by Saudi Arabia on one side and Iran on the groups while effectively maintain­ a jumping-off point to spread Iranian in­ the other. ing Iran’s control over some of the most fluence around the region. Iran’s influence in Iraq is not just as­ powerful units. In that contest, Iran won, and the cendant, but diverse, projecting into mil­ Now, with new parliamentary elec­ United States lost. itary, political, economic and cultured af­ tions on the horizon, Shiite militias have Over the past three years, Americans fairs. begun organizing themselves politically have focused on the battle against the Is­ At some border posts in the south, for a contest that could secure even lamic State group in Iraq, returning Iraqi sovereignty is an afterthought. more dominance for Iran over Iraq’s po­ more than 5,000 troops to the country Busloads of young militia recruits cross litical system. and helping to force the militants out of into Iran without so much as a document To gain advantage oil the airwaves, Iraq’s second-largest city, Mosul. check. They receive military training new television channels set up with Ira­ But Iran never lost sight of its mis­ and are then flown to Syria, where they nian money and linked to Shiite militias sion: to dominate its neighbor so thor­ fight under the command of Iranian offi­ broadcast news coverage portraying oughly that Iraq could never again en­ cers in defense of the Syrian president, Iran as Iraq’s protector and the United danger it militarily, and to use the coun­ Bashar al-Assad. States as a devious interloper. try to effectively control a corridor from Passing in the other direction, truck Partly in an effort to contain Iran, the Tehran to the Mediterranean. drivers pump Iranian products — food, United States has indicated that it will “Iranian influence is dominant,” said household goods, illicit drugs — into keep troops behind in Iraq after the bat­ Hoshyar Zebari, who was ousted last what has become a vital and captive tle against the Islamic State. American year as Iraq’s finance minister because, market. diplomats havè worked to emphasize he said, Iran distrusted his links to the Iran tips the scales to its favor in ev­ the government security forces’ role in United States. “It is paramount.” ery area of commerce. In the city of Na- the fighting, and to shore up a prime

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minister, Haider al-Abadi, who has seemed more open to the United States than to Iran. But after the United States’ abrupt withdrawal of troops in 2011, American constancy is still in question here — a broad failure of American foreign policy, with responsibility shared across three administrations. Iran has been playing a deeper game, parlaying extensive religious ties with Iraq’s Shiite majority and a much wider network of local allies, as it makes the case that it is Iraq’s only reliable defend­ er.

A ROAD TO THE SEA Iran’s great project in eastern Iraq may not look like much: a 15-mile stretch of dusty road, mostly gravel, through Pilgrims waiting for food and water before evening prayer in Karbala, Iraq, a holy city desert and Scrub near the border in for Shiites. Iranian-backed militias are the defenders of Shiite shrines in parts of Iraq. Diyala Province. But it is an important new leg of Iran’s path through Iraq to Syria, and what it carries — Shiite militiamen, Iranian del­ had been powerless to halt what he de­ Arab waterway that was a factor in the egations, trade goods and military sup­ scribed as Iran’s dominance in the prov­ hostilities has still not been resolved, plies — is its most valuable feature. ince. and the legacy of the war’s brutality has It is a piece of what analysts and Irani­ When Mr. Daini goes to work, he said, influenced the Iranian government ever an officials say is Iran’s most pressing he has to walk by posters of Iran’s revo­ since, from its pursuit of nuclear ambition: to exploit the chaos of the re­ lutionary founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah weapons to its policy in Iraq. gion to project influence across Iraq and “This is a permanent scar in their mind,” said Mowaffak al-Rubaie, a law­ beyond. Eventually, analysts say, Iran “Iran is smarter than America. could use the corridor, established on maker and former national security ad­ the ground through militias under its They achieved their goals on viser. “They are obsessed with Baath- control, to ship weapons and supplies to the ground. America didn’t ism, Saddam and the Iran-Iraq war.” proxies in Syria, where Iran is an impor­ protect Iraq.” More than anything else, analysts say, tant backer of Mr. Assad, and to Leba­ it is the scarring legacy of that war that non and its ally Hezbollah, has driven Iranian ambitions to domi­ After the Islamic State, also known as Khomeini, outside the council building. nate Iraq. ISIS, ISIL or Daesh, swept across Iran’s militias in the province have Particularly in southern Iraq, where Diyala and neighboring areas in 2014, been accused of widespread sectarian the population is mostly Shiite, signs of Iran made clearing the province, a di­ cleansing, pushing Sunnis from their Iranian influence are everywhere. verse area of Sunnis and Shiites, a pri­ homes to establish Shiite dominance Iranian-backed militias are the ority. and create a buffer zone on its border. defenders of the Shiite shrines in the cit­ It marshaled a huge force of Shiite The Islamic State was beaten in Diyala ies of Najaf and Karbala that drive trade militias, many trained in Iran and ad­ more than two years ago, but thousands and tourism. In local councils, Iranian- vised on the ground by Iranian officials. of Sunni families still fill squalid camps, backed political parties have solid ma­ After a quick victory, Iranians and their unable to return home. jorities, and campaign materials stress militia allies set about securing their Now, Diyala has become a showcase relationships with Shiite saints and Ira­ next interests here: marginalizing the for how Iran views Shiite ascendancy as nian clerics. province’s Sunni minority and securing critical to its geopolitical goals. Iran’s pre-eminence in the Iraqi south a path to Syria. Iran has fought ag­ “Iran is smarter than America,” said has not come without resentment. Iraqi gressively to keep its ally Mr. Assad in Nijat al-Taie, a Sunni member of the pro­ Shiites share a faith with Iran, but they power in order to retain land access to vincial council and an outspoken critic also hold close their other identities as its most important spinoff in the region, of Iran, which she calls the instigator of Iraqis and Arabs. Hezbollah, the military and political several assassination attempts against “Iraq belongs to the Arab League, not force that dominates Lebanon and her. “They achieved their goals on the to Iran,” said Sheikh Fadhil al-Bidayri, a threatens Israel. ground. America didn’t protect Iraq. cleric at the religious seminary in Najaf. A word from Maj. Gen. Qassim They just toppled the regime and “Shiites are a majority in Iraq, but a mi­ Suleimani, Iran’s powerful spymaster, handed the country over to Iran.” nority in the world. As long as the Irani­ sent an army of local Iraqi contractors an government is controlling the Iraqi scrambling, lining up trucks and bull­ THE BUSINESS OF INFLUENCE government, we don’t have a chance.” dozers to help build the road, free of The lives of General Suleimani and In this region where the Islamic other senior leaders in Tehran were State’s military threat has never en­ charge. Militiamen loyal to Iran were or­ shaped by the prolonged war with Iraq croached, Iran’s security concerns are dered to secure the site. in the 1980s. The conflict left hundreds of mostly being addressed by economic “Diyala is the passage to Syria and thousands dead on both sides, and Gen­ manipulation, Iraqi officials say. Trade Lebanon, and this is very important to eral Suleimani spent much of the war at in the south is often financed by Iran Iran,” said Ali al-Daini, the Sunni chair­ the front, swiftly rising in rank as so with credit, and incentives are offered to man of the provincial council there. many officers were killed. Iraqi traders to keep their cash in Irani­ Closer to Syria, Iranian-allied militias “The Iran-Iraq war was the formative an banks. moved west of Mosul as the battle experience for all of Iran’s leaders,” said Baghdad’s banks play a role, too, as against the Islamic State unfolded there Ali Vaez, an Iran analyst at the Interna­ the financial anchors for Iraqi front com­ in recent months. The militias captured tional Crisis Group, a conflict resolution panies used by Iran to gain access to dol­ the town of Baaj, and then proceeded to organization. “From Suleimani all the lars that can then finance the country’s the Syrian border, putting Iran on the way down. It was their ‘never again’ mo­ broader geopolitical aims, said Entifadh cusp of completing its corridor. ment.” Qanbar, a former aide to the Iraqi poli­ Back east, in Diyala, Mr. Daini said he A border dispute over the Shatt al tician Ahmad Chalabi, who died in 2015.

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“It’s very important for the Iranians Mr. Abadi now finds himself in a diffi­ to maintain corruption in Iraq,” he said. cult position. If he makes any move that can be seen as confrontational toward THE MILITIAS’ LONG ARM Iran, or as positioning himself closer to For decades, Iran smuggled guns and the United States, it could place a cloud bomb-making supplies through the vast over his political future. swamps of southern Iraq. And young “He had two options: to be with the men were brought back and forth across Americans or with the Iranians,” said Iz- the border, from one safe house to an­ zat al-Shahbandar, a prominent Iraqi other — recruits going to Iran for train­ Shiite leader who once lived in exile in ing, and then back to Iraq to fight. At Iran while Mr. Hussein was in power. first the enemy was Mr. Hussein ; later, it "And he chose to be with the Ameri­ was the Americans. cans.” Today, agents of Iran’s Revolutionary Mr. Abadi, who took office in 2014 with Guards openly recruit fighters in the Members of a mostly Shiite militia group at their the support of both the United States Shiite-majority cities of southern Iraq. post at Iraq’s border with Syria. Iran has built up and Iran, has seemed more emboldened to push back against Iranian pressure Buses filled with recruits easily pass Iraqi militias to battle the Islamic State in Iraq and border posts that officials say are essen­ since President Trump took office. to fight on its behalf in Syria. tially controlled by Iran — through its In addition to seizing the ransom proxies on the Iraqi side, and its own money, he has promoted ah ambitious bolder guards on the other. project for an American company to se­ While Iran has built up militias to fight called Iran and its militia allies—not the cure the highway from Baghdad to Am­ against the Islamic State in Iraq, it has central government in Baghdad. man, Jordan, which Iran has opposed. also mobilized an army of disaffected For Mr. Abadi, the prime minister, the He has also begun discussing with the young Shiite Iraqi men to fight on its be­ episode was an embarrassing demon­ United States the terms of a deal to keep half in Syria. stration of his government’s weakness American forces behind after the Is­ Mohammad Kadhim, 31, is one of at the hands of Iran, whose proxy militia lamic State is defeated. those foot soldiers for Iran, having Kataibb Hezbollah was believed to be Some are seeing an American troop served three tours ip Syria. The recruit­ behind the kidnapping. commitment as a chance to revisit the ing pitch, he said, is mostly based in So when the hostage negotiations 2011 withdrawal of United States forces faith, to defend Shiite shrines in Syria. were about to end, Mr. Abadi pushed that seemingly opened a door for Iran. But Mr. Kadhim said he and his friends back. When American officials in Iraq be­ signed up more out of a need for jobs. Around noon on a day in April, a gov­ gan the slow wind-down of the military “ 1 was just looking for money,” he said. ernment jet from Qatar landed in Bagh­ mission there, in 2009, some diplomats “The majority of the youth I met fighting dad, carrying a delegation of diplomats in Baghdad were cautiously celebrating in Syria do it for the money.” and 500 million euros stuffed into 23 one achievement: Iran seemed to be on He sighed up with a Revolutionary black boxes. its heels, its influence in the country Guards recruiter in Najaf, and then was The hunters were soon on their way waning. bused through southern Iraq and into home, but the ransom did not go to the “Over the last year, Iran has lost the Iran, where he underwent military Iranian-backed militiamen who had ab­ strategic initiative inlraq,” one diplomat training near Tehran. ducted the Qataris ; the cash ended up in wrote in a cable, later released by Wik­ There, he said, Iranian officers deliv­ a central bank vault in Baghdad. iLeaks. ered speeches invoking the martyrdom The seizure of the money had been or­ But other cables sent warnings back of Imam Hussein, the revered seventh- dered by Mr. Abadi, who was furious at to Washington that were frequently century Shiite figure whose death at the the prospect of militias, and their Irani­ voiced by Iraqi officials they spoke to: hands of a powerful Sunni army became an and Hezbollah benefactors, being that if the Americans left, then Iran the event around which Shiite spir­ paid so richly right under the Iraqi gov­ would fill the vacuum. ituality would revolve. The same ene­ ernment’s nose. Ryan C. Crocker, the American am­ mies of the Shiites who killed the imam “Hundreds of millions to armed bassador in Iraq from 2007 to 2009, said are now in Syria and Iraq, the officers groups?” Mr. Abadi said in a public rant. that if the United States left again after told the men. “Is this acceptable?” the Islamic State was defeated, “it would After traveling to Iran, Mr. Kadhim In Iraq, the kidnapping episode was be effectively just giving the Iranians a came home for a break and then was seen as a violation of the country’s free rein.” shipped to Syria, where Hezbollah oper­ sovereignty arid emblematic of Iran’s But many Iraqis say the Iranians al­ atives trained him in sniper tactics. suffocating power over the Iraqi state. ready have free rein. And while the Iran’s emphasis on defending the Shi­ In a post on Twitter, Mr. Zebari, the Trump administration has indicated ite faith has led spme here to conclude former finance minister, who was previ­ that it will pay closer attention to Iraq as that its ultimate goal is to bring about an ously foreign minister, called the a means to counter Iran, the question is Iranian-style theocracy in Iraq. But episode a “travesty.” whether it is too late. there is a persistent sense that it just Mr. Zebari knows firsthand the power “Iran is not going to sit silent and do would not work in Iraq, which has a of Iran over the Iraqi state. nothing,” said Sami al-Askari, a senior much larger native Sunni population Shiite politician who has good relation­ Last year, he said, he was ousted as and tradition, and Iraq’s clerics in Najaf, ships with both the Iranians and Ameri­ finance minister because Iran perceived ■including Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, cans. “They have many means. Frankly, him as being too close to the United the world’s pre-eminent Shiite spiritual the Americans can’t do anything.” leader, oppose the Iranian system. States. The account was verified by a But Iran is taking steps to translate member of Parliament who was in­ Falih Hassan and Omar al-Jawoshy con­ militia power into political power, much volved in the removal of Mr. Zebari, and tributed reporting from Baghdad, and as it did with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and who spoke on the condition of ano­ employees of The New York Times from militia leaders have begun political or­ nymity to avoid angering Iran. Diyala Province, Hilla and Najaf. Mr. Zebari, who recounted the events ganizing before next year’s parliamen­ in an interview from his mountainside tary elections. mansion in northern Iraq, said that when President Barack Obama met POLITICAL ASCENDANCY with Mr. Abadi last September at the When a group of Qatari falcon hunters, United Nations, the American leader including members of the royal family, personally lobbied to save Mr. Zebari’s were kidnapped in 2015 while on safari job. Even that was not enough. in the southern deserts of Iraq, Qatar

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Une jeune militaire yazidie dans ie quartier d’al-Sinaa, le 6 juillet. Environ 2000 combattantes participent à

la reconquête de Raqqa, en Syrie, m o r u k c u m n a b e r / d p a p i c t u r e - a l l i a n c e / a f p Les yazidies à Raqqa pour libérer leurs sœurs esclaves de Daech

GUILLAUME PERRIER *• (SAufildubosphoi e 5 km RAQQA Raqqa est assiégée depuis le 27 juin Sautant au bas de leurs pick-up d’un pas léger, une vingtaine de combat­ tantes en treillis, foulards fleuris noués autoru du cou ou de la tête, sacs sur le dos et kalachnikov en bandoulière, dé­ barquent joyeusement dans la fournaise Raqqa de Raqqa. Avec leurs stocks de muni­ tions et de nourriture, elles s’installent Barrage dans une petite mosquée et dans la d'al-Baath maison adjacente, abandonnée par son Barrage imam à cause des violents combats qui deTabqa TERRITOIRES CONTROLES ' HD LE 20 JUILLET PAR.,. se sont déroulés les jours précédents dans les rues alentour. Ces jeunes guer­ Tabqa rières âgées d’une vingtaine d’années et qui établissent leur camp de base à proximité de la ligne de front orientale @ ) Base aérienne de Tabqa 'F o rc e s de la ville de Raqqa, sont arrivées en Source : syria.liveuamap.com renfort, début juillet, pour participer, tés des femmes du Sinjar, constituées aux côtés des Forces démocratiques galons à Sinjar, Shengal en kurde, où en 2014 au moment de l’invasion par elle a combattu pendant deux ans. Elle syriennes, (FDS), la coalition arabo- Daech de la région du mont Sinjar dans kurde soutenue par les Occidentaux-, à a hâte de retourner en découdre. l’ouest de l’Irak, le fief historique des « Lorsque Daech a attaqué la région des la reconquête de la capitale syrienne de Yazidis. Ces derniers sont une minorité l’organisation État islamique. yazidis, ils ont enlevé des centaines de religieuse de Mésopotamie. Le groupe femmes et d’enfants. Les jeunes femmes Rien d’étonnant à voir des femmes qui pose le pied à Raqqa est entièrement prendre les armes avec autant d’en­ ont été violées, emmenées de force pour constitué de résistantes yazidies, ve­ être vendues sur le marché aux esclaves thousiasme. Les Kurdes proches de la nues en Syrie pour venger leurs sœurs, mouvance du PKK (Parti des tra­ ou livrées aux combattants. C’est pour martyrisées et réduites en esclavage par les libérer que nous sommes ici, mainte ­ vailleurs du Kurdistan) prônent la pa­ les militants du califat. * rité entre hommes et femmes dans tou­ nant que les opérations parviennent tes les institutions, y compris militaires, dans le centre-ville », précise la com­ Une minorité persécutée mandante. Elle ajoute qu’un grand et letu branche féminine, les YPJ (Uni­ « Notre présence est symbolique en nombre d’enfants ont également été tés de protection des femmes), s’est nombre, nous n ’allons pas changer le arrachés à leurs familles et embrigadés rendue célèbre depuis le début de la cours de la bataille, mais ce n ’est pas un parmi les «Ashbal al-Khilafat », les guerre contre Daech en Syrie et en Irak. détail non plus. Nous sommes ici pour Lionceaux du Califat, une sorte d’école Environ 2 000 combattantes parti­ l’histoire, pour que la tragédie vécue de l’horreur où les enfants sont réédu­ cipent à la reconquête de Raqqa. Mais par le peuple yazidi ne soit pas qués, convertis à l’idéologie et aux ce bataillon de jeunes femmes qui mon­ oubliée», lance, sentencieuse, Deniz, pratiques sanguinaires des djihadistes, te au front n’est pas un bataillon com­ 25 ans, la commandante du bataillon. dès l’âge de 4 ans. Les Yazidis, religion me les autres. Ce sont des YJS, les Uni- Cette jeune guerrière a gagné ses monothéiste antéislamique, sont

37 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti

considérés comme des « infidèles» par « Seuls les yazidis peuvent savoir ce que menées de force par les djihadistes de les islamistes et sont régulièrement cela représente. C’est le pire de tous les l’État islamique et vendues comme persécutés dans les pays musulmans massacres que nous avons subis dans no­ esclaves à des combattants étrangers. où ils sont établis. tre histoire et il y en a eu 74 ! Mon grand- « De Sinjar, de Mossoul et d’autres « Nous sommes venues jusqu’ici parce père, quand j ’étais petite, me racontait villes... Beaucoup sont rentrées auprès de que Daeçh a commis un génocide contre ces horreurs. Après les massacres de leurs familles, avec leurs traumatismes. les yazidis, et des centaines d’esclaves 2014, je ne pouvais pas faire autrement Certaines se sont immédiatement enga­ restent encore probablement entre leurs que de m’engager. » gées avec nous», confirme Deniz, la mains. Principalement à Raqqa, qui est la Restées à l’écart, à l’ombre, dans la commandante du bataillon, Pour se capitale de leur califat», justifie, elle cour de la mosquée, deux jeunes fem­ venger. Pour laver leur honneur bafoué aussi, Shengale, 24 ans, une grande mes refusent d’être interviewées. Ces dans le sang. ■ brune souriante dont le visage exprime déux-là sont des rescapées, libérées par à la fois douceur et détermination. leurs camarades après avoir été em­ LE FIG A R O Washington arrête le programme surrection au Middle East Institute. Ainsi de soutien aux rebelles syriens nous allons rendre de plus en plus vulnéra­ ble la résistance modérée, nous les aban­ Depuis 2013, la CIA entraînait certains insurgés et leur livrait donnons. » Après l’accord de cessez-le- des armes. Mais sans grand résultat sur le terrain. feu dans le Sud conclu le 7 juillet à l’issue de Washington et de la volonté de chasser de la ^encontre Poutine-Trump en marge GEORGES MALBRUNOT (»Malbrunot Assad du pouvoir ». du G20 à Hambourg, Russes et Améri­ Des milliers de combattants rebelles cains cherchent à mettre en place quatre MOYEN-ORIENT C’est un nouveau coup ont été formés et armés, le plus souvent «zones de désescalade» de la violence à dur pour les rebelles modérés syriens. en Jordanie, par la CIA. Mais à plusieurs travers le territoire syrien : au sud, au Sur ordre de Donald Trump, la CIA a mis reprises, des armes ainsi livrées à centre près de Homs, dans la banlieue de un terme au programme «Train and des actions, pourtant minutieusement Damas, et enfin au nord-ouest, dans la equip » au profit des insurgés qui luttent contrôlées au préalable, ont fini entre les province d’Idleb, où depuis quelques contre Bachar el-Assad. Cette décision mains d’islamistes, voire de djihadistes. jours des luttes fratricides opposent les ne peut que satisfaire la Russie, avec Ce qui a renforcé le scepticisme de tous djihadistes du Front Fâtah al-Sham aux laquelle les États-Unis veulent travailler ceux qui mettaient en garde contre ce salafistes d’Ahrar el-Sham. pour trouver une issue à six ans d’un genre de soutien logistique. L’intérêt Après six ans d’une guerre civile qui a conflit qui a coûté la vie à quelque pour ce programme s’est encore érodé détruit le pays, Donald Trump semble 400 000 personnes. l’année dernière avec la perte par les in­ faire une croix sur ce qu’il reste de l’in­ Ce programme, entamé en 2013 par surgés des quartiers d’Alep qu’ils surrection dite modérée, marginalisée Barack Obama, n’a eu qu’un impact limi­ contrôlaient, au profit du régime syrien par Daech et la branche locale d’al-Qai- té sur le conflit, ont reconnu plusieurs et de son allié russe. da. Même s’il a ordonné pour la première sources officielles américaines. Donald fois, en mai, des frappes en Syrie après Trump a pris cette décisipn, il y a près « Piège tendu par la Russie » des bombardements chimiques imputés à d’un mois, après un entretien avec le « C’est une victoire pour Assad, Poutine et Damas, sa dernière décision montre que patron de la CIÀ, Mike Pompeo, et l’Iran», estime Joshua Landis, spécialiste les États-Unis n’ont pas envie de s’impli­ le conseiller à la Sécurité nationale, le de la Syrie au centre des études moyen- quer plus avant dans le conflit. Certes, général H. R. McMaster, a rapporté le orientales de l’université d’Oklahoma. dans le nord-est du pays, Washington Washington Post, qui révèle l’affaire. Selon lui, «il était devenu évident que les appuie les Forces démocratiques syrien­ «C’est un signal adressé à Vladimir rebelles ne parviendraient pas à renverser nes (FDS), une alliance arabo-kurde qui Poutine que l’Administration veut amélio­ Assad et une bonne partie des armes li­ veut expulser l’État islamique de son bas­ rer ses relations avec la Russie», affirme vrées sont allées aux extrémistes », ajoute tion de Raqqa. À eux aussi, des armes ont un autre officiel américain, cité par Joshua Landis, qui rappelle que Barack été livrées, et des conseillers militaires le journal britannique The Guardian. Obama était sur le point de prendre une américains sont actuellement au côté des Moscou, avec lequel Washington vient de décision semblable, avant de quitter la FDS à Raqqa contre Daech. Mais, la en­ conclure un accord de cessez-le-feu dans Maison-Blanche. core, rien ne dit que cet appui logistique le sud de la Syrie, réclamait, depuis long­ Pour d’autres, au contrair e, cette déci­ se prolongera,. une fois la « capitale » temps, l’arrêt de «Train and equip». sion est une grave erreur. «On tombe syrienne de Daech tombée. ■ Pour le Washington Post, il s’agit d’ime danslepiègetenduparlaRussie, s’insurge «reconnaissance des limites de l’influence Charles Lister, .chercheur proche de l’in­ L'agence turque révèle les positions de forces de l’Otan

La publication par l’agence de presse militaires sensibles expose les forces si elles provenaient d'un allié de l'Otan officielle turque Anatolie de la coalition ù des risques inutiles qui mettrait nos forces en danger d'informations précisant la localisation et pourrait mettre en péril des en toute connaissance de cause », de forces spéciales américaines et opérations visant à vaincre l'EllL», a a-t-il ajouté. Comme les États-Unis françaises met ces soldats en danger, déclaré un porte-parole du Pentagone, et la France, la Turquie est membre a déploré mercredi le Pentagone. désignant le groupe État islamique de l'Otan. Mais Ankara ne cache L’agence Anatolie a dévoilé mardi la sous son ancien acronyme, l’État pas son agacement devant le soutien présence d’une dizaine d'avant-postes islamique en Irak et au Levant (EIIL), apporté par les États-Unis aux milices américains et précisé dans certains « Si nous ne sommes pas en mesure kurdes YPG assimilées par la Turquie cas le nombre de soldats américains d’identifier les sources qui sont comme l'extension syrienne et français qui les occupent. ù l'origine de cette dépêche, du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan «L a publication d’informations nous serions très préoccupés qu'elle combat sur son propre sol. (afp)

38 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti £ z M m â t SAMEDI 22 JUILLET 2017 «Sans l’aval de la Turquie La vengeance d'Erdogan et de l’Iran, personne ne peut contre les Occidentaux faire un pas Le président turc est ulcéré par le soutien des Américains dans la région » aux Kurdes de Syrie dans la bataille de Rakka KIYMET SEZER chroniqueur au quotidien ISTANBUL - correspondante que forme d’aiguillage», a assuré aux YPG-PKK, et ils ne s'en cachent pro-Erdogan «Yeni Şafak» Ibrahim Kalin, le porte-parole du même pas », lisait-on, jeudi, dans a publication par Ana­ président, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, le quotidien Aydinlik, scandalisé, la région. Les Etats-Unis ont besoin dolu, l’agence de presse lors d’un point de presse à An­ qui citait également des chiffres : de la Turquie. Il y a aussi la base officielle turque, d’une kara, jeudi 20 juillet. «L’agence «122 cargaisons d’armes en mai, d’Incirlik, qui est la plus grande carte détaillée, montrant Anadolu a écrit cette information 250 en juin, 37g début juillet. » Lles positions des forces américai­grâce à ses propres envoyés sur base américaine au Moyen-Orient. La Turquie pourrait-elle aller jus­ Reconstruire ce genre de base nes et françaises déployées dans place, a-t-il précisé. Nous avons eu qu’à compromettre l’offensive sur ailleurs ne sera pas facile, c'est le nord de la Syrie, pourrait bien connaissance de cet article seule­ Rakka? «Elle pourrait lancer une pourquoi les Américains doivent constituer un point de non-re­ ment après sa publication. » campagne militaire visaffl l'en­ bien réfléchir. » tour dans la relation entre Ankara Le moment choisi par l’agence clave kurde syrienne d'Afitn, pro­ La diplomatie turque est moti­ et ses alliés traditionnels. n’était pas fortuit. La première dé­ che de la frontière turco-syrienne, Cette fuite expose les forces de la vée par un mélange de chantage, pêche sur le sujet est apparue ce qui ne manquerait pas d’être vu de ressentiment et d’esprit de re­ coalition à des «risques inutiles», lundi 17 juillet, juste après la réu­ à Washington comme endomma­ selon Adrian Rankiné-Galloway, le vanche, surtout depuis le coup nion du Conseil national de sécu­ geant la capacité m ilitaire des YPG d’Etat raté du 15 juillet20i6, dont porte-parole du Pentagone. Elle est rité turc, consacrée à la situation en pleine'offensive sur Rakka», es­ aussi un puissant indicateur de la M. Erdoğan rend les Occidentaux en Syrie; la deuxième, rédigée en time Sinan Ülgen. Ces derniers responsables. Désormais, il ne se volonté de revanche des autorités anglais, a été publiée le lendemain. temps, les YPG, qui contrôlent turques : pour Sinan Ülgen, le di­ passe pas un jour sans qu’un offi­ l’enclave d’Afrin, n’arrêtent pas de ciel turc fustige les Américains ou recteur du groupe de réflexion «Totale rupture» subir les tirs d’artillerie de l'armée Conduite par le président Erdo­ les Européens, accusés de «collu­ Edam, à Istanbul, «la fuite orches­ turque, ainsi que les attaques de ğan, cette réunion était consacrée sion avec les terroristes » du PKK ou trée par l’agence Anadolu doit être ses alliés rebelles syriens. à la condamnation de l’aide du mouvement du prédicateur lue comme une réaction turque à la L’annoncé, jeudi, de l’arrêt de, américaine aux YPG. Le Parti de Fethullah Gülen, tenu pour res­ décision américaine de s’allier aux l’aide de la CIA aux rebelles oppo­ YPC [milices kurdes syriennes] l’union démocratique (PYD) ponsable du putsch qui a failli faire kurde syrien, dont lés YPG sont le sés à Bachar Al-Assad et alliés de la vaciller le pouvoir de M. Erdoğan. pour le siège de Rakka », la « capi­ Turquie est une autre source de tale » autoproclamée de l’organisa­ bras armé, est la « même organisa­ La vindicte anti-occidentale a mécontentement pour Ankara. tion Etat islamique (El) en Syrie. tion» que le PKK (Parti des tra­ marqué les commémorations du Avec Washington, « le moment est Le président Erdoğan a beau vailleurs du Kurdistan), qualifié coup d’Etat raté, samedi 15 juillet. venu d’une totale rupture», être un habitué des déclarations à de «terroriste» et reparti en «Le coup nous a montré la néces­ estimait, le même jour, Kiymet l'emporte-pièce à l’égard de ses al­ sité d’êtrefort en tant qu’Etat et en guerre depuis 2015 contre l’Etat Sezer, chroniqueur au quotidien tant que nation. Nous avons telle­ liés occidentaux, c’est bien la pre­ turc, dans le sud-est du pays, a progouvernemental Yeni Şafak. ment d’ennemis qui cherchent à mière fois qu’un membre de l’Air rappelé le Conseil. Ankara perçoit liance fait courir des risques à ses nous piéger et nous refusent le l’aidé aux YPG comme une me­ «Collusion» droit de vivre, même pour une partenaires en révélant les détails Les points de vue exprimés par nace pour sa sécurité, craignant journée! Si nous devions les nom­ Yeni Şafak reflètent peu ou prou de leurs opérations sur un théâtre que l’expérience et le matériel re­ mer un par un, il y aurait une crise ce qui se dit au palais présidentiel. de guerre. Les autorités turques çus ne fassent que renforcer les internationale», avait déclaré Or, le chroniqueur préconise : «La ont démenti toute implication. rebelles du PKK dans leurs opéra­ Recep Tayyip Erdoğan dans son tions en Turquie. Turquie est un pays important. «Il n’est pas question ici d'une adresse au Parlement. ■ «Depuis le mois de mai, les Amé­ Sans son aval et sans celui de l’Iran, information donnée par notre MARIE JÉGO gouvernement, ou d’une quelcon­ ricains livrent des armes lourdes personne ne peut faire un pas dans

francetvinfo l | j | 26 juillet 2017 Syrie : l’EI chassé de la moitié de Raqa (OSDH) Récemment chassés de Mossoul, en Irak, les jihadistes s'en prennent aux civils pris au piège à Raqqa et menacent ceux qui tentent de fuir la ville. franceinfo avec AFPFrance Télévisions Beyrouth, 26 juil 2017 (AFP) — LA BATAILLE DE RAQQA progresse Un véhicule blindé des Forces démocratiques syriennes, rapidement. L'alliance de combattants kurdes et arabes, soutenue par la le 24 juillet 2017, à Raqqa. (MORUKC UMNABER / AFP) coalition internationale, a réussi à chasser les jihadistes du groupe Etat islamique de la moitié de leur bastion syrien, a annoncé l'Observatoire syrien DES FRAPPES AÉRIENNES DE LA COALITION EN SOUTIEN des droits de l'homme (OSDH), mercredi 26 juillet 2 0 1 7 . Depuis huit mois, les FDS mènent une offensive en vue de s'emparer de ce "Les Forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS) contrôlent maintenant 5 0 % de la bastion syrien de l'EI. Elles sont entrées dans la ville le 6 juin et ont pris le ville de Raqqa malgré la farouche résistance de l'EI", a affirmé le directeur de contrôle de plusieurs quartiers, se rapprochant peu à peu du centre-ville. l'ONG, Rami Abdel Rahmane. Récemment chassés de Mossoul, en Irak, les L'opération des FDS est appuyée par des frappes aériennes de la coalition jihadistes s'en prennent désormais aux civils pris au piège à Raqqa et mena­ internationale menée par les Etats-Unis. Des membres des forces spéciales cent ceux qui tentent de fuir la ville. américaines leur apportent aussi leur aide dans la ville. ■

39 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti

Courrier international n° 1394 du 20 au 26 juillet 2017 C ourrierinternational j» ,

unis, et d’autre part le Koweït, Oman et le Qatar, ce qui affaiblit à terme la position saoudienne. Diplomatie. L’Iran Tout en menant une poli­ tique étrangère indépendante, le Qatar a coopéré avec l’Arabie déjà gagnant Saoudite sur de nombreuses ini­ tiatives, notamment la guerre au La politique agressive de l’Arabie Saoudite Yémen. Or Doha pourrait désor­ Le différend entre mais devenir plus dépendant vis-à-vis de ses voisins a divisé le camp arabe l’Arabie Saoudite de la Turquie et de l’Iran, qui sunnite, affaibli sa notoriété régionale et renforcé e t le Q a ta r p o u rr a it assurent son approvisionnement consolider l’axe [en raison du blocus saoudien], l’Iran dans tout le Moyen-Orient. et cette dépendance serait un Ïtirquie-Iran. sérieux revers pour Riyad. Si ce conflit se poursuit, le différend propager à d’autres pays arabes entre l’Arabie Saoudite et le Qatar comme la Jordanie ou le Liban pourrait consolider l’axe Turquie- sera grand, et plus le monde arabe Iran, déjà en cours de formation menace d’être divisé, et plus l’Iran du fait de la menace commune sera gagnant dans cette lutte pour incarnée par le Parti des travail­ le pouvoir régional. leurs du Kurdistan (PKK). À l’heure actuelle, ce qui couve Que la Turquie soit une pas­ en Syrie dans l’opposition sunnite serelle entre l’Arabie Saoudite et [dont plusieurs représentants sont à l’Iran, voilà qui ne pouvait qu’être la solde de différents pays arabes] au salutaire pour cette région trou­ président Bachar El-Assad montre blée. Mais un rapprochement bien que les divisions entre les pays accru de Téhéran et d’Ankara n’est arabes constituent pour l’Arabie constructif ni pour la région ni Saoudite une menace plus grave que pour l’Arabie Saoudite. Il y a aussi l’Iran. Contrairement à la coalition un risque que le Pakistan, qui était chiite [Iran, Irak, régime syrien et parvenu à rester neutre dans la Hezbollah libanais], très soudée querelle entre Riyad et Doha, soit et disciplinée, menée par l’Iran, obligé de choisir son camp et que l’opposition sunnite est particu­ son choix déplaise aux Saoudiens. lièrement divisée. Des centaines Certes, les Saoudiens n’ont pas de groupes syriens d’opposition, tort de s’inquiéter de l’aventurisme comprenant des salafistes non dji- iranien. Téhéran profite en effet du hadistes et djihadistes, et même cer­ chaos qui règne en Irak, en Syrie —Foreign Policy (extraits) taines des factions les plus fortes de et au Yémen. Qassem Soleimani, Washington wahhabite dans la région lui vient l’Armée syrienne libre [milice non commandant de la force iranienne de sa forte position au sein du islamiste d’opposition], façonnent Al-Qods, donne àsonpays une pro­ e président Donald Trump monde arabe. Mais l’ordre arabe des portions du territoire syrien qui fondeur stratégique en exploitant voit probablement en est devenu particulièrement fra­ échappent encore au contrôle de les vides du pouvoir créés par les L Mohammed ben Salman gile en raison du caractère nui­ Damas. Etant donné le soutien que guerres civiles arabes. L’hostilité son alter ego au Moyen-Orient. sible des guerres civiles en Irak, l’Iran, la Russie et ses milices chiites saoudienne devrait renforcer En effet, le jeune prince héritier en Libye, en Syrie et au Yémen. apportent au gouvernement syrien, la position de ceux qui, comme d’Arabie Saoudite, nommé à ce Même si Téhéran représente une il est peu probable que ces groupes Soleimani, prônent une attitude titre en juin, fait preuve d’une menace pour les intérêts saou­ d’opposition sunnites représentent de confrontation envers l’Arabie hostilité sans faille vis-à-vis de diens, c’est la faiblesse de l’Arabie une grave menace pour Assad (ou Saoudite, étouffant d’autres voix l’Iran et du Qatar, ce qui est dans Saoudite et de ses alliés arabes, l’Iran) à brève échéance. Résultat : iraniennes, notamment au minis­ le droit-fil de la nouvelle politique due aux effets des printemps ces groupes d’opposition pourraient tère des Affaires étrangères et à agressive de Trump envers l’Iran. arabes et des guerr.es civiles, en définitive jeter leur dévolu sur le la présidence, moins enclines à Les Saoudiens font un mauvais qui pose le plus gros problème monde arabe, et dès lors constituer considérer la politique de la région calcul s’ils se félicitent du sou­ à Riyad et ouvre ainsi un boule­ une menace politique et en termes comme un jeu à somme nulle. tien que Trump apporte à leurs vard à Téhéran. de sécurité pour l’Arabie Saoudite. Si l’Arabie Saoudite ne dévie pas politiques régionales. Force est Or faire monter l’hostilité de sa direction actuelle, elle devrait de constater que FArabie Saoudite envers l’Iran risque de prolon­ Guerre au Yémen. L’Arabie affaiblir sa position régionale et sape sa propre position en don­ ger ces guerres et, partant, d’af­ Saoudite a peut-être aggravé le renforcer celle de l’Iran. C’est seu­ nant dans la surenchère avec faiblir encore davantage le monde risque d’un choc en retour de la lement en s’efforçant d’apaiser les l’Iran et en s’employant à faire arabe, ce qui aura pour effet de Syrie en exploitant dangereuse­ tensions idéologiques, politiques et plier le Qatar. Comment ? Certes compromettre la position de l’Ara­ ment les divisions au sein de la militaires parmi ses propres alliés Riyad, par l’intermédiaire de bie Saoudite vis-à-vis de l’Iran. communauté sunnite arabe. De arabes que le royaume wahhabite son allié américain, bénéficie Plus les affrontements par procu­ même [avec son opposition au pourra occuper une position solide de nombreux avantages mili­ ration entre l’Arabie Saoudite et Qatar], elle divise potentielle­ face à l’Iran. taires par rapport à l’Iran, de l’Iran dans les guerres civiles de ment le monde arabe entre d’une — Ross H a rris o n même une bonne partie de l’in­ la région vont se prolonger, plus part Bahreïn, l’Égypte, l’Arabie Publié le 6 juillet fluence politique du royaume le risque de voir ces guerres se Saoudite et les Émirats arabes

40 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti

International Jîclu JlorkSimes Friday, july 2 1 , 2 0 1 7

AVOIDING WAR WITH IRAN

The last thing the United States needs is another war is to blame for all that’s wrong in the region, taking Once again, in the Middle East. Yet a drumbeat of provocative sides in the feud between two branches of Islam. hawks are words, outright threats and actions — from President The Saudis, who were already facing off against talking about Trump and some of his top aides as well as Sunni Iran-backed rebels in Yemen, have taken an even regime change Arab leaders and American activists — is raising harsher stance since their leadership change. This in Tehran and tensions that could lead to armed conflict with Iran. month, they created a crisis by mounting a regional dem anding Tehran invites some of this hostility with moves boycott against Qatar, which has relations with Iran. action that like detaining Xiyue Wang, a Princeton scholar, and ■ Anti-Iran voices outside government are trying could lead to supporting the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad. to push Mr. Trump and Congress toward confronta­ disaster in the And for many American politicians, Iran — estranged tion with Iran. The head of the Foundation for the Middle East. from the United States since 1979 — deserves only Defense of Democracies, a hawkish group that tried punishment and isolation. But Iran and the United to block the Iran nuclear deal, urged Mr. Trump in a States also share some interests, like fighting the recent Wall Street Journal opinion article to “systemi- Islamic State. So why not take advantage of all the cally dismantle Iranian power country by country in diplomatic tools, including opening a dialogue, used the Middle East” and to strengthen Iran’s pro-democ­ before to manage difficult and even hostile govern­ racy forces. Prominent Trump supporters like John ments? Bolton, a former ambassador to the United Nations; It is useful to recall the lead-up to the 2003 Iraq Newt Gingrich, former House speaker; and Rudolph War. In Washington the talk turned almost immedi­ Giuliani, former New York mayor, are pressing Mr. ately to Iraq and the chance to overthrow Saddam Tirump to abandon the deal and are speaking out on Hussein, even though he had nothing to do with Sept. behalf of the Mujahedeen Khalq, exiled Iranian dissi­ 11 and had no nuclear weapons, as President George dents who back regime change. W. Bush alleged. Mr. Bush decided to fight a pre­ Most Americans are aware of Iran’s crimes against emptive war without a solid justification or strategy. this country, including the 52 Americans taken Such a stumble into war could happen again. Here hostage in 1979; the 241 Marines killed in the 1983 are some reasons to be concerned: bombing of their barracks in Lebanon; and the 1996 ■ President Trump campaigned on a pledge to bombing of the Air Force quarters in Khobar Towers tear up the 2015 seven-nation nuclear pact under in Saudi Arabia. Perhaps less known are events that which Iran rolled back its nuclear program in ex­ still anger Iranians — like the 1953 coup aided by the change for a lifting of sanctions. Although he twice C.I.A. that ousted Iran’s democratically elected certified to Congress, most recently on Monday, that leader, Mohammed Mossadegh, and America’s intelli­ Iran remains in compliance with the deal, he did so gence support for Iraq in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war. grudgingly and with the subsequent imposition of Iran’s grievances do not make its recent behavior new sanctions related to Iran’s ballistic missile tests. any less concerning. Tehran continues to fund Instead of taking advantage of this diplomatic break­ Hezbollah and other extremists; detain Americans; through, Mr. Trump seems intent on reversing it by and work to expand its reach, including in Iraq. Iran provoking Iran to renege or reneging himself. and the United States appear to be entering a partic­ ■ Top American officials have turned up their ularly risky time. As the Islamic State gets pushed rhetoric and have hinted at support for regime out of Iraq and Syria, Iran and Saudi Arabia, along change, despite the dismal record in Iraq, Afghanis­ with their proxy forces, will be competing for control. tan and Libya. Mr. Tillerson accused Iran of seeking Any attempt at regime change in Iran could destabil­ regional hegemony at the expense of American allies ize the volatile Middle East in even more unpredict­ like Saudi Arabia. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis re­ able ways. cently called Iran “ the most destabilizing influence in Iran’s government continues to be torn between the Middle East.” anti-American hard-liners and moderates like Presi­ ■ American leaders have periodically toyed with dent Hassan Rouhani who are willing to engage with regime change. But some experts say this time is America. Mr. Trump would make a grave mistake if more serious, because Mr. Trump accepts the simplis­ instead of trying to work with those moderate forces tic view of Sunni-led Saudi Arabia that Shiite-led Iran he led the nation closer to war. •

41 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti San ^Francisco ©jromck July 25, 2017 Kurdish official says US role essential in post-IS Syria

Sarah El Deeb, Turkish protests, the U.S. sent new weapons July 25, 2017 Associated Press and vehicles to the YPG to enable it in the fight against IS. KOBAN1, Syria (AP) — The Kurdish-led The U.S. has up to 1,000 troops in Syria effort to secure Raqqa once it is liberated from mostly involved in training and advising the the Islamic State group will require long-term local forces against IS. The U.S. administration U.S. political and financial support for the batte­ has made clear it does not intend to be engaged red city's governance and reconstruction, a in post-liberation governance or rebuilding. senior Syrian Kurdish official said Tuesday. U.S. officials say once Raqqa is liberated, the SDF will hand over local governance to the Ilham Ahmed, the co-president of the In an interview with The Associated Press Raqqa Civilian Council, a local group of prima­ Syrian Democratic Council, the political in the Kurdish-administered town of Kobani, rily Arab locals who will govern and administer wing of the Kurdish-led forces backed by Ilham Ahmed said the U.S. role in the fight essential services. the US in Raqqa, speaks during an inter­ against IS must not end with the liberation of view with the Associated Press, in the Raqqa but should continue as a guarantor of "Raqqa has been subjected to destruction of its infrastructure," said Ahmed, highlighting the Kobani town, north Syria, Tuesday, July stability until a political future for the war-torn 25, 2017. Ahmed says the governing and country is charted. beating the city has taken in the effort to retake it from IS. securing of the Arab-majority city after Ahmed is the co-president of the Syrian the expulsion of IS militants will be a "There are no more institutions. (Raqqa) is Democratic Council, the political wing of the model for other areas in Syria and the U.S.-backed Kurdish-led force currently fighting destroyed. This council has to be supported to reconstruct and to secure the daily needs of its future of governing the war-torn country. to liberate the Islamic State group's self-pro- She says the Kurdish-led effort needs US residents so they can remain in their homes claimed capital of Raqqa from the militants. She political and financial support. (AP without having to migrate." is also a senior politician in the increasingly Photo/Hussein Malla) powerful Kurdish group that declared areas of When asked when US forces currently offe­ self-administration in northern Syria last year, ring advice and training to the Kurdish-led sparking the ire of Turkey, another U.S. ally. troops in the battle will leave, Ahmed said she Ahmed said her group's effort needs U.S. Ankara considers the People's Protection did not know, but added that they must conti­ political and financial support for the recons­ Units, or YPG, the Kurdish militia that forms the nue to have a role until the contours of a future truction of Raqqa but also for the legitimacy of backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces, as Syria take shape. her group's effort in creating the new political linked to the outlawed Kurdish insurgency in She said the Kurdish-led efforts to establish structure. Turkey and fears their expansion along its bor­ civil administrations in areas liberated from IS Ahmed's group has been campaigning for a ders. will offer "a model" for other areas in Syria, by federal system in Syria, arguing it will ensure "If the Americans want to protect the secu­ allowing local groups to elect civil councils to representation and autonomy for ethnic and rity of these areas and protect their (own] administer themselves. religious groups. She said Syria's Kurds, long country from terrorism, they must continue Raqqa, a predominantly Sunni Arab city, ostracized before the war, can no longer be until a democratic system is built in Syria," was the first city in Syria to be controlled by the ignored in any future serious negotiations over Ahmed said. She said the U.S. should recognize IS militants, who declared it their de-facto capi­ the country's future. that the crisis in Syria is not only about defea­ tal in 2014. The Kurdish-led effort to form a The campaign for Raqqa city began on June ting IS but also about building a democratic sys­ new administration could inflame tribal and 6, with swift advances from the east and west. tem that protects against radical groups taking Arab sensitivities. But two weeks later, the campaign stalled amid over again. Ahmed said the current Raqqa council will stiff resistance from IS militants. Ahmed said it Kurdish forces have gained confidence in be re-formulated once the city is liberated to is normal for the campaign to slow down "as light of open U.S. support to their forces, parti­ include tribal notables not represented yet the battle nears its end." ♦ cularly as the battle for Raqqa took off. Despite because they are still under IS control.

REUTERS Suicide bomb attack kills four in Kurdish-held Syrian northeast

July 19, 2017 BEIRUT (Reuters) village of Tel Tamr, some 30 km (19 miles) from the Syrian-Turkish border. Syrian state TV also reported the deaths of four people in a car bomb attack A SUICIDE CAR BOMB attack claimed by Islamic State killed four people in the area, but said it had taken place in the nearby town of Ras al-Ayn. at a checkpoint in a Kurdish-controlled area of northeastern Syria on Islamic State later claimed the attack via its Amaq news agency, but said it Tuesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. had taken place the day before. It said two suicide bombers had carried it out. A Kurdish official confirmed an attack targeting a checkpoint operated by the The area is dominated by the Kurdish YPG militia, the main partner for the Asayish Kurdish internal security force, but had no further details. The U.S.-led coalition in its campaign against Islamic State in Syria. The YPG is Asayish could not immediately be reached for comment. spearheading an assault to capture the city of Raqqa from Islamic State. • Observatory Director Rami Abdulrahman said the attack took place near the

42 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti

Associated Press

The governor's office for Tunceli province said Thursday the six were Turkey: 6 Kurdish killed in an operation near the town of Nazimiye. Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said through Twitter: "our heroes have avenged our mar­ militants killed in tyred teacher." Teacher Necmettin Yilmaz was abducted and shot by suspected rebels of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, on June 16 while travel­ drone attack ing from Tunceli to his hometown in northern Turkey. His body was dis­ July 20, 2017 ANKARA, Turkey (AP)______covered last week. The PKK has waged a three-decade long insurgency in southeast Turkey. OFFICIALS say that Turkish security forces have used an armed drone Violence flared again in 2015 after the collapse of a two-year peace to locate and kill six Kurdish militants who allegedly were responsible process. • for kidnapping and killing a school teacher in southeast Turkey.

July 24, 2017 The Kurdistan Region: Strategic U.S. Ally in a Tough Neighborhood is a Special Report

By Dlawer Ala Aldeen - - Monday, July 24, 2017 http ://www.washingt ontimes.com

ANALYSIS/OPINION :

X h is year is the 25th anniversary of the election of the first Parliament and government of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Thanks to the safe haven that the United States and its European allies created in 1991 to protect the displaced from Baghdad’s brutal attacks, the Kurds turned a crisis into an opportunity to build a forward-looking nation with democratic aspirations. The journey was a tough one, with many successes and failures, but U.S.-KRI relations grew stronger and developed into a mutually rewarding partnership.

The United States continued to protect the Iraqi Kurds from Saddam Hussein’s regime in 1990s and ensured that they would have their fair share in the post-Saddam Iraq. The U.S. once again came to the rescue of the KRI in the face of the Islamic State (ISIS) onslaught in 2014 and con­ East’s politics, the political parties of the KRI have actively engaged and tinued its support to date. The Kurds have reciprocated with unreserved maintained relatively good neighborly relationships with both Iran and loyalty and solid support for U.S. policies in Iraq. Peshmerga forces became Turkey. Being a Muslim-majority country and having been part of Iraq, the indispensable partners in the U.S.-led global coalition and instrumental in KRI leaders have had unhindered access to most of the Arab countries. the ultimate military defeat of ISIS in Iraq. On the issue of KRI’s internal governance challenges, the United States can help a great deal via constructive engagement. The KRI, as a small, Some consider this KRI-U.S. partnership a tactical and temporary one, not emerging nation, remains vulnerable in the world’s toughest neighbor­ only because ISIS is being defeated, but also because the United States will hood. This gives the U.S. plenty of leverage that it has never used effective­ ultimately stop relying on the Kurds due to their inability, like the rest of ly. In fact, the U.S. has the same kind of leverage with all of its allies in the Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries, to promote the rule of law and Middle East but was never willing to use it in fear of negative reactions. On good governance, and to control corruption, which runs unacceptably the contrary, the previous U.S. administration chose to almost totally dis­ deep. However, the U.S. and the KRI can prove otherwise. engage with the region, particularly Iraq, and virtually abandoned its obli­ gation to spread the values of liberty and the rule of law in the Middle East. For a start, the United States continues to need strategic partners in the The consequences were disastrous, forcing the U.S. to return and face a ever-changing Middle East, where its vital interests will remain at stake. In war against the most radical of terrorists. a region that is in turmoil and where terrorism is on the rise, the U.S. and Europe face much-reduced space, presence and leverage for driving and It might be rare for politicians to request or accept conditional help, but shaping events. Regional state and sub-state actors (like the KRI) have the KRI leaders do when such requests come from trusted friends. They grown in influence across borders. A multitude of nonstate actors, legit­ are, and have been, responsive to terms and conditions that are linked to imized or not, have become increasingly influential in driving events. good governance, designed to help their country become a better, stronger and more prosperous place. KRG leaders viewed these conditions as incen­ he KRI, lying in the heart of the Middle East, is just what the United tives and opportunities to reform. Many used them to convince their fel­ T States needs, where it is most needed. The Kurds have proven them­ low leaders to endorse change. In short, tough love works with the Kurds selves skillful and dynamic survivors in a conflict zone that is overwhel­ and the United States should help the KRI become the partner it deserves, med by powerful rivals. They have strong, collaborative, love-hate rela­ and the partner KRI deserves to be. ■ tions with the Shia political elite of Iraq. They share a long border with the previously ISIS-occupied Sunni Arab territories, where the challenge of • Dlawer Ala’Aldeen is the founding president of the Middle East Research stabilization is greatest. They accommodated the majority of the displaced Institute and is a former human rights activist, professor of medicine and Sunni Arabs and other ethnic and religious minorities during the ISIS war. KRG minister of higher education and scientific research between 2009 and 2012. Internationally, despite the complexity and sensitive nature of the Middle

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JULY 24, 2017

interview Sergey Lavrov to Rudaw: Referendum is expression of Kurdish people’s aspirations

of the autonomous Kurdish region. relations. We know that there are We support our relations with all the efforts now to solve many constitu­ political movements of Iraqi Kurdistan tional issues, especially those about and we do that in a way that will not land, budget distribution, resources negatively impact our relations with and oil revenues. Erbil and Baghdad the Iraqi government. And we also have always tried in various stages to promote human and educational ties. solve those and other questions. Annually we give education scholar­ They have held talks and reached ships to Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan has agreements within political negotia­ its own share in those scholarships. tions. I will say it again that the And for three and a half years our desires and legal goals of the Kurds media groups, RT, is working in Erbil must be fulfilled like that of all other to convey information from there to peoples, and according to the right our people and the people of other that they have within the international countries. In general, our relations law and that is tied to the decision By Rudaw 24/7/2017 The draft constitution for Syria pro­ are good and beneficial to both sides. which we understand has been made http://www.rudaw.net posed by Russia, he argues, guaran­ in Erbil to hold a referendum. tees all political, ethnic and religious Rudaw: So we can say that the In this exclusive interview with groups, including the Kurds, their visit of Mr. Nechirvan Barzani was Rudaw: What is Russia’s view on Rudaw, Russian Foreign Minister rights in the new Syria and it could be a step for a new relationship on a Iraqi Kurdistan’s referendum for Sergey Lavrov says that Russia and a basis for ending the war in Syria new level between Russia and independence? the Kurds of Iraq have strong histori­ and creating a secular democratic Iraqi Kurdistan. cal ties that go back decades and country as stipulated by the UN Sergey Lavrov: As I said earlier, we that Moscow makes sure its ties with Security Council. Sergey Lavrov: You know, I see the referendum as the expres­ Iraqi Kurdistan do not have a nega­ shouldn’t say our relations are new sion of the ambitions of the Kurdish tive impact on anyone else, particu­ Mr. Lavrov says that Russia and the and on a new level. I repeat that our people and as far as I know the larly the Iraqi central government. Mr. United States must work together to relations are historic and we have majority of the population of the Lavrov says that two major Russian solve the Syrian crisis and find a way been expanding them for years, Kurdish autonomous region support firms, Gazprom and Rosneft, current­ to solve other conflicts around the especially with the head of the gov­ this referendum. We see that after ly operate in the Kurdistan Region world. For that, he says, the ernment and other officials of the the final decision on that issue every­ and they are the basis for strong eco­ Americans must end their suspicions autonomous Kurdish region. That is thing else will be considered in terms nomic and trade relations with Erbil, and phobia of Russia and instead the continuation of the relationship, of the consequences of that move improved upon during the visit of engage in direct talks as proposed by which as I said, is in the best interest such as political, geopolitics, demog­ KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan President Donald Trump during his of the Russian Federation and Iraqi raphy and the economy. Given the Barzani to Saint Petersburg in May. election campaign. Kurdistan. In that regard the role of fact that the Kurdish question has the Kurds of the Soviet must also be gotten out of the boundaries of the The Russian Foreign Minister says We support our relations with all the taken into account who played an new Iraq it will have an impact on its that Kurds—like all other peoples in political movements of Iraqi Kurdistan important role in building the good neighboring countries. We hope that the world—have the right to express and we do that in a way that will not relations that we have with the Kurds the Kurdish people express their their aspirations and that the referen­ negatively impact our relations with within the frame of our relations with aspirations through a peaceful mech­ dum they have decided to hold in the Iraqi government. And we also Iraq. anism and the implementation of the September is the means to do so. promote human and educational ties. goals of the referendum is also done Meanwhile, he suggests, that that Rudaw: I have heard Mr. Putin peacefully in order to take into process and its outcome must be Rudaw: Mr. Sergey Lavrov, I’d like mention the Kurds positively in account those factors in the region. implemented peacefully, adding that to start this interview with a ques­ several of his speeches. To what I’ve mentioned it earlier and it is tak­ Moscow is willing to help both tion about the visit of the prime degree is Russia ready to help the ing into account the view of Iraq’s Baghdad and Erbil in a way that minister of the Kurdistan Region Kurds solve their cause in the neighbors. would respect both sides. Nechirvan Barzani to Saint Middle East and help them achieve Petersburg. In light of his meeting their rights? As far as I am aware the presidency On the issue of Syria Mr. Lavrov says with you and with Mr. Vladimir of the autonomous Kurdish region is that the Astana talks that led to the Putin, how would you define the Sergey Lavrov: We undoubtedly in contact with the neighboring coun­ creation of the first safe zone in relations between Russia and Iraqi have very good relations with the tries of Iraq in their own capitals. We southern Syria proved that coopera­ Kurdistan at this time? Kurds and I stress that this is histori­ are ready to help Baghdad and Erbil tion between countries such as cal and we know each other well. It is in a process that would respect both Turkey, Iran, Russia, US and Jordan Sergey Lavrov: We have with Kurds, important for us that the Kurds like all sides. As history has shown about could lead to actual peace in parts of with Kurds and Arabs, a historical other people of the world achieve the results of a vote, it never means the country which could be expanded and good relationship. That relation­ their ambitions and legal rights and all the problems and questions would to all other regions in Syria. He main­ ship has a long history. Just as how in political goals. If we look at the history be solved overnight. Once again I tains that Russia believes that the the 40s and 50s of the last century of Iraq, especially when in 2003 an would say that that is a very impor­ best solution lies with the Syrian peo­ the great son of the Kurds Mustafa illegal war started, when under tant process and must be taken seri­ ple themselves, especially between Barzani was in our country, today too American leadership foreign forces ously and slowly within the scope that the government and opposition we have good relations with the destroyed that country, what is there the Kurdish question is important for groups that are not listed as terrorist Kurds of Iraq. We have had a con­ now and what is happening will not the whole region. organizations. sulate in Erbil since 2007 and in be easily mended. That certainly did Moscow there is the representation have an impact on Erbil-Baghdad Rudaw: If after the referendum

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Iraqi Kurdistan decided to themselves can decide their own ed for nine months and were reacti­ did not help with the Geneva talks. become independent like South future. The international community, vated January this year. Ossetia and Abkhazia and other foreign players and neighboring We fully believe that that constitution regions, will Russia still be willing countries must do all they can do We are ready and we work very project reassures everyone in Syria, to continue its relations with Iraqi eliminate the threat of terrorism and actively with Staffan de Mistura and the groups that I talked about, all reli­ Kurdistan? create the best atmosphere in which all other participants for a solution. gious, non-religious and political Syrians themselves can reach an We work with the representatives of groups will feel reassured in the new Sergey Lavrov: You know, I think it is agreement on the negotiating table the Syrian government and all gov­ law, in the important laws drafted for better if we did not comment on hypo­ as to how they want to live. There is ernments that want to help find a the Syrian government, and when thetical issues. As I said, we look at something that we cannot escape solution. We work with European those groups feel they have guaran­ the situation inside Iraq and in partic­ from and it is that we cannot avoid countries, the United States, all tees it will be, I believe, easier for ular the autonomous Kurdish region. negotiations. In the documents of the Muslim and regional countries. them to reach an agreement on We don’t want to speculate and Security Council it says that Syria power-sharing. It will then be easier rather see what happens in practice. must be a democratic secular coun­ Certainly, the best effort is for direct to make suggestions for government You know that in South Ossetia the try. That is very important as many of talks between Syrian government posts and will be easier to maintain problem was different. The regime of the opposition groups who have built representatives and the opposition to the balance and preventing chaos. Saakashvili had completely invaded themselves on a democratic basis take place. I mean those who have South Ossetia and there was reliable reject that which is important for reas­ taken up arms against each other, We stand by the outcome of the lat­ information that after Ossetia they suring that the future Syrian state is a opposition groups and the Syrian est round of Geneva talks and what would attack Abkhazia. So, here the secular state and a kind of state in government, they are the most de Mistura suggested in terms of four question was about protecting peo­ which all groups among them Islamic important players in this process and directions. First one is how would ple’s lives and we had no other and all political groups are reassured we agree for representatives of the Syria be able to keep control in the option. of their rights and have their security political opposition parties to join the current stage in a way that benefit guaranteed and that all will be able to Geneva talks and among those who could also be derived from the oppo­ Rudaw: How would you asses participate in state institutions. have migrated and become dis­ sition. The second is how to prepare economic ties between Russia and placed can defend their country with the constitution, third is how to lay the Iraqi Kurdistan especially now that That is the general framework on arms on the condition that it is all ground work for elections and the the number and type of deals and which all have agreed and within that within the boundaries of the Syrian fourth is to make sure the war against contracts between Russian com­ limited framework a solution could be state. terrorism continues. panies and Iraqi Kurdistan have found to the Syrian crisis. We are increased? working with a number of countries Rudaw: About the constitution I think that development in the so create that environment and that project that Russia had proposed Geneva talks is acceptable by all, Sergey Lavrov: Yes, I’ll remind you began with fighting ISIS, al-Nusra for Syria, what is the latest out­ except the extremist rebel groups. that we have mutual interests and we Front and their likes which are all come of it? But they could be put outside the want economic, trade and investment known as terrorist organizations in political process because they have ties between us to grow. We encour­ the Security Council. And we also Sergey Lavrov: The process is just proven that they are unable to reach age that field, and by that I mean work to protect the ceasefire between starting, we published it at the time as agreements. trade and investment with us will not the Syrian government and some of a sample of the draft constitution, have negative impact on any other the opposition groups, those that which was our point of view to what Rudaw: In this process, how does party and will not harm our relations have no terrorist characteristics. That we were seeing not as what was Russia see the rights and obliga­ with the central government in is important to make sure any group being said outside the country or tions of Syria’s Kurds? Baghdad. One of our giant firms has that qualifies for the ceasefire also what was being imposed. It meant been working for a long time in the becomes a participant in the process. that if you want, go ahead and we Sergey Lavrov: As part of and like economic sphere of Iraqi Kurdistan have put together this, and at that all the other groups I mentioned we and that is Gazprom. I believe it is Another one of our works is deliver­ time last year few people could talk see the Syrian Kurds and that they working in two oil fields with its part­ ing humanitarian aid to people, peo­ about the constitution and they each must be part of the agreements and ners. And in February another one of ple affected by the war and for that had their own interests in mind if they they must believe that their rights are our giant companies, Rosneft signed we have, with Iran and Turkey, creat­ came to power. Each one of them protected within Syria. a contract with its partners in Erbil ed safe zones in the Astana talks. had their own purpose in finding a and at the World Economic Forum in And in implementing the safe zones solution for the Syrian crisis. Rudaw: There is dryness in com­ Saint Petersburg several documents we brought the United States and munication between Russian and were signed as completion of that Jordan into the agreement and on That project is an example of a con­ American foreign policies. Is there agreement. In my opinion we are now July 7, Russia, US and Jordan stitution in which everyone will have a any hope that Russia and the US in a mutual relationship with Iraqi agreed to create the first safe zone role in society. Why is that important? could find a way to cooperate on Kurdistan which I believe to have south of the Syrian Arab Republic. In Because some were saying that they solving their disagreements beneficial results for all partners. recent days and now the details of will topple Bashar al-Assad then through which they could also that safe zone are being discussed solve all the problems. Those people solve conflicts elsewhere in the Rudaw: Let’s now move to the and analyzed, for example the organ­ were not thinking about the country, world? question of Syria. The continua­ ization that monitors the ceasefire, and were only thinking about reach­ tion of the crisis in Syria prolongs reassurance about the delivery of aid ing power. Some were saying they Sergey Lavrov: We must and it’s crisis in the Middle East. Russia and about the borders of the safe were not ready to hold any political important that we and America find a has a vital role in the process to zone in a way that people can enter negotiations unless there was a way to cooperate. If we really and find a solution for Syria. In your and leave the safe zone. ceasefire all across Syria. They said seriously want to have a role on the view, what development is expect­ that but they were not correct world stage, I mean Russia and the ed to happen with regards to Syria That is a window for a solution which because it was shown that that was US, to find a way to help each other in a near future? What can Russia we agreed on in Astana, and it is not possible. They could at least have to find solutions for all the troubles in do to end the crisis in Syria and being implemented now. In my opin­ asked for a stop to the war on terror. different parts of the world, for the combat terrorism in the region? ion, apart from the safe zone of We could also say that for a long issue of preventing banned weapons, southern Syria, three other safe time our partners in America could finding a solution to problems related Sergey Lavrov: First and foremost zones will be created. That window of not differentiate terrorists from the to our strategies to create stability. we should be talking about the fact solution will organize many things good opposition groups. Now we We ourselves must have a role in that Syrian parties must and can such as protecting the lives of people have been able to do just that in the solving the conflicts. What is happen­ decide for themselves because the through the end of the armed conflict safe zones and the results could be ing now between us and America is solution of that crisis is in their hands and delivery of aid to places that are seen. And those who said that with­ certainly not good. We are left with and counts on them. It has been dis­ most in need. Many admit that the out complete victory over terrorism many issues from the Obama admin­ cussed and signed on at the Security Astana talks have been great help to no solution could be found anywhere istration. Those decisions that were Council that only the people of Syria the Geneva talks which had stagnat­ in Syria, did not do a good thing and made then are now before us like -*

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-* a fire. The Obama administration of later on. Anyway, I must say that been previously planned and the plan all the parties of that crisis. President was in a shock on its way out due to that air comes from some people still has energy left in it and we work Putin has spoken by phone with the the election results. They wanted to whom no one can help. They them­ with it and we are working on forming King of Saudi Arabia and the presi­ use the time they had left in the White selves must try to get out of it other­ a joint group to solve any problem dents of Turkey and Egypt and with House to do bad things and above all wise they will be exhausted from that that might come up in the field of the Prince of United Arab Emirates their goal was to deteriorate relations ailment. Once again I say it that they cyber security. Some congressmen and the Emir of Qatar. I have spoken between America and Russia. have not been able to prove that complained to Trump that such an with my counterparts of the Qatar for­ Russia meddled in American internal agreement would be superficial and eign ministry and I have spoken by We understand how difficult it is when affairs and there isn’t a single reason they said that Trump was sitting with telephone with my other counterparts someone in Washington wants to for it. What is there in American the devil at the same table. I think of the member states of the Arab- think logically to get out of the dis­ newspapers and on TV stations is that is a childish view if they are so Russia cooperation council. We have ease they have contracted from their insulting. It is like our expression, hesitant about working with Russia spoken on a presidential level and Russophobia. So many months have excuse me if it is inappropriate, but and if they think what they do is ille­ openly. We want that problem solved passed since the new administration we call that “finger sucking”. The plan gal. I say that all good people must on the basis of common good and and no one examined this issue, to that President Donald Trump and his speak directly with the opposite side the fact that solving it would be in the show at least one proof that Russia colleagues announced before the on any topic that is in doubt. interest of all involved in the process. had meddled in America’s domestic elections for making cooperation with We support the efforts of the Emir of affairs. Ordinary people is something the Russian Federation and our For many years we have been work­ Kuwait. If within that effort or in any else, but I never believed that answer to them was the same way ing at the UN for all countries to ben­ way Russia can offer something American politicians would get the for getting cooperation with America. efit from the cyber world and for that good we are ready to do so. We see complex they now have against The first meeting between the presi­ we have prepared many documents that other countries too have efforts Russia. When I was working in New dents of both countries took place at on cyber security. But they are suspi­ to solve this crisis. Rex Tillerson was York I talked to many of them and I the G20 summit in Hamburg on July cious and claim that we do not want in the region and he held a number of had understood them differently, so 7 which came after three telephone to talk openly and directly on that important meetings and I understand what I see now from the Americans is calls between both presidents and in issue. That’s really difficult. But I hope that France and the United Kingdom astonishing to me. I believe most of that meeting there was an agreement the American society does not tie the have also expressed readiness to those who act this way towards on creating safe zones in southern hands of the current administration help. We will help with anything that Russia are acting unnaturally. Syria. from talking to Russia. would prevent the situation from get­ American politicians themselves ting worse so that that important know what they do is not good and That way we proved concretely that Rudaw: What role is Russia play­ region of the world does not go that somehow they must end this we could work together to find solu­ ing in finding a solution for the cri­ towards a long-term turmoil.* kind of thinking and behavior towards tions and in a way that would be good sis between Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Russia. for all regions and to solve problems Bahrain and others? around the world. We also agreed Unfortunately they put themselves with America on finding a way to Sergey Lavrov: We have spoken on inside a fort which is difficult to get out solve the crisis of Ukraine as had that issue and we are in contact with

@l)cUln0l)ilti)toH Situes j u|y 26, 2017 Kurdistan referendum stands on ‘solid legal footing’ By David Tafuri - - July 26, 2017 The referendum is merely a first step on the path Because the Kurdistan Region has been functio­ http://www.washingtontimes.com to independence and, should it pass, will not auto­ nally separate from the rest of Iraq since 1991 and matically signify creation of a new state. It is, legally recognized as a semi-autonomous region wo hundred and forty-one years ago this however, a momentous exercise of the universal with its own government since at least the ratifi­ Tmonth our Founding Fathers declared right of self-determination — a right that flowered cation of Iraq’s 2005 Constitution, it had a head America’s independence. When they debated the in the audacious actions of our Founding Fathers start on meeting each of these criteria. In many issue, they could not agree on whether the colo­ in 1776. The Kurds are on solid legal footing as ways, it has already satisfied them. nies were prepared to be self-sufficient, their they take this step. internal differences could be resolved, or if they It is worth reviewing each. Unlike some independ­ were even ready to withstand the challenges of The analysis of whether a territory such as the ence movements, the Kurds in Iraq have a perma­ foreign powers. But they knew they had a compel­ Kurdistan Region may seek independence must nent population that is demonstrably different ling legal and moral basis for separating from begin, but not end, with the law of the governing from the rest of Iraq. They are a separate ethnicity Great Britain. It was rooted in the principle that country. Iraq’s 2005 Constitution explicitly recog­ with their own language and culture. This has governments must derive “their just powers from nizes the Kurdistan Region as a semi-autonomous made them a target for oppression, but the area the consent of the governed,” as Thomas Jefferson region, but is silent on a process for secession. We they occupy in southwest Asia has been their wrote. must therefore look to international law. Self- home for more than 1,000 years. The territory is determination — defined as the process by which defined with reference to the three traditional On June 7, Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government a country determines its own statehood and forms Iraqi provinces that make up the region, Erbil, (KRG) announced plans to hold a referendum on its own allegiances and government — is Dohuk and Sulaymaniyah. There are also “disput­ independence across the already semi- enshrined as a fundamental right under interna­ ed territories,” on the boundary which include autonomous region. The referendum will be a tional law by the United Nations Charter. large parts of a fourth province, Kirkuk, whose sta­ milestone in the more than 1 0 0 year struggle of tus needs to be negotiated in the future. But as a Kurds living in Iraq under governments they did rticle 1 of the Montevideo Convention sets base, there is a defined area where Kurds live and not choose and which at times delivered such vio­ Aout the most widely accepted formulation of which is administered by the KRG. ■ lence, oppression and indignity upon the Kurdish the criteria for statehood under international law. David Tafuri is an international lawyer at Dentons population that they make the American It provides that states should possess the follo­ and a former State Department official in the U.S. colonists’ list of grievances against Great Britain wing characteristics: 1) a permanent population, Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, where he served in 2006 seem trivial. 2) a defined territory, 3) a government, and 4) and 2007. He was an outside foreign policy adviser capacity to enter into relations with other states. to President Obama's 2008 campaign.

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Réforme 26 juillet 2017 Hebdomadaire protestant d’actualité

Des soldats des Forces démocratiques syriennes, à majorité kurdes, dans les faubourgs de Raqqa, en juillet 2017 - © MORUKC UMNABER / DPA / PICTURE-ALLIANCE / MAXPPP Où en est-on dans la guerre en Syrie ? Questions à Fabrice Balanche

Louis Fraysse / 26 juillet 2017 sera normalement détruite dans un an. Il est en 2014. Mais, j’ai peur que cela reste un https: Il www. ref o rm e. ne t encore maître de près de 80 000 km2 et vœu pieux : l’Irak est dans un processus de d’environ 3 millions d’habitants. Soit le tiers construction nationale chiite, qui laisse peu lors que le groupe État islamique (Él) des territoires et de la population qui étaient de place aux Arabes sunnites. Quant aux marque un net recul territorial en sous son contrôle en juin 2014, lorsqu’il s’est Kurdes, ils s’éloignent de plus en plus de Irak et en Syrie, le géographe Fabrice emparé du nord de l’Irak. La perte de Bagdad avec leur projet d'indépendance. Balanche revient sur les récents déve­ Mossoul et de Raqqa réduit considérable­ loppements de la guerre dans ces deux ment ses ressources et ses capacités offen­ La stratégie de contre-insurrection pays. sives. Cependant, il n’est pas mort, comme menée par le régime syrien depuis 2 0 1 2 le montre sa résistance acharnée à Raqqa et est-elle une réussite ? À quel prix ? Spécialiste de la Syrie, FABRICE ses contre-offensives dans le désert syrien. BALANCHE est chercheur invité au Il sera de plus en plus difficile de l’extirper de Cette stratégie consiste à séparer les civils Washington Institute for Near East ses derniers fiefs (, Abou Kamal, Tel des rebelles, pour ensuite éliminer ces Policy, un cercle de réflexion américain Afar, etc.) car les combattants les plus derniers. Pour cela, le régime bombarde sur le Proche-Orient. Depuis sa thèse, motivés s’y concentrent. aveuglément les zones rebelles pour que les qui portait sur la minorité alaouite en civils fuient. Les infrastructures sont les prin­ Syrie, dont est issu Bachar el-Assad, il Ensuite, il faudra quadriller ces territoires cipales cibles afin qu'aucune administration suit de près l’évolution de la situation pour neutraliser son action clandestine, parallèle ne puisse émerger. Il prouve ainsi d’un pays en guerre depuis maintenant démanteler les cellules dormantes et extirper que les rebelles sont incapables d’apporter plus de six ans. son idéologie de la population. La recon­ la sécurité à la population pour qu’elle revi­ quête de son territoire ne signifie donc pas enne dans son giron et que la lassitude lui son élimination. Il va de toute façon contin­ fasse abandonner ses revendications poli­ En Irak, l’armée a repris Mossoul au uer à diffuser son message depuis le Sinaï tiques. Cela fonctionne mais la moitié de la groupe État islamique (Él) le 9 juillet égyptien, le Sud libyen, l’Afghanistan et les population est déplacée et le coût des dernier. En Syrie, les Forces démocra­ Philippines où il a fait des émules. destructions se chiffre en plusieurs années tiques syriennes, à dominante kurde et de PIB. soutenues par la coalition internationale, Quels sont maintenant les défis à relever sont aux portes de Raqqa, la capitale pour le gouvernement irakien ? La réussite est cependant partielle, car sans syrienne de l’Él. Est-ce le début de la fin l’aide massive de la Russie et de l’Iran, la pour le groupe djihadiste ? Il doit s’efforcer de reconstruire un État digne stratégie de contre-insurrection aurait de ce nom et intégrer la population arabe échoué. La souveraineté de l’État syrien est L’organisation territoriale de l’Él en Syrie-Irak sunnite qui s'est jetée dans les bras de l’Él aujourd’hui limitée et un « protoÉtat » O

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■=> kurde s’impose sur le cinquième du terri­ toire syrien.

Que devient Alep depuis sa reprise par l’armée syrienne en décembre 2016 ?

Alep demeure menacée par les rebelles qui sont toujours présents dans la périphérie ouest de la ville et l’attaquent régulièrement. Cependant, Alep est bien défendue et il y a peu de risques pour qu’elle soit investie de nouveau par la rébellion.

Au quotidien, le principal problème est le manque d’électricité qui ralentit la recon­ struction, en particulier la réouverture des entreprises. La mise en service d’une nou­ velle ligne à haute tension permettra d’améliorer la situation dans les prochains mois.

Vous avez travaillé sur la question du retour en Syrie des réfugiés et des déplacés internes syriens. Quelles sont les conclusions de votre étude ?

Le HCR, l’agence de l’ONU pour les réfugiés, révèle dans un sondage récent que seuls 6 % des réfugiés syriens souhaitent revenir dans leur pays dans un futur proche. Tant que l’insécurité régnera en Syrie, les réfugiés préféreront demeurer dans les pays d’accueil. Hama. L’armée syrienne a alors utilisé des gaz de plus en plus puissants pour les Tout cela achève de discréditer cette opposi­ repousser et détruire la base arrière de l’of­ Les conditions de vie au Liban, en Jordanie tion, déjà qualifiée par les Syriens eux- ou en Turquie ne sont pas forcément bonnes fensive, Khan Cheikhoun, causant une cen­ mêmes de « Coalition nationale Sheraton », mais acceptables en comparaison avec la taine de morts civils. une référence à la chaîne d’hôtels où elle se Syrie. Par ailleurs, l’espoir d’obtenir un visa réunit régulièrement. Nombre de Syriens pour l’Europe, l’Australie ou l’Amérique du Vladimir Poutine fut furieux de cet incident, considèrent la CNS comme une bande de Nord contribue à les maintenir dans les pays même s’il s’est empressé de défendre son privilégiés très éloignés des préoccupations allié syrien. Cette attaque chimique a remis voisins. réelles du peuple. en cause les efforts diplomatiques de la La situation des déplacés internes est dif­ Russie pour trouver un accord avec les Comment les Syriens tolèrent-ils la férente. Ils sont souvent proches de leur États-Unis sur la Syrie. Or Donald Trump présence depuis plusieurs années sur domicile et n’attendent que la fin des com­ venait de déclarer que la chute de Bachar el- leur sol de troupes russes et de milices bats pour revenir. Assad n’était plus l’objectif de Washington chiites soutenues par l’Iran ? en Syrie. Néanmoins, ceux qui étaient minoritaires Le régime syrien n’a guère le choix. Sans risquent de ne jamais retourner dans des Une des hypothèses est que les durs du cet apport de soldats, il serait tombé ou environnements qu’ils jugent hostiles. C’est régime à Damas s’inquiètent de la façon réduit à une faible partie du pays. Les dont la Russie négocie avec les États-Unis. le cas des chrétiens dans les zones rurales troupes russes ne sont pas très nom­ Ils auraient donc voulu donner une leçon sunnites, mais aussi des alaouites à Alep ou breuses, 5 000 hommes environ. Elles sont dans certaines banlieues de Damas. aux Russes pour leur rappeler que la Syrie surtout employées dans la logistique pour est un pays souverain. Selon eux, la solution l’aviation et l’artillerie. Les soldats russes Dans quel but le régime syrien a-t-il de n’est pas dans la négociation avec les États- sortent peu de leurs bases et ne sont pas nouveau utilisé l’arme chimique, le 4 avril Unis, mais dans l’élimination pure et simple exposés aux combats. des rebelles. dernier, contre la ville de Khan Cheikhoun ? La réaction américaine, une Dans la région de Lattaquié, où les alaouites frappe de 59 missiles de croisière contre La récente mise au ban du Qatar par et les chrétiens apprécient leur présence une base aérienne syrienne, le dis- l’Arabie Saoudite, les Émirats arabes unis protectrice, ils sont très bien accueillis. suadera-t-elle d’y recourir à l’avenir ? et l’Égypte peut-elle changer la donne dans ie soutien aux insurgés syriens ? Les milices chiites comptent environ 50 000 hommes. Elles remplacent sur le front une Même si l’affaire de Khan Cheikhoun n’est La rébellion syrienne voit ses principaux pas totalement élucidée, il semble tout de armée syrienne épuisée par six années de même que cette attaque provienne bien du bailleurs de fonds s’affronter dans cette conflit. Le Hezbollah est le fer de lance de lutte. Le Qatar et la Turquie s’opposent à régime syrien. Toute la question est de cette armée chiite. Il a contribué à former les savoir si elle a été décidée directement par l’Arabie Saoudite et aux Émirats arabes unis. Irakiens, les Pakistanais et les Afghans. Ils peuvent se faire la guerre en Syrie par Bachar el-Assad ou par un officier subal­ groupes rebelles interposés. Certains sont motivés par la défense du chi­ terne qui n’en a pas référé au commande­ ment. isme. D’autres, comme les Hazaras Par ailleurs, les membres de la Coalition afghans, réfugiés en Iran, par la solde et À l’époque, l’armée syrienne faisait face à nationale syrienne [la CNS regroupe les l’obtention de la nationalité iranienne. Leur une forte offensive de la rébellion menée par opposants en exil à Bachar el-Assad, ndlr] présence en Syrie est plus problématique se retrouvent écartelés entre proqataris et vis-à-vis de la population que celle des la branche syrienne d’al-Qaïda (Hayat Tahrir prosaoudiens. Russes, notamment dans les zones => al-Cham) qui cherchait à s’emparer de

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=> arabes sunnites. LE CASSE-TÊTE DES KURDES DE SYRIE Quels sont les principaux sujets d’inquié­ Fabrice Balanche s'est rendu en mars dernier dans le nord-est de la Syrie, aujour­ tude sur le Moyen-Orient de vos col­ d'hui aux mains des Kurdes du Parti de l’union démocratique (PYD), qui rêvent de la lègues américains ? mise en place d'un État kurde en Syrie, le Rojava. En pointe dans la lutte contre l’ÉI, les Kurdes sont à la fois soutenus par la Russie et les États-Unis. Un équilibre fragile. La montée de l’influence iranienne au Moyen-Orient est la principale préoccupa­ « La Turquie refuse de voir une région kurde autonome dirigée par le PYD, branche tion. Les gouvernements de Bagdad et de syrienne du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), à sa frontière sud. C'est pour Damas sont sous son emprise. À travers le cette raison qu’elle a envahi le nord-ouest de la Syrie, en août 2016, pour empêcher Flezbollah, l’Iran est devenu le maître du les Kurdes de réaliser leur unité territoriale. La lutte contre l’ÉI n'était pour les Turcs Liban. Dans le Sud de la Syrie, les gardiens qu’un prétexte. La Turquie s’apprêtait à recommencer dans le Nord-Est, mais les États- de la révolution et le Flezbollah sont à prox­ Unis s'y sont opposés. Dans ce contexte géopolitique, les Kurdes ont besoin d'une dou­ imité du Golan occupé par Israël. Au Yémen, ble protection contre la Turquie. À l’Ouest, ils se sont alliés au régime syrien contre les les Houtis sont devenus un allié de l’Iran, ils rebelles et ont contribué à la reprise d'Alep à l’automne 2016. À l'Est, ils travaillent avec menacent l’Arabie Saoudite et le détroit de la coalition internationale contre l’ÉI, ce qui leur permet d'obtenir un soutien militaire Bab-el-Mandeb grâce des missiles livrés par important. Mais ils savent que les Occidentaux sont moins déterminés que les Russes. Téhéran. Enfin, l’Iran est soupçonné de ne Leur politique d'entre-deux est donc tenable tant que les Occidentaux ont besoin des pas respecter le traité sur le nucléaire, qui Kurdes contre l’Él. Mais ensuite ? interdit à l’Iran de poursuivre la construction de sa bombe atomique en échange de la Quant à son idéologie, le PYD a officiellement adopté le municipalisme libertaire levée des sanctions économiques. inspiré par le théoricien socialiste américain Murray Bookchin. Dans la réalité, cela cor­ respond plus au maoïsme de la révolution culturelle qu'au libertarisme. La population La lutte contre l’ÉI est devenue secondaire est regroupée au sein de communes d’un millier d'habitants avec, à leur tête, un comité depuis que nous savons que ses jours sont populaire. Ce dernier est chargé de régler les problèmes locaux et surtout de contrôler comptés. On commence donc à Washington les habitants. Car toute demande de permis de construire, de subvention alimentaire à s’intéresser fortement à al-Qaïda, qui ou d’emploi dans l’administration ne peut se faire sans l’aval de la commune. espère profiter du vide laissé par l’Él. Mais si la lutte contre le terrorisme islamique LA KURDIFICATION demeure une préoccupation première, elle passe cependant chez certains derrière la Sur le plan économique, l’objectif final est de supprimer l’argent pour revenir au troc. lutte contre l’Iran. Ils considèrent qu’il ne faut Le PYD veut mettre en place des coopératives de production dans tous les secteurs pas que l’Iran profite de la défaite des pour obtenir l’autosuffisance dans la région qu’il contrôle. Mais jusqu’à présent, l’é­ réseaux terroristes islamistes, comme c’est conomie locale repose toujours sur des principes capitalistes, l’exploitation du pétrole le cas en Syrie en Irak. et les aides de la diaspora kurde. Le niveau de vie est très bas, ce qui génère une forte émigration alors même que la région est sûre. Le retour de la Russie au Moyen-Orient, avec son intervention en Syrie en 2015, a Sur le plan économique, l'objectif final est de supprimer l’argent pour revenir au troc. pris de court les États-Unis. Visiblement, per­ Le PYD veut mettre en place des coopératives de production dans tous les secteurs sonne à Washington ne pensait que Poutine pour obtenir l’autosuffisance dans la région qu’il contrôle. Mais jusqu’à présent, l’é­ interviendrait directement. C’était assez sur­ conomie locale repose toujours sur des principes capitalistes, l’exploitation du pétrole prenant, car la géopolitique a horreur du vide et les aides de la diaspora kurde. Le niveau de vie est très bas, ce qui génère une forte et, par conséquent, il était clair que si les émigration alors même que la région est sûre. États-Unis ne s’investissaient pas davantage en Syrie, un autre acteur allait occuper le ter­ Un autre aspect de la politique du PYD est la kurdification. Le kurde, l’arabe et le syri­ rain. Ce retour de la Russie est très mal vécu aque sont les trois langues officielles de la région. En fait, le kurde est imposé partout à Washington. Les think tanks ont largement et notamment dans l’enseignement. Les écoles privées chrétiennes, nombreuses à critiqué Obama pour cela. Quant à Trump, il Qameshli et Hassakeh, parviennent encore à enseigner en arabe, mais elles sont est suspecté d’avoir des liens cachés avec la soumises à de fortes pressions des autorités kurdes. La kurdification est un excellent Russie qui l’empêchent d’être plus agressif à moyen pour provoquer l’exode des populations arabes et renforcer le poids des Kurdes dans la région, qui sont à peine majoritaires. On ne peut donc pas dire que les popula­ son égard. tions arabes acceptent de gaieté de cœur le PYD. Elles n’ont toutefois pas le choix. La branche armée du PYD, les Forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS), est toute-puis­ Les collègues américains sont préoccupés sante. »est un excellent moyen pour provoquer l'exode des populations arabes et ren­ par le comportement imprévisible de Donald forcer le poids des Kurdes dans la région, qui sont à peine majoritaires. On ne peut Trump. Ils s’inquiètent de la marginalisation donc pas dire que les populations arabes acceptent de gaieté de cœur le PYD. Elles du State Departement (le ministère des n’ont toutefois pas le choix. La branche armée du PYD, les Forces démocratiques syri­ Affaires étrangères), qui est leur principal ennes (FDS), est toute-puissante. » ♦ relai d’influence au sein de l'administration américaine, mais dont le projet de budget a été amputé de 30 %. Globalement la poli­ tique de Donald Trump au Moyen-Orient est jugée brouillonne et en retrait vis-à-vis de la Russie. Le président américain a très mau­ n’avons plus de contact avec Bachar el- Cela mécontente les Saoudiens, mais ces vaise presse dans les milieux intellectuels de Assad et que nous avons posé cette condi­ derniers n’ont guère tenu leurs engagements Washington. Il faut néanmoins souligner que tion sans aucune efficacité », a-t-il déclaré le financiers à notre égard ces dernières la ville a voté à 95 % pour Hilary Clinton. 13 juillet dernier. Il faut désormais que les années. Sur 50 milliards de promesses de actes suivent ces paroles, à moins que la contrats, seuls 20 % ont été réalisés. Que vous inspirent les premiers pas de la France préfère rester spectatrice. diplomatie Macron au Moyen-Orient ? C’est cela aussi le réalisme à l'égard du Au niveau régional, nous assistons à un Moyen-Orient. ♦ À l’égard de la Syrie, le nouveau président léger rapprochement avec l’Iran, sans doute français développe un discours plus réaliste : du fait de la signature d'un contrat de 4,5 mil­ Propos recueillis par Louis Fraysse « Cela fait près de sept ans que nous avons liards de dollars pour la vente d'Airbus. fermé notre ambassade à Damas, que nous

49 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti

26 juillet 2017 Syrie : un groupe de combattants LGBT se forme dans les rangs kurdes pour combattre Daech Par Bruno Rieth le 26/07/2017 ne pouvions pas voir sans réagir ces images https://www.marianne.net d'hommes homosexuels jetés des toits ou lapidés par Daech", proclame le texte fonda­ 'est une photographie qui résume à elle seule teur. Des récits d'exécutions contre des per­ C toute la singularité du combat mené par les sonnes suspectées d'être homosexuelles qui, Kurdes de Syrie. Un combat militaire, stricto depuis 2014 et la proclamation de la création sensu, pour reprendre aux forces de Daech des de l'Etat islamique par Abou Bakr al- pans entier de territoire. Un combat politique Baghdadi, étaient devenus récurrents. avec l'objectif de constituer le Rojava, une région Ces combattants LGBT déclarent ainsi autonome au nord de la Syrie réunissant les trois vouloir lutter contre toutes les formes cantons kurdes d'Afrine, de Kobané et de la d"’autorité", de "patriarcat", "d'oppression Djézireh. Un combat de société également, ins­ des normes hétérosexuelles”, d"'homopho- piré par le socialisme revendiqué du Parti de bie" et de "transophobie”, étant renforcés l'Union démocratique (PYD). dans leur combat, écrivent-ils, par les On y retrouve de nombreux sous-groupes "avancées révolutionnaires obtenues par la qui ont en commun de se revendiquer de la Ce lundi 24 juillet, sur Twitter, les Forces lutte des femmes kurdes”. gauche révolutionnaire dans toute sa diver­ révolutionnaires internationales de guérilla sité (anarchiste, marxiste-léniniste, (IRPG) ont publié une photographie d'indi­ Les YPG avaient déjà comme particularité maoïste...). Leurs actions, menées depuis la vidus en armes derrière une bannière où l'on d'intégrer dans ses rangs, ainsi que dans la Syrie, peuvent parfois surprendre. L'un de peut lire "These Faggots Kill Fascists", que chaîne de commandement, des femmes kur­ ses groupes, la brigade Henri Krasucki (du l'on peut traduire par "ces pédés (sic) tuent des. Les soldats de l'EI devront dorénavant nom de l'ancien secrétaire général de la CGT, les fascistes". L'image étant accompagnée composer face des soldats LGBT. résistant dans les FTP-MOI et déporté) s'était d'un texte proclamant que "le drapeau noir Les brigades rouges et noir de Syrie par exemple invité dans le procès des 15 et rose et arc-en-ciel survole Raqqa. Les salariés d'Air France, qui comparaissaient Queers fracassent le califat”. Une photo Les IRPG, qui se revendiquent ouvertement devant la justice dans l'affaire des "chemises retweetée depuis près de 4 000 fois. des thèses anarchistes, font partie de la arrachées”, en publiant une photographie Peu de temps après, les IRPG, toujours via "Brigade internationale de libération” - for­ prise dans la ville de Manbij avec, écrit sur leur compte Twitter, ont annoncé la création mée sur le modèle des Brigades interna­ un mur "Liberté pour les 16 (sic) d'Air d'un sous-groupe nommé "l'Armée de libéra­ tionales qui s'étaient battues avec les France ! Victoire pour la CGT !". La centrale tion et d'insurrection Queer" (TQILA) com­ Républicains espagnols lors de la guerre syndicale, gêné par le soutien de ces posé de combattants LGBT. "Les membres de civile en Espagne - qui regroupent de com­ hommes en armes, avait publié le 28 septem­ TQILA ont vu avec horreur les forces fas­ battants étrangers se battant sous les dra­ bre un communiqué dans lequel elle préci­ cistes et extrémistes dans le monde entier peaux des Unités de protection du peuple sait que "ces individus agissent en leur nom attaquer et tuer à de nombreuses reprises des (YPG), branche militaire du parti kurde de propre et sans aucun mandat d'une organi­ membres de la communauté LGBT (...) Nous Syrie. sation de la CGT." ♦

July 29, 2017 Kurdish self-administration ratifies administrative division of northern Syria

Hisham Arafat | July 29-2017 http://www.kurdistan24.net

RMELAN, Syrian Kurdistan (Kurdistan 24) - Kurdish groups and their allies in northern Syria gathered on Thursday in the country’s northwes­ tern town of Rmelan and voted to divide the region into three federal administrative provinces. The Council of Northern Syria Federal System, established last year, ratified the administrative division of the area after delineating new bor­ ders and giving new names to the three provinces. In an online statement, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), of which the Kurdish YPG forces form a key component, said the Members of Council of Northern Syria Federal System vote on dividing Federal region of northern Syria would include the provinces of Al-Jazira, the region into three federal administrative provinces, in Rmelan, Al-Furat, and Afrin. Rojava (Syrian Kurdistan), Syria, July 27, 2017. (Photo: HAWAR/SDF) Hasaka and Qamishlo districts are in the country’s northeastern Al- Afrin province includes Afrin and Shahba in the country’s northwest. Jazira province. Additionally, the city of Raqqa, according to a senior Syrian Kurdish Al-Furat, the Arabic word fo r the Euphrates, is where Kobani and Gire official, is expected to join the decentralized system of government being Spi (Tal Abyad) are located, in the country’s north. set up by Syrian Kurdish groups and their allies once it is freed from - ►

50 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti

Islamic State (IS). "Democratic Federal System of Northern Syria" in December. “ We expect (this) because our project is fo r all Syria ... and Raqqa can Removing the word Rojava, which stands fo r Western Kurdistan in be part of it," Saleh Muslim, the co-chair of the Syrian Kurdish PYD party, Kurdish and refers to Syria’s Kurdish-held areas, sparked a wave of anger told Reuters in an earlier interview. among various Kurdish groups in the diaspora. Before voting on the federal system last year, the PYD party and the But the Kurdish-led administration in the region may have removed it YPC forces established a self-administrated system of governance, which to gain more international support, and perhaps in anticipation of joining spanned over the three cantons of Al-Jazira, Kobani, and Afrin. the mainly Arab provinces of Raqqa and Deir al-Zor in northern Syria. The federal system project has undergone some changes over the past This move can be evidenced by the US military support fo r the YPG and year, starting with its name, the "Democratic Federal System fo r Rojava- their Arab allies in the SDF as they launched the offensive to retake Raqqa Northern Syria" chosen in March 2016 and then switched to the name from IS roughly two months ago. •

2f|cUlnd|iitflHiiiSimcs July 26, 2017

Government in Northern Iraq will conduct a Government (KRG). There is also a Yazidi referendum on independence. If it passes, as it department, that religious minority ISIS has so ‘The surely will, the Kurdish people will have made bloodily targeted in recent years. The senior their intentions known to a watching world. We mullah of Kurdistan has said, “I am a Kurd first, will be free. We will have a nation of our own. a Muslim second. I will not allow the radicalism Kurdish We will have a place among the nations of the of other Middle Eastern nations to torment us earth. in Kurdistan.” When this moment comes, the United States his is all the democratic nations of the moment has and her allies ought to hasten to support T world might hope for. And the Kurds are Kurdish independence in every way possible leading the way. and with every resource available. come’ A promise has been made, then. A people have This is certainly because a promise was made prepared themselves. They have proven them­ to the Kurdish people and its fulfillment is long selves ready. Their time has now come. We overdue. Yet there is more. must stand with the Kurdish people as their moment in history dawns. The Kurds are the largest people group in the world — 35 million strong — who do not have a There will, of course, be birth pangs. Nearby homeland of their own. Denying them a place nations will oppose Kurdish independence and among the nations any longer would make a blood will likely be shed. The Kurds themselves mockery of Western declarations about human will understandably stumble along the way. No rights, ethnic self-determination and interna­ nation comes into the world fully formed. Yet tional justice. come into the world as a free and independent nation they must. The West should also support Kurdish inde­ By Stephen Mansfield - pendence because the Kurds represent what we Our destined role is to be vigilant midwives to July 26, 2017 hope for the future of the Middle East. They are this historic birth and to hope that one day we http ://www.washingtontimes.com fiercely pro-democracy, Western-friendly, and, may say of Kurdistan, in the words of one of her surprisingly, positive toward Israel. poets, that

t has been nearly 1 0 0 years since the world hey are also intent upon a free-market From this day on Ipromised the Kurdish people a nation of T society. In the days between Saddam their own. That promise came as World War I Hussein’s atrocities against them and the rise She was a flute, drew to an end. At a Paris peace conference, the of ISIS, days in which the Iraqi Kurds could take And the hand of the wind victors in that great war signed the Treaty of their affairs into their own hands, they put out Sevres, which guaranteed self-determination the welcome mat to foreign investment in a Endowed her wounds with melodies, for the Kurds and named them specifically as stunningly innovative 2006 investment law; She has been singing ever since for the world. overdue for nationhood. connected the Erbil Stock Exchange to the NASDAQ; declared war on the vestiges of Stephen Mansfield is a faith and culture com­ Tragically, it was a promise that could not with­ • Baathist regime socialism; and began encoura­ mentator and best-selling author of over 20 stand the complexities of the Arab world and ging entrepreneurship on a vast scale. books, including “The Miracle of the Kurds: A European dreams inflamed by oil. Instead of Remarkable Story of Hope Reborn in Northern nationhood, the Kurds were bundled into a The result? In 2013, the Kurds of Iraqi Iraq” (Worthy Publishing, 2014). He is also newly conceived entity called Iraq. Kurdistan found themselves on the “must visit” founder of Tl\e Mansfield Group lists of National Geographic, Conde Nast and (StephenMansfield.TV), a media training firm They would suffer much in the next 100 years The New York Times. This in a recent war zone. based in Washington, D.C. as a result. Their own government in Baghdad The transformation the Kurds effected was a would often treat them as enemies, the miracle. Then, of course, ISIS struck. Other pri­ Western powers would alternatively ignore and orities rushed to the fore. betray them, and for decades Saddam Hussein’s Baathist regime would seek to wipe them from The Iraqi Kurds are also what the West should the face of the earth. want the Middle East to be in matters of reli­ gion. Though the Kurds are 97 percent Muslim, Now, though, at long last, the Kurdish moment they are moderate and open. There is a has come. On Sept. 25, the Kurdish Regional Christian department in the Kurdish Regional

51 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti LE FIG A R O Syrie : en s’emparant de la ville d’Idlib, al-Qaida menace la Turquie et l’Europe Les djihadistes ont expulsé leurs rivaux de cette ville du Nord-Ouest syrien, proche de la frontière turque.

GEORGES MALBRUNOT * (jOMalbrunot

MOYEN-ORIENT Après des mois de combats fratricides, la branche syrien­ ne d’al-Qaida a pris le contrôle de la ville d’IcUib, dans le nord-ouest du pays, ainsi que de nombreux villages de la province éponyme, le long de la Tur­ quie. Lë 23 juillet, Tahrir el-Cham, une coalition de groupes armés dominée par T ex-branche locale d’al-Qaida, a ex­ pulsé d’idlib ses rivaux salafistes d’Ahrar el-Cham, appuyés par la Tur­ quie et le Qatar. Les deux groupes avaient combattu ensemble pour chasser en 2015 les trou­ pes* gouvernementales d’Idlib et de sa province. Une lourde défaite pour Da­ mas, surpris alors par la défection sou­ daine de nombreux policiers passés chez Des soldats de la branche syrienne d’al-Qaida (sur cette image tirée d'une vidéo les rebelles. de l'agence du groupe terroriste) ont arrêté des membres de l’État islamique Peuplée de 2 millions de personnes, dans le village de Sarmin dans le nord-ouest de la province d’idlib, début juillet. dont 900 000 déplacés, la province est stratégique par sa proximité avec la Turquie, par où les insurgés se sont d’Ahrar el-Cham ou de Tahrir el-Cham, longtemps approvisionnés en armes et écrit l’opposant Walid al-Bunni sur le en combattants. Elle est également pro­ site The Syrian Observer. Une bagarre che de Lattaquié, le fief des Assad. C’est s’est ensuivie pour attirer ces déplacés. » à partir de cette province qu’en 20,15 les La reconquête d’Idlib n’est la priorité, rebelles avaient avancé vers les villages ni de Damas, ni de ses alliés russes, ni alaouites au-dessus de Lattaquié, mena­ ■ Alep même des Américains. À court terme, çant le bastion des Assad et poussant la aRaqqa tous privilégient la reprise plus à Test de Russie à intervenir militairement pour B h»IPB Raqqa et des autres villes encore tenues sauver le régime. Mais rapidement, les Lattaquié | £ l y j ] par Daech sur l’Euphrate. « On s’occu­ tensions se sont exacerbées entre les ex- SYRIE b Homs pera d ’Idlib à là fin», nous confiait ré­ alliés. Elles ont encore grandi en mai O Palmyre cemment un proche de Bachar el-Assad lorsque les principaux acteurs du conflit à Damas. Pour Sam Heller, spécialiste de (Russie, Turquie et Iran) ont décidé la ® Damas la Syrie à la Century Foundation, « le ré­ mise en place de « zones de désescala­ gime entend faire d’Idlib une question in­ de » de la violence, dont une à Idlib. Les ternationale, en insistant sur les dangers djihadistes de Tahrir el-Cham y sont fa­ que tous ces radicaux feraient peser sur la rouchement opposés, la création de tel­ sécurité de la Turquie, mais aussi de les zones impliquant la neutralisation l’Europe ». des djihadistes liés à Daech ou à al-Qai­ levait des taxes'. Une importante victoi­ La semaine dernière, Ankara a dépê­ da. Dès lors, les armes ont parlé. Des af­ re qui permet aux sicaires d’al-Qaida de ché des rebelles syriens, qui lui sont frontements ont éclaté dans plusieurs mettre la main sur une source de reve­ proches, afin de venir en aide aux insur­ localités de la province. Les deux camps nus. Depuis, Ankara a suspendu ses li­ gés d’Ahrar el-Cham. « La reculade du ont installé des barrages sur les routes. vraisons d’aide humanitaire. groupe inquiète Ankara et Washington ». Dans certains secteurs, les habitants note Soufan Group, un think-tànk basé sont restés terrés chez eux, par peur des Vers des frappes américaines à New York. Ahrar el-Cham est en effet combats, à l’arme lourde parfois. Paral­ Ahrar el-Cham n ’a toutefois pas dit son la plus puissante faction rebelle non dji- lèlement aux violences, des manifesta­ dernier mot dans cette guerre pour le hadiste, tions avaient lieu dans plusieurs villes. contrôle de la dernière province à La victoire des extrémistes d’al-Qaida Certaines demandaient l’arrêt des vio­ échapper au régime syrien, qui y a ex­ à Idlib «peut conduire à des frappes lences, d’autres le départ des djihadistes pulsé les rebelles et leurs familles, vain­ américaines », estime Soufan Group, de Tahrir el-Cham, dont l’emprise sur la cus ces dernières années à Alep, Homs « même si l’espace aérien environnant est population n ’a cessé de grandir. Mais et dans les environs de Damas. Une tac­ beaucoup plus encombré qu’à Raqqa ». ces derniers l’ont finalement emporté, tique qui a permis à Bachar el-Assad de Dans le passé, les drones américains ont réussissant même à expulser leurs ri­ semer la zizanie chez ses ennemis. Une déjà éliminé dans la région d’Idlib plu­ vaux du point de passage de Bab el-Awa fois à Idlib, « les insurgés n ’ont pas né­ sieurs vétérans djihadistes. avec la Turquie où Ahrar el-Cham pré- cessairement accepté de suivre les chefs Les spécialistes en sont en effet

52 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti convaincus qu’à terme la branche majorité de Syriens. Si les djihadistes Tahrir el-Cham, eux, trouveront syrienne d’al-Qaida est plus dange ­ étrangers de Daech quittent le Levant encore, à l’ouest, un terreau favorable à reuse que Daech. Contrairement à cel­ ou sont éliminés dans la guerre qui leur leur maintien. ■ le-ci, Tahrir el-Cham est composé en est menée à l’est du pays, les Syriens de

LE FIG A R O Le bras de fer se durcit entre Berlin et Ankara Malgré les menaces de sanctions économiques brandies par l’Allemagne, la Turquie ne bouge pas d’un iota.

NATHALIE STEIWER i? (Snatbxltec patience a des limites », a tonné Sigmar BERLIN lui aussi modéré. Mais les « avertisse­ Gabriel, le ministre allemand des ments ». allemands ne sont pas pris à Affaires étrangères, vendredi devant la la légère par Ankara, dont Berlin est le DIPLOMATIE Rien ne semble préfigurer presse. L’Allemagne ne peut plus premier partenaire commercial. un apaisement des relations entre accepter la situation, « c’est une ques­ Quelque 6 000 entreprises alleman­ l’Allemagne et la Turquie, au contraire. tion d’amour-propre », a renchéri le des sont présentes en Turquie, indi­ Mardi encore, le président Recep président allemand, Frank-Walter que Volker Treier, président de la Tayyip Erdoğan a accusé Berlin d’en­ Steinmeier, sur la chaîne publique ZDF Chambre de commerce et d’industrie voyer des espions « s’ébattre dans ses dimanche. allemande. Elles ne se retirent pas en­ hôtels et diviser le pays », lors d’une Sigmar Gabriel a annoncé une série core du pays, « mais elles n ’augmen­ réunion de son parti l’AKP, à Ankara. de mesures économiques que le pays tent pas non plus leurs investisse­ Une pierre de plus dans la série serait prêt à prendre devant l’aggrava­ ments », précise-t-il. L’Allemagne d’échanges musclés entre les deux ca­ tion de la situation, dont la suspension peut aussi difficilement claquer la pitales. « Les tensions étaient dans l’air du système de garantie pour les entre­ porte d’un pays où travaillent beau­ depuis la répression du coup d’État raté prises allemandes en Turquie et le gel coup des sous-traitants de son indus­ en Turquie en juillèt 2016 », constate des aides. trie automobile. Kristian Brakel, spécialiste du Proche- Le ministre a également prévenu les De son côté, « la Turquie n ’a pas Orient au DGAP, l’un des principaux touristes allemands du « risque » qu’ils beaucoup de marge de manoeuvre parce instituts allemands de recherche sur les prennent en partant en Turquie. L’aler­ qu’elle n’a pas de marché alternatif dans relations extérieures. te n ’est pas bénigne : les Allemands y la région», remarque Kristian Brakel Elles sont montées d’un cran avec le représentent 15 % du tourisme. Déjà, du DGAP. L’Allemagne est son premier référendum constitutionnel truc. 85 % d’entre eux n’envisagent plus d’y exportateur et deuxième importateur. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan avait alors qua­ passer leurs vacances, indique un son­ Potu Berlin, il s’agit aussi d’une affai­ lifié de « méthode nazie » l’interdiction dage YouGov diffusé mercredi. re intérieure : plus de 3 millions de de réunions politiques turques en Alle­ Turcs Vivent sur son sol. Sigmar Gabriel magne. Il avait interdit dans la foulée la Lettre ouverte aux 3 millions leur a adressé dimanche une « lettre visite de parlementaires allemands sur de Turcs d’Allemagne ouverte » pour tenter de calmer le jeu les bases de l’Otan en Turquie. Peu Le président turc, Recep Tayyip Erdo­ et faire la distinction entre le gouver­ après, les Allemands découvraient avec ğan, a pourtant balayé la menace en nement Erdoğan et son peuple. Selon le consternation que des imams proches sommant l’Allemagne de ne «pas se sondage YouGov diffusé mercredi, huit de l’AKP étaient chargés d’espionner mêler des affaires intérieures ». Son mi­ Allemands sur dix souhaitent que le les Turcs d’Allemagne. nistre des Affaires étrangères, Mevlüt gouvernement garde une « attitude L’arrestation, la semaine dernière, Çavuşoğlu, a remis de l’huile sur le feu à ferme » à l’égard d’Ankara. ■ d’un militant allemand des droits de l’issue de la rencontre entre l’Union l’homme, Peter Steudtner, a été la européenne et la Turquie mardi à goutte qui a fait déborder le vase. Dé­ Bruxelles. « Personne ne peut nier que la sormais, neuf ressortissants allemands Turquie est une démocratie », a-t-il sont emprisonnés en Turquie, dont le commenté en jetant la pierre aux «faux journaliste du quotidien Die Welt Deniz journalistes » qui soutiennent « des or­ Yücel, détenu depuis février. ganisations terroristes comme le PKK ». Il n ’est pas exclu que la Turquie ait À Bruxelles, la réplique européenne voulu faire de ses prisonniers alle­ reste très mesurée. « La Turquie reste mands ime « monnaie d’échange » un pays candidat à l’adhésion à l’Union pour négocier l’extradition des oppo­ européenne » et « le dialogue doit conti­ sants turcs réfugiés en Allemagne de­ nuer », a expliqué la représentante de puis l’échec du coup d’État, estime l’Union européenne pour les relations Kristian Brakel. Face à une telle extérieures, Federica Mogherini. manœuvre, « l’Allemagne a sans doute Malgré ses protestations rhétori­ voulu réagir immédiatement ». « Notre ques, le gouvernement allemand reste

53 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti

International îNeüi Jjork Sintcs july 27,2017 Freed from ISIS, but in shock

posted her image on Faceboök immedi­ SHARIYA CAMP, IRAQ ately after her release with a description of what ISIS had done to her. For over a year, Mr. Taalo said, he had Sexually enslaved girls known his niece’s location, as well as the name of the Islamic State fighter hold­ return, but they often ing her. He enlisted the help of a smug­ gler who at great risk photographed are barely conscious Souhayla through the window of the house where she was being held and BY RUKMINICALLIMACHI sent the images to her family. But it was too perilous to try a rescue. The 16-year-old lies on her side on a mat­ tress on the floor, unable to hold up her Souhayla escaped on July 9, two days after an airstrike collapsed a wall in the head. Her uncle props her up to drink building where she was being held, water, but she can barely swallow. Her burying another Yazidi girl who had voice is so weak, he places his ear di­ rectly over her mouth to hear her. been held alongside her and killing the captor who had abused them, her uncle The girl, Souhayla, walked out of the said. most destroyed section of Mosul this At that point, she was strong enough month, freed after three years of captiv­ Souhayla, a 16-year-old Yazidi girl who escaped ity and serial rape when her Islamic to clamber through the rubble and make Islamic State captivity after three years, outside State captor was killed in an airstrike. her way to the first Iraqi checkpoint. her uncle’s home in Shariya Camp, Iraq. She had Her uncle described her condition as When her family drove to pick her up, been raped repeatedly. “shock.” He had invited reporters to she ran to embrace them. Souhayla’s bedside so they could docu­ “I ran to her and she ran to me and we ment what the terror group’s system of started crying and then we started sexual abuse had done to his niece. laughing as well,” said Mr. Taalo, the “This is what they have done to our brother of Souhayla’s father, who re­ people,” said Khalid Taalo, her uncle. mains missing after the Islamic State took over their hometown. “We stayed Since the operation to take back Mo­ like that holding each other, and we kept sul began last year, approximately 180 crying and laughing, until we fell to the women, girls and children from the ground.” Yazidi ethnic minority who were cap­ But within hours, she stopped speak­ tured in 2014 by the Islamic State, or ing, he said. ISIS, have been liberated, according to By the time they reached the camp Iraq’s Bureau for the Rescue of Ab- where her mother and extended family ductees. had found refuge after the Islamic State Women rescued in the first two years overran their village, Souhayla slipped after ISIS overran their ancestral home­ into what appeared to be unconscious­ land came home with infections, broken ness. The doctors who examined her limbs and suicidal thoughts. But now, af­ have prescribed antibiotics for a urinary ter three years of captivity, women like tract infection. Souhayla and two others seen last week She also shows signs of malnutrition. Souhayla eating dinner in her uncle’s home. She escaped by reporters, are far more damaged, dis­ Neither explaifls her extreme symp­ her Islamic State captor after an airstrike collapsed a wall playing extraordinary signs of psycho­ toms, said her family and one of the doc­ in the building where she was being held, killing him. logical injury. tors who examined her. “Very tired,” “unconscious” and “in "I’m happy to be home,” she whis­ severe shock and psychological upset” pered with difficulty into her uncle’s ear, defunct corpus of Islamic law, the Is­ were the descriptions used by Dr. in response to a reporter’s question, lamic State argued that the minority’s Nagham Nawzat Hasan, a Yazidi gyne­ “but I’m sick.” religious standing rendered them eligi­ cologist who has treated over 1,000 of The Islamic State had been ruling Mo­ the rape victims. ble for enslavement. On Aug. 3, 2014, convoys of fighters “We thought the first cases were diffi­ sul for two months in 2014 when the sped up the escarpment, fanning out cult,” Dr. Hasan said. “But those after group’s leaders set their sights on Sinjar, across the adjoining valleys. Among the the liberation of Mosul, they are very a 60-mile-long, yellow massif to the first towns they passed on their way up difficult.” north. the mountain was Til Qasab, with its The shock expresses itself in women Its foothills and mountain villages have long been the bedrock of life for the low-slung concrete buildings sur­ and girls who sleep for days on end, Yazidi, a tiny minority who account for rounded by plains of blond grass. seemingly unable to wake up, said Hus­ less than 2 percent of Iraq’s population That’s where Souhayla, then 13, lived. sein Qaidi, [he director of the abduçtee of 38 million. A total of 6,470. Yazidis on the moun­ rescue bureau. “Ninety percent of the The centuries-old religion of the tain were abducted, according to Iraqi women corning out are like this,” he said, Yazidi revolves around worship of a sin­ officials, including Souhayla. Three for at least part of the time after their re­ gle God, who in turn created seven sa­ turn. years later, 3,410 remain in captivity or cred angels. These beliefs led the Is­ unaccounted for, Mr. Qaidi of the ab- Both Souhayla and her family asked lamic State to label the Yazidi as poly­ that she be identified as well as pho­ ductee rescue bureau said. theists, a perilous category in the terror­ For the first two years of her captivity, tographed, in an effort to shed light on ist group’s nomenclature. their community’s suffering. Her uncle Souhayla made her way through the Is­ Relying on a little-known and mostly lamic State’s system of sexual slavery,

54 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti raped by a total of seven men, she and smuggler sent by their family to fetch her uncle said. “I’m happy to be home,” them. He and camp officials filled out When the push for Mosul began, she she whispered with difficulty paperwork so that the children could was moved progressively deeper into into her uncle’s ear, in be given to the state, he said. the area hardest hit by the conflict, as response to a reporter’s A video recorded on the smuggler’s security forces squeezed the terrorist phone shows what happened when the group into a sliver of land near the Ti­ question, “but I’m sick.” sisters saw their family for the first gris River. The area was pummeled by time after their return. Their relatives artillery, airstrikes and car bombs, and for more than a few minutes, her legs rushed to embrace the gaunt women. strafed by helicopter-gunship fire. unsteady. They cried. As the Islamic State began losing its Officials say recent escapees are Their mother, distraught, stepped grip on the city, Souhayla’s captor cut also showing an unusual degree of in­ behind the tent, trying to steady her­ her hair short, like a boy’s. She under­ doctrination. self. stood he was planning to try to slip Two Yazidi sisters, ages 20 and 26, A day after the video was taken, re­ past Iraqi security forces, disguised as arrived at the Hamam Ali 1 refugee porters went to see the women, and a refugee, and take her with him, her camp, where they drew the attention they could no longer stand. They lay uncle said. of camp officials because they wore on mattresses inside the plastic walls Mr. Taalo now spends his days nurs­ face-covering niqabs and refused to of their tent. ing his niece back to health. To sit up, take them off, despite the fact that Despite the loud voices around them she grasped one of the metal ribs hold­ Yazidi women do not cover their faces. and the flow of visitors, despite their ing up her family’s tent and pulled her­ They described the Islamic State mother’s wail, they did not budge. self into a sitting position, as her uncle fighters who raped them as their “hus­ Cars pulled up outside, bringing rel­ pushed from behind. But soon her bands” and as “martyrs,” said Munta- atives carrying pallets of orange soda. strength was sapped, and she flopped jab Ibraheem, a camp official and di­ They left the tent, hands over their back down. rector of the Iraqi Salvation Humani­ mouths, trying to hold back sobs. He used a washcloth to dab her fore­ tarian Organization. Family members said that except head, as she lay in his lap. Her mouth In their arms were the three tod­ for a few brief moments, the women fell open and her eyes rolled back. dlers they had given birth to in captiv­ have not awakened since then, over a After her escape, almost two weeks ity, the children of their rapists. But week ago. • passed before she was able to stand they refused to nurse them, said the

InternationalJfcltijlork Situes ju l y 26,2017 alition that opposes him. “Secularists talk about Erdoğan as an Islamist, whereas Alevis often look at Turkish minority fears him as explicitly Sunni,” said Howard Eissenstat, a Turkey expert at St. Lawrence University and nonresident further marginalization senior fellow at the Project on Middle East Democracy, a think tank in Wash­ The political trajectory of Recep ington. OSMANCIK, TURKEY Tayyip Erdoğan, the Sunni conservative Under Mr. Erdoğan, Mr. Eissenstat whose Justice and Development Party, said, average Alevis feel “they’re being or A.K.P., has governed Turkey since pushed further to the edge.” And yet Alevis say government 2002, is often judged through the prism throughout Ottoman and Turkish his­ of his increasing authoritarianism or by tory, “there has never been a moment is reinforcing Sunni Islam the challenges he is perceived to pose to when they felt utterly secure,” Mr. Eis­ as the state religion Turkey’s secular traditions. senstat added. Viewing Mr. Erdoğan through the Incorporating Shiite, Sufi, Sunni and eyes of the Alevis, however, highlights local traditions, Alevism is a strain of Is­ BY PATRICK KINGSLEY the complexities and paradoxes of both lam that emerged in the medieval peri­ In the hills of northern Anatolia, next to themes. od. Contrary to common perceptions, a shrine to a medieval Muslim mystic, Wary of Sunni dominance of public Alevism is distinct from the Aiawite there stands a modest building that il-. life, Alevis are key stakeholders in the faith followed by Syrians like President lustrâtes the fears and frustrations of secular Turkish state, and yet have suf­ Bashar al-Assad. Turkey’s Alevi minority. fered under staunchly secular govern­ For some members, Alevism is sim­ For years this small stone hall was a ments, too. They exemplify the parts of ply a cultural identity, rather than a form place of worship for local Alevis, hetero­ Turkey that feel most threatened by Mr. of worship. dox Muslims who are estimated to form Erdoğan — secularists and minorities Practicing Alevis read from the same between a tenth and a fifth of the Turk­ like the Kurds and Alevis — while high­ Islamic texts as mainstream Muslims ish population. But one day in 2015, Ali lighting both the authoritarianism and but worship in a cemevi, or prayer hall, Görmez, a local Alevi spiritual leader, religious nationalism that predated him, rather than a mosque. Men and women arrived to find government officials had as well as the disparate nature of the co- pray alongside one another, and — un­ repurposed it as a mosque for the coun­ like observant Sunnis — are not ex­ try's Sunni Muslim majority. pected to pray five times a day. Given that there was already a Sunni By some metrics, the Alevis are safer mosque a few hundred yards away, Mr. now than at many points in their history. Görmez suspected the reasons for the For centuries they have been the vic­ conversion were not entirely benign. tims of pogroms, both during Ottoman "The purpose was not to find another times and under the secular Tlirkish re­ Sunni place of worship but to prevent public. Hundreds of Alevis were mur­ the Alevis from worshiping as they like,” dered in sectarian violence in the years Mr. Görmez said during a recent inter­ that preceded Turkey’s 1980 coup, and view beside the shrine. dozens were killed during the 1990s. “It’s a policy,” he added, “of denying Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Under Mr. Erdoğan, however, there the existence of Alevis.” Alevis sense being pushed “to the edge.” has been no mass sectarian violence

55 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti

against Alevis. In fact, Alevis were On a recent Sunday in July, thousands identity, it recognizes only the Sunni among the minorities whose rights Mr. of Alevis completed an annual march mosque as a place of Islamic worship. Erdoğan initially promised to strength­ through Sivas in remembrance of the “A eemevi is not a place of worship, it en. In 2007, for instance, he began what dead. In that sense, things have is a center for cultural activities,” Mr. Er­ was termed an “Alevi opening,” a year­ changed: The police here lined the doğan argued in 2012. “Muslims should long effort to discuss the improvement streets to protect the marchers. But in only have one place of worship.” of Alevi rights. their chants and interviews, many Then there is the gradual “Sunnifica- Some even viewed the “opening” as marchers said that they felt under as tion” of the education system. Over the part of a broader attempt to challenge much social pressure as they have felt in past 15 years, Mr. Erdoğan has in­ the monocultural and monoethnic na­ decades past. creased the number of religious schools tional identity promoted by the coun­ “The government still doesn’t accept that emphasize the teaching of Sunni try’s founders. Alevism as a legitimate belief,” said doctrine. In some places parents no “We are all citizens of the Turkish re­ Turgut Öker, the head of the European longer have the option of sending their public,” Mr. Erdoğan said to a group of Alevi Federation, and an organizer of children to secular schools. Alevis in January 2008. “We are all hosts the march. “Erdoğan is completely try­ Alevis have also reported discrimina­ of this country, siblings without dis­ ing to make Turkey more Sunni.” tion in the workplace, particularly crimination between you and us.” Take the eemevi, Mr. Oker said. The within state institutions. Few Alevis cur­ Nearly a decade later, sitting in the number of these Alevi prayer centers rently fill key roles in the state appara­ hills outside Osmancik, Mr. Görmez and has increased under Erdoğan — from tus, such as governors or police chiefs. his Alevi friends complained about the under 300 in2000 to over 900 in 2013. But And although there is no concrete evi­ Sunni takeover of Osmancik’s eemevi. their construction owes more to Alevi dence of an official policy of bias, Alevis But they also conceded that in terms of activism than to government acquies­ in low-level positions in the civil service pure security, the overall situation has cence. regularly claim that the system is improved in the years since the po­ Despite repeated censure from the gamed against them, said Aziz Yagan, groms of the 1970s, when Alevi villagers European Court of Human Rights, the an academic. built barricades outside their homes to Erdoğan government still refuses to Yunus Laco, an Alevi who applied this defend themselves. classify cemevis as official places of year for a state position, received some "Now,” said Servet Unal, a retired civil worship. That makes them ineligible for oddly sectarian questions in his oral ex­ servant sitting beside Mr. Görmez, “we the money provided to the Directorate aminations. are comfortable.” of Religious Affairs for the construction “Theyaskedme: Are you an Alevi?’ ” But beyond the matter of their physi­ and maintenance of Sunni mosques. The Mr. Laco said. “ ‘Is there anyone in your cal safety, the plight of Alevis in Mr. Er- directorate’s budget was an estimated family who prays five times a day?’ ” dogan’s Ttirkey is more complex, as the $18 billion in 2016 — more than most Mr. Laco did not get the job. participants at a recent Alevi rally in the ministries. “The case of the Alevi suggests that city of Sivas showed. And where Alevis have managed to the A.K.P. always lacked the imagina­ Twenty-four years ago, Sivas was the build cemevis, the state has often con­ tion to account for Turkey’s real diversi­ site of a brutal massacre of Alevis by a structed mosques nearby (or in Osman­ ty,” said Mr. Eissenstat, of St. Lawrence mob of Sunni fundamentalists who cik, installed a mosque in the eemevi it­ University. “It has embraced the idea burned down their hotel. The police did self). The implication is that while the that there is really only one true way to not intervene. state may tolerate Alevism as a cultural be part of the Turkish nation.” •

t JULY 22, 2017 Kurdish officials discuss election law, administrative divisions in Rojava-Northern Syria

July 22, 2017 Kurdish Region, Syria http://aranews. net THE EXECUTIVE BOARD of the Constituent Council of the Meclisa Damezrêner A Federaliya Democratic Federal System in Rojava-Northern Syria met with members of the Council and representatives of the Electoral Commission on Pt____I___*:l, a Dniotn . Rakiirp SÛHva Thursday to discuss the election law and the administrative divisions of the regions of Rojava and Northern Syria. A broad meeting was held at the headquarters of the Constituent Council of the Democratic Federal System of Northern Syria to discuss the draft electoral law and administrative divisions in the regions of Rojava and northern Syria. According to the local Kurdish news agency ANHA, the meeting was attended by the Co-Chairs of the Executive Council of the Democratic Federalist System of Northern Syria Fawza Yousef and Sanharib Barsoum and the Co-Chairmen of the Constituent council of the Democratic Federalist System of Northern Syria Flediya Youssef and Mansour Salloum, From the ceremonies of the declaration of federalism in Rojava, as well as members of the executive board of the three provinces of Rumelan, northeastern Syria. File photo: ARA New Kobani, Jazirah and Afrin and representatives of the Shahba region (Northern Aleppo). The participants reportedly discussed the items of the draft election and northern Syria. The sources suggested that the draft law on elections law, and proposed amendments to its provisions. and administrative divisions of the Council of the Democratic Federal System of Northern Syria will be submitted for approval at a later Sources within the meeting confirmed to ARA News that the partici­ meeting.* pants also discussed the administrative divisions of the regions of Rojava

56 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti L-MONITÜRI July 27, 2017 Arab Sunni areas of Iraq see demands to join Kurdistan Region The secessionist wing in Iraqi Kurdistan is working on using demands from some Sunni Arabs to join the region to support the upcoming referendum and independence.

Ali Mamouri July 27, 2017 /www.al-monitor.com

s the Islamic State's reign comes to an end in Iraq, the sectarian nar­ Arative of Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds — and the competition among them — is re-emerging. Political parties are mobilizing the three compo­ nents to advocate a sectarian identity for each of them in post-IS Iraq.

In a series of posts on his official Facebook page, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi warned against "attempts by some to market sectarian­ ism" after the liberation of Mosul from IS. "After liberating Mosul, new faces left their hideouts and appeared to speak in the name of the people of Mosul and Anbar," Abadi said in a post.

Abadi's remarks refer to certain demands that have been posed in the A peshmerga fighter stands next to graffiti of the Islamic State flag on a wall in Zummar, in the northern Iraqi govemorate of Ninevah, Dec. name of Sunnis in the liberated territories to divide the country along sec­ 18, 2014. SAFIN HAMEDIAFPIGetty Images tarian lines. The demands include calls for including Sunni territories in Iraqi Kurdistan on the premise that Sunni Arabs and Kurds both share the Sunni doctrine. This could mean dividing Iraq into Shiite and Sunni camps. Meanwhile, they are also unable to establish their own platform of admin­ istering Sunni-majority territories in post-IS Iraq, which sometimes makes Arab villages in the north of Ninevah province witnessed demonstrations them vulnerable to exploitation by Shiite and Kurdish parties according to demanding the integration of their territories into Iraqi Kurdistan. Hundreds their own political agendas. affiliated with Ninevah's Arab tribes from Zummar and Rabiah west of the Tigris River took to the streets July 18 to demand integrating their territo­ In the past, Shiite and Sunni parties negotiated several compromises to ries into Iraqi Kurdistan. Zummar and Rabiah, which are among the terri­ support a platform by a Shiite party in exchange for the Sunni side receiv­ tories that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) aspires to integrate, ing certain political seats. Now, there are obvious Kurdish attempts to are referred to in speeches by the regional government's officials as exploit Sunni Arabs for the interest of the KDP's secessionist platform. "Kurdish areas outside the administration of the Kurdistan Region." ne example was when KRG President Massoud Barzani met with a Demonstrators also demanded that they be granted the right to vote in group of Arab tribal leaders from the disputed territories in Ninevah Iraqi Kurdistan's independence referendum, which is scheduled to take O July 22. In a statement, the spokesman for Ninevah's Arab tribes Muzahim place Sept. 25. Tribal leaders on the outskirts of Mosul demanded on June al-Howeit said, "Sheikhs of tribes have expressed their desire to integrate 22 to integrate their territories into Iraqi Kurdistan and hold a referendum their territories into Iraqi Kurdistan and also to include it in the fate-deciding to decide the fate of their territories. referendum scheduled to take place Sept. 25." In Kirkuk, where the regional government also intends to hold the referen­ Howeit called for "nominating Arab nationalists to become members of the dum despite the fact that it is not within the region's actual borders, Arab Kurdistan parliament" in the future. tribes, including the Abada tribe, supported holding a referendum over the independence of the region. Tribe leader Sheikh Khalaf al-Abadi told At the same time, Barzani is mobilizing Sunni Arab countries to receive Kurdistan 24 on July 6, "We support the Iraqi Kurdistan referendum their support for Kurdistan's independence. On July 4, Barzani met with because the peshmerga forces protect all the components without discrim­ consuls from seven Sunni Arab entities — Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, ination based on religion or ethnicity and we stand with the side that pro­ United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Kuwait and Sudan. Barzani gave the tects us." Sunni Arab diplomats his views about a post-IS Iraq and the reasons for holding a secession referendum in September. rominent Iraqi Sunni cleric Ahmad al-Qabisi predicted in an interview with Samarra Channel on July 20 that Iraq would be divided, that the P Therefore, it appears that the Sunni Arab community is going to be used Sunni territory in Iraq would be in Kurdistan and that Iraqi Kurdistan will not as leverage against Baghdad in the hands of the secessionist wing in Iraqi only be for Kurds, as Sunni Arabs will join it since they sincerely want to Kurdistan, while the Shiite political authority in Baghdad will continue to fail be under its umbrella. to embrace the Sunni community or help it formalize a nationalist platform that may help promote a national identity for a united Iraq. What's going to The sectarian competition in Iraq shows that there are two clear main­ be lost in the middle is the interests of the Sunni community, which has stream discourses. Shiite parties want to have the upper hand in the state long been suffering destruction at the hands of terrorist groups, and, on the through their political representation and by keeping their military factions other hand, has been neglected by the central Shiite-led government in within the Popular Mobilization Units, which was destined by the Popular Baghdad. ♦ Mobilization Law to work outside — but parallel to — the structure of the Iraqi army. There is also the secessionist discourse by Kurdish parties, Ali Mamouri is Al-Monitor's Iraq Pulse Editor and a researcher and writer who spe­ especially the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), which represents a cializes in religion. He is a former teacher in Iranian universities and seminaries in majority in both the KRG parliament and the government. Iran and Iraq. He has published several articles related to religious affairs in the two countries and societal transformations and sectarianism in the Middle East. Sunni Arab parties in Iraq are still unable to formalize the demands of their voters because they are not designed to support a united Iraq within a comprehensive national rhetoric that brings together other groups.

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Kurdistan Regional Government 26 JULY 2017 Prime Minister Barzani congratulates Gorran's new leader

rbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq an important political force in the Kurdistan E (cabinet.gov.krd) - Region, you will bear new responsibilities and duties. You also start a new chapter in your n a congratulatory message, Prime Minister eventful life as a Peshmerga, who fought for INechirvan Barzani congratulated Orner Said so many years, defending the rights of Ali on his election as the General Coordinator Kurdistan." of the Change Movement (Gorran). "We view your election with optimism. We the opportunity that exists today for the peo­ He also extended his congratulations to are hopeful that the common objectives of all ple of Kurdistan, in the best way possible for the members of the Executive body and new the parties in Kurdistan to fulfil the legitimate the interests of Kurdistan and the rights of our leadership of the Change Movement. rights of our people, will bring us closer, with people, as we have been fighting for them for In his message, Prime Minister Barzani you and the Gorran Movement and all the centuries." ♦ stated, "By assuming the highest position of other parties and settle the current issues." He stated, "We have to take advantage of

July 26, 2017 The Kurdistan Region: Strategic U.S. Ally in a Tough Neighborhood is a Special Report El)c Ufasljiıujtım Simce prepared by The Washington Times Advocacy Department. 5 reasons for U.S. to support an independent Kurdistan

By Brig. Gen. Ernie Audino July 26, 2017 Re-establishing a balance of power in the Gulf— http ://www.washingtontimes.com means checking Iranian power, not accommo­ dating it. The recent liberation of Mosul is an ost-Mosul Iraq is no place for negotiators important victory, but we must also be honest Pwearing loafers and pin-striped suits. It’s a about a resulting condition — Iran used its siz­ place of dusty boots and bare-knuckle competi­ able proxy participation in that operation to add tion, where results on the ground are a function terrain to the dominant position it gained in the of muscle and not of eloquence. It’s a place Gulf after the withdrawal of U.S. troops from where Tehran applauds Washington’s polite Iraq in 2012. Iran now strives to control Kurdish adherence to a One-Iraq policy, even while subs­ soil between Mosul and the Syrian border to tantial Iranian combat power flows insidiously enable a physical link from Tehran to Syria’s into Iraq to effect a functional annexation of the Mediterranean shoreline and to Tehran’s lion’s share of Iraqi terrain. While Washington Hezbollah allies in Lebanon. While Western eyes urges everyone in Iraq to just get along, they shift to Raqqa, Tehran maintains 15,000 Shia don’t, and they never have. Continued American militiamen near Tal Afar to the west of Mosul, supplication is pointless. expands a new nearby airstrip, endeavors to co­ opt the Yezidis in Sinjar on the Syrian border, Here’s the practical reality: Baghdad has become and prepares to use the upcoming battle for Tehran West. It’s the capital of a regime whose Hawija, a remaining ISIS snakepit in Iraq, to ministries are overwhelmingly headed by Shia insert Iranian proxies south of Kurdish-adminis­ interests aligned with their co-religionists in tered Kirkuk. Tehran also plans to spend $4 bil­ Tehran, and it is supported by an Iraqi Army that lion on intelligence activities inside the is 75 percent Shia and augmented by Iran’s Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The result: Iran proxy force of 110,000 Shia militiamen inside lead the operation to seize Raqqa, the ISIS capi­ is consolidating on three sides of the KRI and Iraq. Tehran dominates over 60 percent of Iraq. tal. ISIS simply will not be destroyed and kept will be in position to compel our Kurdish ally’s It’s in Tehran’s interest to next dominate Iraq’s that way without the Kurds. behavior in the future. ■ Kurdish region. It’s in our interest to prevent it. he defeat of the jihadi ideology of ISIS — will Brigadier General Ernest C. Audino currently Here’s why we must: A strong Kurdistan, inde­ T not happen without moderate Sunni voices. serves as the Deputy Director of Operations, pendent of Baghdad’s chronic dysfunction and Destruction of a jihadi army is one thing, and Readiness and Mobilization, Headquarters Tehran’s malevolent influence, materially the defeat of jihadi ideology is another. The two Department of the Army, Office of the Deputy advances five important American interests. are related, of course, but the first is a relatively Chief of Staff G-3/5/7. short-term kinetic effort, and the second is not. Following that assignment he deployed to Iraq The destruction of ISIS — will not happen with­ Victory against both is in U.S. interest, but the where he commanded a team of combat advisors out the Kurds. Their leading role in the destruc­ U.S. will not have a leading role in the second. embedded in 3rd Infantry Brigade, 4th Division tion of ISIS as an organization cannot be reason­ That is the province for moderate Sunni voices, Iraqi Army, an assignment he considers among ably disputed. The Kurds stopped, held and among those the Kurds. The Kurdish persistent the most rewarding in his military career. His rolled back ISIS, and then waited two years while resistance to extreme Islam is well-known and brigade was formed entirely from Kurdish pesh­ the Iraqi Army re-cocked after running away in has been since the first outside Islamist groups merga (guerilla units) re-missioned to conduct 2014. Kurdish forces then isolated Mosul as the began concerted proselytizing into portions of counterinsurgency operations in Balad, Kirkuk, necessary precondition to its recent liberation Kurdistan as early as 1952. Sixty-five years later and along the Iranian border. by a revitalized Iraqi Army, albeit one infused and the black flag of ISIS still doesn’t fly over with Iranian muscle. Meanwhile, Syrian Kurds Kurdish soil.

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£ z M m è t IEUDI27 JUILLET 2017

cette zone à des quartiers périphériques de Damas tenus par l’opposition que nourri­ ture et armes sont entrées jusqu’à présent. Mais plusieurs de ces faubourgs ont été re­ La rébellion syrienne pris, en mai, par l’armée. Selon Monzer Akbik, porte-parole de La Sy­ rie de demain, le mouvement dirigé par Ah­ mad Jarba a joué un rôle de «médiateur» dans la mise au point de cet accord sur la en perdition Ghouta-Est, qui a été «signé par les Russes et par l’Armée de l’islam ». Cette dernière, d’ins­ Situation des forces en présence au 26 juillet 2017 piration salafiste, est la faction armée de l’op­ «NOUS AVONS TANT position la plus puissante dans la région de Arabo-kurdes Organisation Etat islamique Damas. M. Akbik affirme que cette entente Pro-Bachar Al-Assad Rebelles ESPÉRÉ AVEC LA et Hezbollah libanais est «indépendante du processus d’Astana», TURQUIE ^ ------RÉVOLUTION, ET qui rassemble Moscou, Téhéran et Ankara. NOUS NOUS Ce cessez-le-feu dans la Ghouta-Est risque oAlep de relancer les combats entre factions anti- Rakkao RETROUVONS AVEC Assad car il ne concerne pas les djihadistes de l’ex-Front Al-Nosra (devenu Tahrir Al- Mer y Cham et qui prétend avoir formellement Méditerranée SYRIE Deirez-Zor IRAK LE FRONT AL-NOSRA ICI. AL-NOSRA ET rompu ses liens avec Al-Qaida), peu nom­ Patmyre o breux mais présents dans la, région. Les Ersal autres formations, dont Faylaq Al-Rahmane, y ASSAD SONT LES qui n’ont pas pris part aux négociations, LIBAN 'PMadaya DEUX FACETTES DE sont appelées à chasser les hommes de { ©Damas Nosra. L'accord du Caire «doit permettre à -U'; ; \ LA MÊME MÉDAILLE» lArmée de l’islam d’éviter une reddition et une ISRAËL , 0Deraa évacuation forcée vers la province d’Idlib, dé­ JORDANIE HOUSSAM 100 km crypte Nawar Oliver, chercheur au centre b un déplacé arrivé à idiib T d’études stratégiques Omran, en Turquie, Le régime en tirera avantage si les groupes ar­ més de l’opposition sont poussés à se battre entre eux. » L’annonce de cet accord a été suivie, quel­ ques heures plus tard, par un cessez-le-feu décrété par l’armée syrienne. Mais des bom­ bardements aériens ont eu lieu depuis, selon l'Observatoire syrien des droits de l’homme. Dans la nuit de lundi à mardi, huit civils ont été tués dans un raid gouvernemental. Peu après, selon des habitants, des roquettes Un combattant de l’Armée syrienne étaient lancées depuis le fief rebelle en direc­ libre, à Deraa, tion de l’ambassade russe à Damas. le 1 4 juillet. ALMAL-FAQIR/REUTERS Idiib : le piège djihadiste Au tërme de trois jours de combat qui ont fait plus d’une centaine de morts, Tahrir Al- Cham a peut-être pris définitivement le des­ sus sur son rival salafiste d'Ahrar Al-Cham, dans la province d’Idlib, la seule province sy­ rienne encore entièrement aux mains de la à la manœuvre rébellion. Soutenu par la Turquie, Ahrar Al- artout, elle recule. Divisée, con­ Un cessez-le-feu durable va-t-il s’installer Cham a également perdu le contrôle du pré­ currencée par les djihadistes, dans la Ghouta-Est, cette vaste région agri­ cieux poste-frontière de Bab Al-Hawa, par où fragilisée par le jeu des grandes cole aux portes de Damas, contrôlée par l’op­ transite l’aide humanitaire. Ankara a, depuis, puissances, la rébellion sy­ position armée et assiégée parles forces pro­ décidé de suspendre toutes ses aides. Une rienne anti-Assad est en perdi­ mauvaise nouvelle pour les 2 millions d’ha­ tion. Dans la région de Damas, régime? Moscou a rendu public, samedi l’Armée de l’islam a été acculée au cessez-le-22 juillet, un accord négocié au Caire avec des bitants que compte la province d’Idlib, dont P représentants de l’opposition, sur une «dé­ plus de 900000 déplacés d’autres régions. feu, épuisée par quatre années de siège et de bombardements. Dans le Sud, les modérés de sescalade» dans la Ghouta-Est. Selon l’état- Cette « prise d'Idlib » vient couronner qua­ l’Armée syrienne libre (ASL), bien qu’en posi­ major, des policiers russes ont déjà été dé­ tre ans d’efforts de Tahrir Al-Cham, qui a pa­ tion de force, sont lâchés par les Etats-Unis. ployés. Le but affiché : faire taire les armes et tiemment affaibli ou éliminé les autres Dans la province d’Idlib, au Nord, les djihadis­ permettre l’entrée de l’aide humanitaire groupes de l'opposition armée en profitant tes de l’ex-Front Al-Nosra, lié à Al-Qaida, sont dans cette zone verrouillée par l’armée de­ de leurs défaites militaires et de leurs divi­ en train de faire place nette. Mais l’effondre­ puis 2013. Selon des sources jointes en Syrie, sions : des modérés de l’Armée syrienne li­ ment de la rébellion anti-Assad risque de les détails concernant l’acheminement de bre aux radicaux d’Ahrar Al-Cham. Son ob­ l’aide sont «encoreflous». Jusqu'ici, des con­ jectif : « Construire une autorité politique, re­ faire le jeu des extrémistes djihadistes... vois humanitaires ont rejoint, de façon irré­ ligieuse et militaire unique dans la pro­ gulière, certaines localités de la Ghouta-Est. vince.» Soit une forme d’«émirat» Ghouta-Est : Moscou C’est surtout à travers des tunnels reliant entièrement à la botte du groupe. La situa­

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tion ne manque pas d’ironie au moment où sance des djihadistès et les interminables no-syrienne, dans ùne zone montagneuse le « califat » de l’organisation Etat islamique querelles intestines, les groupes rebelles de au-dessus de la localité d’Ersal. De 1500 à (El) s’effondre sous les coups de boutoir de la région de Deraa rassemblés sous la ban­ 1800 combattants syriens, dont la plupart ses innombrables ennemis. nière de l’Armée syrienne libre présentent appartiennent à des groupes djihadistès «Le régime a rassemblé ici ses adversaires, un ensemble plutôt homogène. Les radicaux (Tex-Front Al-Nosra et TEI), sont retranchés en y conduisant tous ceux, rebelles ou aclivisr y sont minoritaires. dans ce no man’s land depuis plusieurs an­ tes, qui ont été déplacés deforce [après la re­ Depuis le 9 juillet, une trêve négociée entre nées. Des rebelles non djihadistès sont aussi prise de fiefs de l’opposition à Damas où à Vladimir Poutine et Donald Trump est en vi­ présents. Le Hezbollah a jusqu'ici concentré d’Alep]. Il savait que cela favoriserait les af­ gueur dans la région. Elle pourrait servir de l’essentiel de son offensive en territoire liba­ frontements internes», résumeHoussam, un base à une entente durable entre Moscou et nais, contre les positions d’Al-Nosra, tandis déplacé originaire de Madaya, près de Da­ Washington susceptible de déboucher sur que l’armée syrienne mène des frappes aé­ mas, arrivé à Idlib en avril. «Nous avons tant un règlement du conflit, assure-t-on côté riennes sur la zone montagneuse. espéré avec la révolution, et nous nous retrou­ russe. Pour l’opposition armée, on craint a Du point de vue de la puissante milice vons avec le Front Al-Nosra ici. Al-Nosra et As­ contrario que de tels accords conduisent à chiite libanaise, cette offensive doit permet­ sad sont les deux facettes de la même mé­ une division de fait de la Syrie entre un tre d’écarter la menace djihadiste au Liban. daille», conclut-il, amer. En évinçant leurs ri- « pays utile » sous contrôle gouvernemental Des attentats commandités, selon les servi­ . vaux, les djihadistès compliquent également et quelques enclaves rebelles sous l’in­ ces de sécurité, depuis le maquis frontalier une possible intervention de la Turquie, qui fluence de puissances régionales. ont eu lieu par le passé dans la banlieue de a besoin d’alliés sur le terrain pour déployer La décision prise par Washington de sus­ Beyrouth, et des combats avaient opposé des troupes d’interpositipn prévues dans le pendre son programme de soutien à l’oppo­ en 2014, dans la ville d’Ersal, militaires liba­ cadre des négociations dAstana avec la Rus­ sition armée antirégime - qui concerne par­ nais et djihadistès. La bataille devrait aussi sie et l’Iran. ticulièrement la coalition dite du Front sud, permettre au Hezbollah et à Damas de sécu­ active à Deraa - renforce les craintes rebelles riser leurs gains dans les monts du Qala- de voir Washington laisser définitivement la moun syrien, à l’ouest de Damas. Deraa: l'ASL lâchée main à Moscou. «Avant l’intervention de Dans la ville d’Ersal, qui compte près de. par les Américains [nos] forces armées, les troupes gouverne­ 60000 réfugiés syriens, les habitants vivent A la fin du mois de février 2011 à Deraa, capi­ mentales contrôlaient un peu moins de au son des bombardements. L'armée liba­ tale provinciale du sud-ouest de la Syrie, une 12000 km2 en Syrie. Elles contrôlent naise, soutenue par Washington, n’a pas an­ quinzaine de gamins et d’adolescents aujourd’hui 74200 km2. Les soldats russes, noncé officiellement prendre part à la ba­ avaient inscrit un slogan anti-Bachar AlrAs- conjointement avec les forces syriennes, font taille, mais elle a tiré à plusieurs reprises sad sur un mur de la ville. Leur arrestation leur maximum pour rétablir le plus rapide­ contre des positions djihadistès et ferme, par les services de sécurité du régime et les ment la paix en Syrie», a rappelé, vendredi côté ouest, la nasse destinée à empêcher les tortures qu’ils subiront allaient déclencher 21 juillet, le porte-parole du ministère de la djihadistès de fuir vers Ersal. le soulèvement syrien. Six ans plus tard, c’est défense russe. Des médias du Hezbollah ont affirmé, dans cette même région que risque de s’éva­ lundi 24 juillet, que la fin de la bataille contre nouir le rêve des rebelles de renverser le ré­ A la frontière Liban-Syrie : Tex-Front Al-Nosra était proche. Cela ne si­ gime syrien, alors que les Occidentaux, gnifie pas que l’offensive est terminée: de France et Etats-Ünis en tête, ne font plus du la fin de l’endave djihadiste ? nombreux combattants ont fui dans les po­ départ d'Al-Assad un objectif de la sortie de Depuis le 21 juillet, date du lancement de la ches sous contrôle de TEI, où les opérations crise. A la différence des autres régions du bataille, les journaux, télévisés à Beyrouth vont se poursuivre, ■ pays, où l’opposition armée a été atomisée égrènent les noms des collines et des com­ LAURE STEPHAN par les défaites militaires, la montée en puis­ bes prises par le Hezbollah à la frontière liba- ET M ADJID ZERROUKY (Â PARIS)

REUTERS Turquie: Deux autres députés pro-kurdes privés de leur statut 27 juillet 2017 — ANKARA (Reuters) DEUX députés du parti pro-kurde HDP se sont vu à leur tour retirer leur statut parlementaire jeudi par le Parlement turc, ce qui porte à quatre le nombre de parlementaires HDP destitués. Le gouvernement turc accuse le Parti démocratique des peuples (HDP), deuxième parti d'opposition à la Grande assemblée nationale, le Parlement monocaméral turc, d'être affilié au Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), qui mène une insurrection séparatiste dans le Sud-Est turc à majorité kurde depuis plus de 30 ans. Le HDP dément des accusations. Les deux députés, Tugba Hezer et Faysal Sariyildiz, ont été officiellement écartés pour "absentéisme". Le HDP, qui avait 59 élus aux élections législa­ tives de novembre 2015, n'en a plus que 55. La Grande assemblée compte 550 sièges. En février, le Parlement avait destitué Figen Yuksekdag, co-présidente du HDP et mis en prison son co-président Selahattin Demirtas. Des membres de l’opposition pro-kurde HDP manifestent contre la La députée HDP Nursel Aydogan, accusée d'appartenance à une organisa­ répression étatique à Diyarbakır en Turquie. Deux députés du parti tion terroriste, a perdu son statut en mai. pro-kurde se sont vu à leur tour retirer leur statut parlementaire jeudi par le Parlement turc, ce qui porte à quatre le nombre de par­ Le HDP a lancé mardi un mouvement de protestation contre l'emprison­ lementaires HDP destitués. /Photo prise le 26 juillet nement d'un grand nombre de ses élus. 2017/REUTERSISertac Kayar De nombreux observateurs estiment que le président turc Recep Tayyip Erdoğan se sert de la répression engagée contre les personnes qui sont Depuis un an, quelque 50.000 personnes ont été arrêtées et plus de 150 souçonnées d'avoir soutenu le coup d'Etat manqué de juillet 2016 pour fonctionnaires, militaires et personnes travaillant dans le secteur privé ont museler toute opposition. été renvoyées ou suspendues de leur fonction. •

60 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti

N ational July 27, 2017 Interest Will the Kurds Get Their Independence Referendum? The Kurdish region faces a m ultiplicity of hurdles as it prepares for the "yes to independence" referendum.

Seth J. Frantzman / July 27, 2017 http://nationalinterest.org

urdistan Regional Government president KMasoud Barzani announced on June 7 that the region had set September 25 as the date for a referendum on independence. He was joined by members of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Kurdistan Islamic Union, Kurdistan Islamic Movement and other small parties, including those representing Assyrian and Turkmen minorities. New signs on billboards throughout the KRG capital of Erbil tout “yes to independence.”

The Kurdish region faces a multiplicity of hur­ dles as it prepares for the referendum. The top among them are internal issues, such as demands on July 12 by the Change Movement (Gorran) and Kurdistan Islamic Union that elec­ tions for the regional parliament be held before—or during—the referendum and that the parliament be reconvened. External actors also reaching out to its partners abroad. Bakir refer­ also wants to push through a series of reforms pose challenges. Moktada al-Sadr, the powerful enced the United States, the U.S.-led coalition, during the period leading up to the referendum. Shia leader in Baghdad has called on Masoud to the UN and the EU. “First they can support dia­ In May, Kurdistan Regional Government prime postpone the referendum, according to a July 5 logue between Erbil and Baghdad,” he said. minister Nechirvan Barzani and Kurdistan report by Asharq al-Awsat. “Second, the democratic values in the process of Regional Government deputy prime minister referendum need to be respected.” Qubad Talabani met with a delegation of repre­ “The time has come for our own people to deter­ sentatives from the United States, Germany and mine their future,” Falah Mustafa Bakir, the he referendum doesn’t come in a vacuum but the UK. According to reports, Prime Minister head of the department of foreign relations for Twas scheduled to coincide with the winding Barzani told the UK’s Defense Ministry Senior the KRG, said in an interview. Fourteen years down of the war against ISIS in Iraq. The Iraqi Advisor for the Middle East that the government after the U.S.-led 2003 invasion and the prob­ security forces liberated Mosul in early July after and the Ministry of Peshmerga were pushing fur­ lems between Baghdad and the Kurds have not grueling battles in the Old City that saw ISIS ther reforms for the Kurdish forces. been resolved by decentralization, autonomy blow up the famed Great Mosque of al-Nuri, and federalism, he said. “To have a democratic which is where Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared akhtiyar Mohammed, an advisor at the environment we need democratic practice and the “caliphate” in 2014. To the west the Popular BPeshmerga Ministry, said the reforms cover democratic culture,” Bakir said. The Iraqi gov­ Mobilization Units, a group of mostly Shia mili­ thrity-five different articles relating to issues as ernment has breached the constitution, not dis­ tias that are an official paramilitary force of disparate as arming, training, logistics and tributed the federal budget correctly, and a refer­ Baghdad, have successfully cleared a large area upgrading barracks and living facilities for endum will bring about “stability and security.” of ISIS. But the jihadists still have pockets in Tal Kurdish soldiers. Reforms also seek standardiza­ It will also be a mandate for the Kurdish leader­ Afar, Hawija and parts of Anbar province and tion of salaries. Due to the Iraqi constitution, the ship to negotiate with Baghdad, Bakir said. “We they are not as defeated as it seems. Seventeen KRG is not permitted to have an air force, but the can be good partners as two good neighbors,” he Islamic State members were ambushed near Peshmerga want to expand their helicopter arm. said. “This is a turning point in our history.” Rabia, near the Syrian border, by members of This issue is still awaiting the approval of the the Rojava Peshmerga on July 12, and ISIS president’s office, according to sources in the Bakir said that they are aware securing inde­ members raided a village near Qayarrah, killing KRG. pendence will not be easy. Gathering the support two Iraqi journalists in an area that was suppo­ for thirty-four local political parties for the refer­ sed to be free of the extremists. The region wants to continue reducing the role of endum has been a challenge, as well as explain­ political parties in the Peshmerga. Prior to the ing to Baghdad that the region does not want a The Kurdish region’s leaders argue that the war on ISIS, one of the issues the Peshmerga new round of conflict. In contrast to claims that Peshmerga, the armed forces of the KRG, proved faced was that the majority of their forces came Kurdish independence would make the area themselves in battle with ISIS over the last two under the command of two units called seventy unstable, the last hundred years had “not seen years. In meetings with European Union officials and eighty, which were affiliated with the PUK stability and prosperity” in the region, he said. in Brussels on July 12, President Masoud said and KDP respectively. If you went to sectors of He pointed to the suffering of Kurds under that 1,745 Peshmerga had been killed in battle the frontline during the war it was relatively Saddam Hussein when 182,000 people were with the extremists and more than ten thousand common to see political banners either at near­ killed during the Anfal campaign, and he also had been injured. The Peshmerga liberated thir­ by, indicating which sector was run by which noted that under the current system, Baghdad ty thousand square kilometers. Masoud remind­ Peshmerga and whose umbrella party the men does not share wealth and power with the north. ed the EU that the Kurdish region was hosting came from. This is a holdover from the days “We assure our neighbors that this step will not 1.4 million Iraqi internally displaced persons and before 2003 during the struggle against Saddam go against the interest of these nations ... we are 233,000 Syrian refugees according to a report at Hussein and the 1990s when the Kurdish parties for building bridges and we can assure them that the Kurdish media outlet Rudaw. fought a civil war. The reforms since have tried the future independent Kurdistan would be a to reduce the role of parties and professionalize partner and ally.” Towards that end, the KRG is To shore up the region, the Kurdish leadership the entire system under the Ministry >-

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>■ of Peshmerga Affairs. dence. Barzani has said that there is no going government buildings. Iraq opposed the deci­ back on the referendum and in Brussels he sion, and Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson To sustain the process of creating a professional asked EU officials that if they could not support Bahram Qassemi said the flag would “increase military, Kurdish commanders like General the right of Kurds to vote, then to at least stay tensions.” This is a sign of worse to come. While Najat Ali say the international community neutral. U.S. State Department spokesperson foreign powers may have sympathy for Kurdish should continue to support the Peshmerga, Heather Nauert has called the referendum an rights to have a vote, if Iraq vehemently opposes thousands of whom were trained during the war “internal matter,” which implies the United electioneering in the disputed areas things will on ISIS through the Kurdistan Training States may not interfere. be different. Some of the borders of these areas Coordination Center. “The international com­ were drawn during the recent conflict, with munity should understand and respect the deci­ During the war on ISIS many EU states and the Peshmerga frontlines and those of Shia militias sion and help us, we are allied with the United United States formed a unique close relation­ abutting one another. Kurdistan also faces hur­ States and we proved to the whole world we ship with the Kurdish region that included not dles with Iran and Turkey on its borders. could fight ISIS,” said Ali in an interview. only arms shipments and training, but also tar­ Dealing with those two countries, and other Samuel Helfont wrote in a May 2 0 1 7 paper at geting funding for various programs. However Arab states such as Saudi Arabia, will likely be the Foreign Policy Research Institute and the with the referendum coming up there will be next on President Barzani’s list. ♦ American University of Iraq Sulaimani that tensions over voting in areas considered disput­ “helping the Kurds reform their military forces ed territory between the central government Seth J. Frantzman is a Jerusalem-based journal­ by building capacity of forces under control of and the Kurdish autonomous region. This ist and research associate at the Rubin Center the nonpolitical Ministry of Peshmerga is vital includes territories around Kirkuk, Khanaquin, for Research in International Affairs in to achieving these goals.” Sinjar and Makhmur. The governor of Kirkuk, Herzliya. Najmaldin Karim, is a major supporter of inde­ he Kurds are trying to mollify concerns in pendence, and in March the provincial council Tthe United States and EU about indepen­ voted to raise the Kurdish flag at local Kirkuk

July 26, 2017 The Kurdistan Region: Strategic U.S. Ally in a Tough Neighborhood is a Special Report 5Cf|c W ashington (Timce prepared by The Washington Times Advocacy Department. Self-determination will lead to prosperity, stability

By Masrour Barzani - - Abadi. It would also start the process that would Wednesday, July 26, 2017 create the political space for both parties to http ://www. washingtontimes.com advance causes of common interest. This issue can no longer be confined to the “too hard bas­ his is a year of regeneration for Iraqi ket”; the dangers of defaulting to a broken T Kurdistan, a time when its people will shed model are enormous. We have much to gain the crippling burden of war and uncertainty and through peace and understanding, through a start to shape their future — on our own terms. common recognition of each other’s place in two newly defined nations. Iraqi Kurdistan can no longer mark time. We must all take a stake in our future and redefine This move will not alter borders of neighboring the nature of a relationship with Iraq that will states. It will instead formalize the obvious confine repeated mistakes of the past to history. makeup of the Iraqi state today. The Kurds have That is why Iraqi Kurdistan will take the historic The Kurds of Iraq have endured a long and bitter paid a heavy price for the international commu­ step of holding a referendum on independence journey rooted in the pursuit of self-determina­ nity’s failed one-Iraq policy. Instead, global later this year. tion — a dignity essential to all communities. It partners should now publicly support a dialogue has at times led to mass deportation, war and between Erbil and Baghdad to shape bilateral Iraq was, and is, a forced coexistence of peoples genocide. Self-determination would have relations on new and binding terms. whose identities remain unreconciled a century changed the course of the war with ISIS. If Iraq’s after the breakdown of the Ottoman Empire, Kurds were recognized as a sovereign force and We will allow the people in contested areas to which spawned the modern state. This reality is empowered as such, we would have concluded determine their own future. In negotiations with apparent more than ever: From Basra to Tikrit, this campaign long ago. Forced unity with Baghdad, Kurdistan plans to include areas only from Diyala to Anbar, a Sunni-Shia conflict has Baghdad instead denied us the weapons we with people who overwhelmingly want to be edged the country and its peoples towards the needed, which needlessly prolonged suffering part the new state. We will remain a refuge for abyss. We, as leaders whose ultimate responsi­ and exposed to everyone the folly of pretending groups fleeing violence and persecution; bility is the welfare of our people, need to that the status quo works. Christians, Turkmen, Shabaks, Yazidis and other acknowledge that the model is not working. groups have as much to look forward to as fellow his historic process will start with an honest Kurds. They will continue to enjoy the same The upcoming Sept. 25 vote aims to clearly stake T dialogue with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al- rights in a shared home. out the political terms on which we, the people Abadi. And on this score, we have been encoura­ of Iraqi Kurdistan, would best play a role in the ged by our discussions with national leaders. Two independent states living alongside each future of the region. If, as expected, a vote for The recapture of Mosul gives both Erbil and other as peaceful neighbors will usher unprece­ independence passes, the government will move Baghdad a strong platform to address a question dented strategic alliances in trade, energy and to implement the decision in consultation with that has lingered since the turn of the century. security. It will secure a prosperous footing for Baghdad. We hope and expect that the world will get both communities, Arabs and Kurds, and allow behind us. We strongly believe that self-deter­ us to determine the best governance for our If we stay as we are, muddled together through mination for Iraq’s Kurds will provide certainty peoples.* hope and delusion, we do precisely the opposite in Iraq and beyond. — bequeathing danger and dysfunction to future • Masrour Barzani is the Chancellor of the generations who need and deserve far better. This referendum will, therefore, give us a man­ Kurdistan Region Security Council. date to reach a principle agreement with Mr. al-

62 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti LMONITSRI July 30, 2017 Disputed territories pose major challenge to Kurdish referendum The upcoming Iraqi Kurdistan’s referendum will include the disputed territories, but given the practical and technical challenges, holding the referendum on Sept. 25 will be highly unlikely.

Nahwi Saeed July 30, 2017 www.al-monitor.com

n a July 19 statement, Kurdistan Regional Government President Massoud IBarzani said that holding a referendum is a natural right of the people of Kurdistan that they will not back down from. According to the spokesperson for the Independent High Electoral and Referendum Commission (IHERC) in Kurdistan, around 6 million people in the Kurdistan Region and the disputed territories such as the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, Sinjar, Makhmour and Khanaqin have the right to vote in the referendum. Forty-eight percent of the Kurdistan Region's land is still disputed between Baghdad and Erbil and some 2.7 mil­ lion people live in the disputed territories. According to Article 140 of the constitution, the territorial disputes between Baghdad and Erbil was set to be settled by the end of 2007, but the Iraqi gov­ ernment never implemented this article. For Barzani, the nonimplementation Iraqi Kurdistan Region's President Massoud Barzani (C) stands next of the Iraqi Constitution is one of the main reasons he wants to hold a refer­ to Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government Karim Sinjari (R) endum Sept. 25 in the Kurdistan Region and the contested areas. However, and Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs there are many challenges that may eventually keep the referendum from Elissa Slotkin (L) as they sign documents in Erbil, Iraq, July 12, 2016 happening on the scheduled date, especially in the disputed territories. .REUTERS!Azad Lashkari Barzani's referendum decision was preceded by a vote of the Kirkuk cerns the referendum, to be held on 25 September." The United States and Provincial Council (KPC) April 4 to hold a referendum to decide the future most of the Western countries oppose the referendum, too. US State administration of the province. However, many of the Arab and Turkmen mem­ Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert already told reporters that the bers of the KPC boycotted the vote altogether. The KPC's vote came after a United States supports "a unified, stable, democratic and a federal Iraq." call March 14 by Kirkuk Gov. Najmiddin Karim to raise the Kurdistan flag over the government buildings in Kirkuk province. But the Iraqi Turkmen Front The Kurdish internal discord cannot be overlooked either. The rivalry between opposed this move and filed a case against the acting head of the KPC, the PUK that has dominated Kirkuk — the epicenter of the disputed territories Rebwar Talabani, in Baghdad. By the same token, the Arabs and Turkmens — politically and the KDP that has controlled a lot of Kirkuk's oil infrastructure of the disputed territories are expected to boycott the upcoming referendum can affect the timing and the possibility of holding a referendum in general and and ask Iraq's supreme court to declare that holding a unilateral referendum in those areas in particular. in the disputed territories is illegal. If these measures fail, they may eventually espite the above internal and external challenges, there are also technical resort to violence. Nationally, Baghdad is not happy about the planned refer­ Dobstacles over the vote. For example, the head of the Kirkuk commission endum either. has already said that "no preparations have been made for the referendum as Apart from Baghdad’s discontent and the opposition of the local Arabs and there were no instructions from Baghdad to do so." In other words, instead of Turkmens to the planned referendum, there are regional and international the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), IHERC in Kurdistan will challenges. Regionally, the influence of neighboring powers such as Turkey oversee and conduct the referendum, including voter registration. Unlike the and Iran can affect the trend of the referendum. Iran can influence the Kurdistan Region, where data from previous elections is available, there is no Kurdistan Region not only because it is bordering the region, but also through reliable data on the disputed areas that IHERC can readily rely on for the voter its allies from the central government and the Popular Mobilization Units registration. Therefore, given the time constraint and the difficulty of determi­ (PMU). The PMU contains different groups, but the most powerful factions are ning voter eligibility, it is unlikely that IHERC will be able to hold a referendum those that maintain strong links with Tehran. Sept. 25 in the disputed territories. n April 2016, the PMU clashed with the peshmerga in Tuz Khormato. If the In the past, due to the difficulty of determining who will be eligible to vote, nei­ IPMU and local Sunni fighters agree only on one thing, it is against the pre­ ther census nor referendum (two crucial stages of Article 140) was implement­ sence of the peshmerga in the disputed territories. Moreover, in a move that ed. In other words, due to the history of forced displacement from Kirkuk under coincided with preparing for the referendum, Iran cut water flow from the Little the Arabization process and returning a large number of internally displaced Zab River to Kurdistan. Iranian officials have recently told a high-ranking persons (IDPs) since 2003, defining a voter registry was particularly challeng­ Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) delegation, “If you hold a referendum, do ing. Further complicating the matter, since the emergence of the Islamic State not expect anything good from us.’’ More recently, the Iranian defense minister in the last three years, a new group of IDPs has emerged in Kirkuk province. has threatened that the separatist movements in Iraq will not be tolerated. In Not only because IHERC doesn't have enough time to figure out this complex short, Iran is unequivocally against the Kurdish referendum and will try to pre­ matter, but also the commission is sharply divided over Barzani’s call for the vent it from taking place. referendum. One of the nine members of IHERC resigned on July 24, claiming that there is no serious intent by the commission to hold parliamentary and Turkey has also been an influential actor that has presented itself as a presidential elections in the Kurdistan Region as well as the upcoming refer­ guardian of the Turkmen community in Kirkuk and other disputed territories. endum. Turkish influence comes from the country’s strategic position for the Kurdish oil and gas and as a kin-state for the Turkmens in Iraq. Like Iran, Turkey did Amid all of these practical and technical challenges, holding a referendum on not mince words when it came to the referendum issue. It has already warned Sept. 25 will be difficult — if not impossible. These challenges can prevent the that holding a referendum by Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan Region would be referendum from taking place in the first place or they might oblige Barzani to a "grave mistake." Despite the thaw in relations between Iraqi Kurds and postpone the referendum, particularly in the disputed territories. Turkey for the last decade, Kirkuk is where the Kurdish aspiration for inde­ Nahwi Saeed is an independent researcher who specializes in democracy in divided pendence and Turkish support for Turkmen collide. societies, coexistence between ethnic groups in post-conflict situations, power-sharing As the referendum in the disputed territories has the potential for further insta­ and the prevention of ethnic conflict in post-conflict societies with the focus on Iraq and bility, it attracted international objections as well. For example, the United the Kurdistan region. He has written several articles for Kurdish, English and Arabic Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq already released a statement in which it media outlets explained that "it has no intention to be engaged in any way or form as con­

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even in the case of the Kurdish uprising in Iraq theirs alone. The new norm of acceptance is to — never ended happily with an emergence of a then engage in negotiations with Baghdad after new state. the vote. Scotland and Quebec, for example, were ready for that international norm and pre­ With the end of the Cold War, however, interna­ pared to negotiate with their central govern­ tional relations allowed for wider acceptance of ments. the principle of separatism, as long as they were peaceful or presented as a solution to human The U.S. and the international community know tragedies. Czechoslovakia split smoothly into all too well that the Kurds have suffered and two republics, both welcomed by the U.N., and that they wish to move forward with their des­ later into NATO and the European Union. The tiny. But four conditions should be met in order disbanding of Yugoslavia into several independ­ for the referendum to be accepted by the out­ ent countries was endorsed by the West, though side world: By Dr. Walid Phares - - July 26, 2017 criticized by Russia. South Sudan got its own http ://www.washingtontimes.com state in 2011, and around the globe a number of (1) It must be peaceful and transparent. national and ethnic communities have been ince the Kurdish Regional Government of striving to achieve statehood. Sovereign state­ (2) Non-Kurdish communities, such as SNorthern Iraq, backed by its local legislative hood is not illegal. Many countries we know, Assyrians, Yazidis, Chaldeans, Syriacs, assembly, decided to organize a referendum on including ours in America, somehow separated Turkomen, Shabak and Mandeans, should be self-determination, both positive and negative from another power in order to exist. But in granted full minorities rights within Iraqi reactions were fielded in Iraq, the Middle East other cases, instead of separation, nations like Kurdistan. and internationally. Baghdad and the two main Germany reconstituted their national identity neighbors of Iraq — Iran and Turkey — expres­ by reuniting in 1989. Most countries want to (3) Should the outcome lead to full separation, sed opposition to the Kurdish popular consulta­ maintain intact borders, and very understand­ the new entity should vow not to serve as a tion, each one for different political reasons. ably. Reconstructing frontiers is dangerous and springboard for destabilizing neighboring coun­ Beyond the region, Western European govern­ could trigger chaos if not well organized and tries by supporting guerillas in these countries, ments expressed concerns yet not irreversible accepted by all parties concerned. including (primarily) Turkey. opposition. Europe’s major powers have at the same time opposed separatism within their own Separatism has traditionally been seen as a last ^Representatives of the northern borders (as in Northern Ireland, Basque and resort, and thus the world has always demanded Corsica) yet have supported it in the former justification. The party seeking separation has Iraqi entity should be prepared to engage in Yugoslavia twice. always been asked to demonstrate that it is full-scale negotiations with the Iraqi govern­ indeed different and seeking an identity of its ment regarding what comes next. Any negotiat­ In the United States, many members of own and that it is suppressed or has experienced ed and agreed upon settlement between the two Congress support the Kurdish referendum and a tragic and cataclysmic events. But what has parties will be the real guarantee for future sta­ few openly support the rise of a separate become a relatively new accepted procedure, a bility. Kurdish state in northern Iraq for historic rea­ sine qua non condition, is the necessity of hold­ sons. As during the presidential campaign, the ing a referendum. Regardless of the outcome, a The results of this referendum could simply Trump administration continues to commit to referendum is a license to claim statehood. The maintain the status quo, set up a modified and solidarity with the Kurds fighting ISIS, but has international community must see the will of more advanced federal system in Iraq, develop a not yet developed a direct policy regarding the the people before recognizing any outcome. confederal system of two states within one Iraqi referendum or separation. Hence we’ve seen many referendums taking country, or may lead to a Czechoslovak-like place and not always leading to new borders: peaceful model. What is important for the pop­ The most recent polls do show that a majority of Quebec in Canada, Scotland in the United ulations of Iraq and for the Kurds and other Kurdish political parties in northern Iraq sup­ Kingdom, East Timor, Southern Sudan — and minorities is that any move be peaceful, demo­ port the move while non-Kurdish communities requests for such exercises in other countries cratic and civilized. After ISIS, Iraq needs calm are divided on the issue. These are the present such as Belgium. In short, referendums are a and stability, secured against a new ISIS, and geopolitical realities engulfing the projected form of a democratic expression. They are legal, freed from Iranian domination. The referendum vote in September. Such complex positioning is legitimate, and a peaceful tool to help a people in northern Iraq will be one benchmark in Iraq’s not unique. In every similar past ethnic territo­ move forward or affirm the status quo. evolution. It will demonstrate a political matu­ rial crises, all parties involved reacted to self- rity in which ethnic communities can exercise determination requests based on their own Iraqi Kurdistan has long presented many condi­ their fundamental right to express themselves interests, the geopolitical context and negotiat­ tions justifying its right to hold a referendum, without endangering their partners in the state, ing abilities. And each case dealt with its own even if the results may not automatically lead to the minorities among them, or their neighbors particular conditions within the country and a state. The painful history of oppression under in the region. The Kurds of Iraq will exercise region. Saddam, and the most recent bloody campaign that right and the world will watch them move by ISIS against the Kurds and other minorities forward into a more tolerant 21st century. The right for self-determination has been con­ in northern Iraq since 2014, constitute the trag­ secrated in the founding charter of the United ic elements of the equation. The Kurds of Iraq •Walid Phares, Ph.D., is a professor of political Nations, and since its founding in 1945, via sev­ have already obtained, from their own co-citi­ science and Middle East expert. He served as eral General Assembly resolutions recognizing zens, Arab Sunnis and Shia, a right to form a foreign policy adviser to presidential candidate that right for nations to decide their future. federative entity in the north, demonstrating Donald Trump in 2016. However, international law during the Cold War the country’s recognition of local self-determi­ narrowed self-determination to decolonization nation for the Kurds. Iraqis have agreed that for realpolitik reasons. Separatism, especially they are diverse in their constitution, and refer­ violent separatism, was not encouraged. Hence, endum is not an alien concept to them. In short, long or catastrophic civil wars, such as seen in the Kurds have a perfect right to organize a ref­ South Sudan, Nigeria, Eritrea or Kashmir — or erendum to consult their own population regarding their future. But that right is not

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July 26, 2017 The Kurdistan Region: Strategie U.S. Ally in a Tough Neighborhood is a Special Report ÎTI)c üludimqtim Simce prepared by The Washington Times Advocacy Department. up against Syria’s Bashar Assad, who was then defended by Iran, Hezbollah plus assorted Shiite Confronting the current militias and now Russia. Turkey is also an increasing problem: President Erdoğan and his AK Party are jihadis trying to reestablish some Middle East alignment form of the power and glory of the old Ottoman Empire. Dead set against any sort of autonomous Kurdish entity, they are aligned Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab. Backed by Iran with the Muslim Brotherhood/Hamas — and now and Russia, Bashar Assad’s control of Aleppo also with Iran and Qatar. At this point, Turkey and the anticipated fall of Raqqa will likely must be viewed as a questionable Western ally. embolden him to retake eastern Syria, too. Fundamental U.S. strategy must be based on Preventing expansion of the Shiite Crescent preventing Iran from establishing a Shiite land must be a top U.S. objective, fundamental to bridge from Tehran to Lebanon. Therefore, a key restoring not only credibility with our key allies, element of our strategy should be to support the but critical to restoring stability to the region as binding independence referendum for Iraqi well. Key to achieving this objective without a Kurdistan to be held on Sept. 25, 2017. U.S. massive influx of U.S. ground forces is maintain­ Secretary of State Rex Tillerson officially oppos­ ing the viability of pro-Western Kurdish and es it because of a misguided objective to keep Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). It is also possi­ Iraq intact. But Iraq is already fractured, as is ble that elements of the Syrian Free Army (SFA) Syria, and neither one will be reconstituted in its By Adm. James A. Lyons - July 26, 2017 can be reconstituted. pre-WWI artificial geographic boundaries. http://www.washingtontimes.com Clearly, the 1916 Sykes-Picot nation-state The recent downing by a U.S. Navy F-18 fighter arrangement has collapsed. aircraft of a Syrian bomber that had been attack­ ith the imminent defeat of the Islamic ing a pro-Western Kurdish force and an SDF unit Our strategy should also support Syrian Kurds State in Mosul, Iraq and in Raqqa, its W highlighted Mr. Assad’s recognition of the carving out their own sphere of influence declared capital in Syria, one of the Trump importance of these forces in preventing (Rojava), which could eventually unite with Iraqi administration’s key objectives is about to be reassertion of his control in eastern Syria. Kurdistan. Control of the vast Syrian Sunni inte­ achieved. Perhaps just as important was Russian President rior that spans the border into the former Iraq Vladimir Putin likely using Syrian resources to remains unresolved. Damascus cannot control a With the collapse of the Islamic State as a func­ test the Trump administration to see if it would federalized Syria, even with Iranian and Russian tioning entity, however, there are clearly new support our allies on the ground if attacked. support. Therefore, our strategic plan must back dynamics coming into play which will compli­ Fortunately, we did, which sent a clear message Sunni forces that have shown themselves to be cate the post-Islamic State period. What is actu­ to both Russia and Syria as well as our allies that both anti-Damascus and non-jihadist. The only ally taking place is a realignment of the regional there are lines that cannot be crossed. The group that falls into that category is the Free balance of power between Shiite and Sunni “strong horse” is back. Syrian Army, which will need to be reinforced. power brokers. How it eventually evolves will U.S. policy should concede that Damascus will have a major impact on U.S. security interests, The Russian threat to target with surface-to-air hold the Alawite heartland that includes the and those of our allies, Israel in particular. The missiles any U.S. aircraft flying west of the Russian bases at and . problem is that we have no clear strategy to deal Euphrates is a further test of the Trump admin­ with the evolving dynamic situation or its long­ istration. While both Russia and the U.S. want to With the eight years the Obama administration term impact. avoid a direct confrontation, we need to make it squandered, plus the transfer of over $100 bil­ very clear we will not be intimidated. lion to Iran (which it is now using to finance Clearly, an immediate problem is that Iran, Shiite militias fighting to secure a land bridge backed by Russia, seeks to further expand its Developing a strategy to address the current across the Iraq-Syria border), we must shift from influence by solidifying a land bridge from Iran regional realignment should be based on U.S. a reactive defensive strategy to a proactive one. through Iraq and Syria to the eastern core vital strategic interests. Further, the strate­ Mediterranean. Such a move would put a jihadi gy should be based on the underlying principle Accordingly, the Trump team must first define a Shiite regime on the southern shores of the that it makes no sense for the United States to national security strategy for the region. Such a Mediterranean Sea. Iran’s domination of inject itself into a l,300+-year old Shi’ite-Sunni strategy must be predicated on reconstitution of regimes in Baghdad, Beirut and Damascus, along sectarian war. It is actually what the current U.S. military capability and demonstration of with its play for Yemen, puts it in position to realignment is all about. the will to project power and influence, specifi­ surround the Arabian Peninsula and threaten cally by supporting Kurdish-FSA-SDF forces strategic waterways, including the Strait of The al Oaeda/Muslim Brotherhood militias rose and, together with our allies, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the GCC, block further Iranian expansion­ ism. Elimination of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure will also be an imperative at some point.

Bottom line: there is no substitute for American Illustration on a leadership. coming Middle East alignment • Retired U.S. Navy Adm. fames A. Lyons was by Linas commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet Garsys/The and senior U.S. military representative to the Washington United Nations. This article first appeared in Times The Washington Times Commentary section on July 2, 2017.

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write on behalf of the remaining Christians of While it is true how can we work towards a viable future? In the INorthern Iraq, a threatened and persecuted that the Christian lands have been liberated Middle East, we see a Christianity that faces population, which looks warily to the coming from ISIS, what is left in the wake of the war ongoing violent persecution, even genocide. years. presents us with still enormous problems to Very little of this persecution is now happening overcome. Our towns in many cases have been in secret. In this day of instant communications, In the three years since the onset of the crisis, destroyed. This includes homes, and also the this violence is shown to all of us almost imme­ when over 100,000 displaced Christians fled power and water systems. Many of those who diately. And yet it seems so often that our gov­ Nineveh with death at their heels and arrived at wish to return have no houses left to return to. ernments and our institutions are unable, or our doors in Erbil, in the Kurdistan Region of Those homes left standing were in most cases refuse, to truly act. Iraq, our Archdiocese has played the lead role in looted and stripped of even their wiring and providing care and hope for the vast majority of plumbing. In Iraq, we Christians faced a persecution that these people. In this ongoing crisis, we remain not only sought to destroy our church, but also always grateful for the solidarity with our Nineveh, our ancient Christian homeland, to destroy us as a people by forcing us, under friends worldwide, whose generosity has kept us remains a disputed territory, caught between the threat of death, from our historic homelands, in a position of viability, albeit a tenuous one. governments in Erbil and Baghdad, along with after which they sought to remove all traces of all the other foreign powers who seek to inter­ our culture and heritage. Our present efforts and How important has this solidarity been to us vene and control Iraq, whether directly or indi­ hopes to return to our homes have received during this time? In brief, it has been every­ rectly. Meanwhile, especially in the Iraqi-con­ sympathetic words from Western governments, thing. For without the solidarity of humanitari­ trolled sector, the security situation remains but so far little else. an outreach from our friends in private, faith- uncertain, with rival militias seeking power over based organizations around the world, we would each other, often acting as proxies from outside We learn now, with great sorrow and pain, that not have survived these past three years. While powers. If these powers enter into new conflict, lawyers at the United States State Department the established institutional aid structures we Christians know only one thing — that we have begun taking quiet moves, in the dark, so it ignored us, our friends from the private aid com­ will be the collateral damage once again. would seem, to rescind the Genocide declaration munity, large and small, kept us in their hearts made over one year ago by former Secretary of and took action to save us. What then can we, and those who support and State John Kerry. Once again, the Christians of value our continued existence in Iraq, do during Iraq find themselves on the receiving end of yet In looking back on this time, we must note as this time of transition to take care of our peo­ another ruse. One can only wonder what those well the critical support of the Kurdistan ple? behind this effort contemplate in terms of the Regional Government (KRG) in opening the bor­ irreparable damage being done here to the ders to the displaced Christians during their The immediate and greatest priority must be to diminishing credibility of their government’s flight, and for providing us with the space and return the displaced Christians to their homes word. security to house our people in safety over the wherever it is possible to do so. A world whose past three years. We are grateful, as well, for the conscience feels for us at all must support these As for our future, we look to rebuild where we moral support that the leaders of the KRG have efforts and do so now, while the demographic can, and contribute as full citizens with equal shown to us by publicly participating in the cel­ future of Nineveh is so clearly at risk. We must rights under a legitimate sovereign government, ebration of our most Holy days, and granting us be clear in this: The future of Nineveh will be as chosen freely by the people. We urge the gov­ the practical support necessary to open our decided by the action or inaction that is taken in ernments of Kurdistan and Iraq to resolve the medical clinics, schools, and our new university, these next few months. Absent support for the issue of the disputed territories of Nineveh now, the Catholic University in Erbil. right and ability of Christians to return to their and we implore the West to ensure that this homes, the makeup of Nineveh — and with it, takes place in a peaceful fashion. Overall we pray that this solidarity may contin­ the plurality of Iraq — may be changed forever. ue, for we are in a time in which Christianity Beyond all this, we ask those in power in the itself will continue to be threatened and perse­ At the same time, we must not abandon those West to not turn their eyes from us. Iraq first cuted throughout the Mideast — indeed, who cannot yet return to their homes. As much embraced Christianity almost 2,000 years ago. throughout much of the world — until the minds as we seek to encourage our displaced people Our population, l.S million in 2003, is perhaps that have been taught violence and hate can and help them in returning, we must make sure less than 300,000 today. We are an ancient peo­ come to see the greater truth of mercy and love, they have a livable home to return to. It would ple on the verge of extinction, seeking only to which is inherently common to us all. be wrong for us, and the world, to force them live our lives in peace. Today we live our days in now into a homeless situation, for these people extremis. We did not arrive at this place on our In saying this, I wish that I could tell you that will then decide to leave Iraq for good. As such, own. our crisis in Iraq has passed, that our people can we will remain in a time of transition over the safely return to their homes, and that our prob­ coming months, and in this we will continue to • Most Reverend Bashar Warda, C.Ss.R., is lems have now been resolved. But that is not the need support. Archbishop of the Chaldean Catholic case. This coming year may yet prove to be the Archdiocese of Erbil, Kurdistan Region, most dangerous for us since the beginning of the In terms of the threatened church, which is fac­ Iraq. crisis. ing violent external, even existential threats,

66 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti

July 26, 2017 The Kurdistan Region: Strategie U.S. Ally in a Tough Neighborhood is a Special Report Elle UftfôljiHijtoH Einico prepared by The Washington Times Advocacy Department. Kurdistan Region: Untapped economic potential

In the midst of it all, the KRG launched a com­ Kurdistan’s oil is sold to markets in Europe, the prehensive set of reforms to modernize its econ­ Middle East and Asia. Last month, the KRG omy. signed an agreement with Russian oil giant Rosneft to develop its exploitation and produc­ To bring transparency into its oil sector, the KRG tion. They agreed on the monetization of an hired Deloitte to audit its oil production, exports export oil pipeline along with several produc­ and revenues. In partnership with the World tion sharing agreements, as a result of Rosneft’s Bank, the KRG committed to reforms in the elec­ direct purchase of Kurdistan’s crude oil for its tricity sector, with a goal to privatize electric refineries in Germany. In 2016, pipeline oil providers and reduce domestic production costs exports from the KRG to Turkey reached 500,000 by 40 percent. It installed meters for electricity barrels per day, while truck exports of heavier By Dr. Sasha Toperich - July 26, 2017 usage both to stabilize the system and collect crude oil to Turkey currently average around http ://www.washingtontimes.com revenue, as many people were exploiting 38,000 barrels per day. Kurdistan has proven Kurdistan’s electric grid, adding to a significant natural gas reserves of 703 bem and an estimat­ deficit in the electricity balance sheet. ed 5.6 tem of unproven reserves. The KRG- have no doubt that the economy of the Turkey Gas Sales Agreement signed in 2013 IKurdistan Region will experience significant In an effort to curb corruption and enhance foresees plateau export of 10 bem annually by growth as early as next year. There are several transparency, the KRG, again with the World 2020, with the option of increasing export reasons why. Bank, introduced an electronic payment system capacity to 20 bem per year. to its employees, accounting for about 65 per­ After ISIL overtook Mosul in August 2014, the cent of the labor force in the Kurdistan Region. Baghdad’s efforts to undermine Kurdistan’s Peshmerga, Kurdistan’s defense forces, showed The process included the registering and issuing direct oil exports are proving to be ineffective. immense bravery in their fight, preventing the of biometric cards for government employees, Every barrel of oil exported by the KRG has terrorists from taking Erbil and moving deeper including the Peshmerga forces. This task was found a buyer. Actions to prevent the Kurdistan into Iraqi Kurdistan territory. The news was all completed recently, creating a fiscal order for Region — which passed its own oil and gas law in the more devastating considering that the U.S. about 1.4 million employees while also eliminat­ 2007 — from selling its oil directly are of pure and its allies had previously trained and ing so-called “ghost employees” and those that political nature. Article 115 of the new Iraqi con­ equipped hundreds of thousands of Iraqi sol­ were registered (and paid for) twice. The KRG stitution states that “all powers not stipulated in diers and policemen, who fled the 1,500 ISIL also began to reduce salaries, remove subsidies the exclusive powers of the federal government fighters, handing over expensive U.S. weaponry, on gasoline and eliminate various allowances belong to the authorities of the regions and gov- while the Peshmerga defended the Kurdistan that were draining the budget. ernorates that are not organized in a region. Region with decades-old rifles. With regard to other powers shared between the The investment law that the KRG launched in federal government and the regional govern­ Before the emergence of ISIL, the Kurdistan 2006 was one of the most progressive laws of its ment, priority shall be given to the law of the region of Iraq experienced an economic “golden kind in the entire Middle East. The law treats regions and governorates not organized in a period,” with investments pouring in from all foreign and local investors equally, allowing region in case of dispute.” sides. Erbil, Suleimania and Dohuk looked to them to buy and own land for investment pur­ diversify their local economies, investing in the poses, accommodating full ownership of capital, In an ever-complex and changing Middle East, cement industry, tourism and the real estate the ability to repatriate profits in full, and a 10- one thing is clear: nothing will remain the same industry. The Kurdistan Regional Government- year non-custom tax break after the beginning after Sept. 25, when the Kurds are expected to Iraq (KRG) was referred to as the “next Dubai.” of production, among numerous other incen­ vote overwhelmingly in favor of independence In 2011, FDI magazine ranked Erbil fifth in tives. for the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Although the terms of opportunities for direct foreign invest­ time of the actual proclamation of Kurdistan ment and one of the most business-friendly Abundant natural resources independence is not set yet, the referendum, in cities in the entire Middle East. spite of internal political rifts, will strengthen The Kurdistan Region has been divided in to KRG’s position, and there is little doubt that The ISIL attack on Kurdistan coincided with a seven blocks for exploration and investment on investors will take notice. The road to recovery dramatic drop in oil prices, forcing a rebalancing the bases of suitable target areas: Blocks 1 and 2 has begun, and with the ongoing reforms, there of budgets in most of oil revenue-driven in Duhok govemorate; blocks 3 and 4 in Erbil is a general feeling that Kurdistan has turned economies, including Kurdistan. To make mat­ governorate, and blocks 5,6 and 7 in Sulaymania the tide. ters worse, 1.8 million refugees, mostly from Govemorate. Iraq and Syria, looked for a safe haven in the • Sasha Toperich, Ph.D., is a Senior Fellow Kurdistan Region. The Iraqi central govern­ Mineral exploration and development are and Director of the Mediterranean Basin ment’s payment of 17 percent of total revenues investments. They hold forth the promise of initiative at the Center for Transatlantic to the KRG, required by the Iraqi constitution, rewards for private companies, governments Relations, SAIS, at the Paul H. Nitze School had not been honored by Baghdad due to inter­ and local communities. In June 2016, the of Advanced International Studies at Johns nal political rifts. Moreover, the KRG struggled Ministry of Natural Resources of the KRG invited Hopkins University in Washington, D.C. He to meet its monthly obligations, which exceeded expressions of interest from qualified interna­ is also a Fellow at the Soran University $1 billion. During the golden period, the KRG tional mining companies for the “Mineral Research Center in Iraqi Kurdistan. hired one out of six Kurds to work for the gov­ Exploration & Investment in the Kurdistan ernment, creating a monthly payroll obligation Region-Iraq.” More than 10 regional and inter­ of more than $700 million. national mineral companies showed their inter­ est to submit a proposal to invest in the mining Progressive investment laws sector in Kurdistan Region.

67 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti

July 26, 2017 The Kurdistan Region: Strategie U.S. Ally in a Tough Neighborhood is a Special Report Si|c ülnclıiıııy ım Cimce prepared by The Washington Times Advocacy Department. The Peshmerga: Fearsome, fearless fighters

take part in the operation that decimated al Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-backed Shia Qaeda — The Surge. militias, but deny them to the Peshmerga.

Most Iraqi units at the time were afraid to take The Islamic State’s first loss of territory was to a on both al Qaeda and Iranian-backed Shia mili­ Peshmerga force with U.S. air support — the tias, but this unit did exactly that when it was Mosul Dam, north of Mosul, Iraq. I later had a deployed to one of the most dangerous parts of chance to brief Gen. John Allen upon his Baghdad. This Peshmerga unit was one of the appointment by President Barack Obama as the first units capable of operating as a national ISIS czar force, meaning it could be effective in areas bor­ (http://www.businessinsider.com/john-allen- dering Kurdish areas and as effective in areas isis-war-obama-2015-9) — I told him that ISIS where Shia militias and al Qaeda stoked sectari­ By Michael Pregent - July 26, 2017 cannot hold territory against a capable ground an flames. force with U.S. air support and cited the http://www.washingtontimes.com Peshmerga’s role in retaking the Mosul Dam as The Peshmerga were the chosen force to fill the an example. It was this example that was used as y first deployment to Iraq was as an ranks of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces model for our U.S. strategy. Membedded adviser to a reflagged Kurdish (ISOF); they partnered with American Special Peshmerga battalion in Mosul in 2005. The 3rdOperators to conduct raids against key al Oaeda The Peshmerga stopped ISIS from spreading Battalion of the 4th Brigade of the 2nd Iraqi and Shia militia targets. into Kurdish territory in Iraq, partnered with Army Division was a Peshmerga unit from U.S. Special Operators to bring combat power to Duhok and would be responsible for conducting The Peshmerga were so effective that Iraqi the Syrian Kurds fighting ISIS in the Syrian city counterinsurgency operations in West Mosul at Prime Minister Maliki saw them as a potential of Kobane, and sealed off Mosul for two years the height of the Sunni insurgency. threat and brought the ISOF under his direct while waiting for Baghdad to mobilize against control — and purged the predominantly ISIS and begin the Mosul offensive. We were 10 American advisers embedded with a Kurdish force and replaced them with Shia Party 500-man Kurdish force commanded by Col. loyalists. He took a counterterrorism strike force The U.S. relies on Kurdish intel and weighs it Nooraldeen al-Herki in the heart of al Qaeda’s and made it a countercoup force — he politicized higher than what comes out of Baghdad’s intel stronghold in West Mosul. We were also the it and, as a result, made it ineffective. agencies; we rely on our trusted Kurdish allies luckiest 10 Americans in Iraq — we had a pro- and proven brothers in combat against al Qaeda American force that made American partner Mr. Maliki didn’t stop there: He purged effective and now in this fight against ISIS. The fight is units more effective in decimating al Oaeda. Peshmerga and Sunni Arab Iraqi commanders, not over and continued success against ISIS will prompting my return to Mosul in 2008 to assess remain dependent on our continued relation­ We partnered with LTC Eric Kurilla’s Deuce 4 the situation on behalf of United States Forces- ship with our Kurdish allies. (https://www.michaelyon-online.com/gates-of- Iraq (USF-I) Commander Army Chief of Staff fire.htm), a Stryker Battalion out of Fort Lewis, Gen. Raymond T. Odierno. Mr. Maliki brought When Iraqis — all Iraqis — are worried about Washington. The Peshmerga unit I was with was false charges against effective Kurdish and security, they go to Kurdistan. There will always his go-to partner unit for developing intelli­ Sunni commanders, only to drop the charges be an answer to emerging terrorist threats in gence and conducting raids against al Qaeda once they were removed from command. It was Iraq — and the answer will come from the north. High-Value-Targets — military for al Oaeda the easiest way to have them removed from their From “those who face death” — the Peshmerga. leadership. This U.S.-Peshmerga partnership positions and filled with his cronies. was very successful against al Qaeda terrorists in • Michael Pregent is an Adjunct Fellow at Mosul and oversaw security for parliamentary The 2nd and 3rd Iraqi Divisions that operated in the Hudson Institute. He is a senior Middle elections in 2005. Talafar and Mosul were now politicized to the East analyst, a former adjunct lecturer for point where they were ineffective in combat — the College of International Security In 2006, we pushed to the east side of Mosul or the Peshmerga were no longer wearing the Iraqi Affairs, and a visiting fellow at the Institute as the Kurds call it the “left-side” as they look Army uniform. Mr. Maliki had successfully for National Strategic Studies at the south from Kurdistan. Security improved in purged competent Kurdish commanders and National Defense University. Mosul due to the effectiveness of this their troops from the two divisions that helped Peshmerga unit to the point where President decimate al Qaeda during The Surge. George W. Bush touted Mosul as an example of what an effective operation looks like. With the purge complete and Mr. Maliki’s cronies in place, ISIS saw an opening. Two short Most of the unit was familiar with Mosul’s years later — Mr. Maliki’s politicized force aban­ neighborhoods and tribal leaders, and they doned the citizens of Talafar and Mosul and left spoke Mosul’s dialect of Iraqi Arabic. They effec­ U.S. tanks and Humvees to ISIS. tively helped U.S. forces protect the 2.2 million Sunnis, Kurds and Christians, and pushed al There is no doubt that if those effective Sunni Qaeda out of Mosul — all without knocking and Peshmerga commanders had remained, ISIS down a single building in Iraq’s second-largest would not have been able to roll into Mosul and city. Talafar — evidenced by the wall ISIS faced when it tried to push into Kurdish territory. The With security improving, this unit, along with its Peshmerga held their own, despite Baghdad’s American partner unit, deployed to Baghdad to decision to push U.S. arms and equipment to

68 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti

July 26, 2017 The Kurdistan Region: Strategie U.S. Ally in a Tough Neighborhood is a Special Report tl)c lUnsl|iuqtim (Times prepared by The Washington Times Advocacy Department.

(KRG), develop a policy that embodies support for KRG independence. For all practical purpos­ Key factors beckon es, the old boundaries of Iraq have been destroyed and will not return. The Kurds essen­ tially have been semi-independent since 2003 support for Iraqi Kurds and almost completely independent since 2014. We should also establish a continuing U.S. mili­ tary footprint with 90-day to 120-day training We have unwittingly accommodated the rotations though the deployment of an USAF Air Iranians by maintaining our “One Iraq” policy, Wing, an Army Brigade Combat Team or a USMC which guarantees that their proxy government Marine Expeditionary Unit. The training rota­ in Baghdad will continue to marginalize the tion removes the specter of occupation. We Kurds because it allows Bagdad to block aid, should analyze the potential of deploying a material and revenues for the Kurdish Regional Navy ground-based Aegis or Army THAAD Government and prevents direct assistance. If System to engage Iranian ballistic missiles that we continue to aid the Iranians with this sense­ would be launched toward Europe or the U.S. less policy, no matter how much blood or money This would not only catch the Iranians off guard, we waste, we will not be able to change the out­ it would also serve to counter the Russian foot­ come. print that is being established in the region. These rotations serve as a trigger for any incur­ Consequently, we should develop a strategy that sions into the area. They provide a secure force will allow us to continue to have leverage in the projection platform that allows rapid deploy­ region. This must start with the abandonment of ment of forces into the area. They serve as a sig­ the “One Iraq” policy, followed by strong sup­ nal to both our allies and our enemies that the port for the Iraqi Kurds and for their impending area is important to us and we will remain referendum. The referendum is not a declaration involved, and it would signal to our Sunni allies of independence; it is a proclamation of self- in the Middle East that we are challenging the determination. This is the only win that we can Iranian domination of the region. achieve in the region... but it is a strategic win. Iraqi Kurdistan not only has large oil reserves, Iraqi Kurdistan provides us with several strate­ but it also has immense gas reserves — projected gic and economic options. There are significant to exceed 2 trillion cubic feet. We could, in part­ By Lt. Gen. Jay Gamer - July 26, 2017 factors that favor our support of the Iraqi Kurds: nership with the KRG, develop these reserves http ://www. washingtontimes.com and pipe gas into Europe; this would, in the • They are pro-United States and intensely loyal future, provide for us tremendous economic nce the war with ISIS is concluded in Iraq, because Operation Provide Comfort in 1991 leverage to counter Vladimir Putin’s economy. Othe Arabs — both Shia and Sunni — will saved them from starvation and annihilation demand our removal; only the Kurds will want and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 liberated Finally, such a strategy provides the Kurds who, us to remain. It is also certain that Iran will exert them from Saddam Hussein. next to the Israelis, are our most loyal allies in far more control over Baghdad than they have in • They have a freely elected democratic govern­ the Middle East, with freedom from the Iranian the past. ment that willingly receives and protects puppet government in Baghdad and noticeably Christians — in fact, all faiths — throughout the aligns them with us. It would establish a domi­ Prior to the invasion by ISIS in 2014, the region. (Pictured: Kurdish Peshmerga forces nant U.S. military footprint that serves to notify Iranians had loosely knitted a strong “Shia Arc” return the cross to a local church that was the world that we remain committed to the extending from Tehran through Baghdad, destroyed by ISIS). region. Lastly, it provides hydrocarbon assets Damascus and Beirut. Today, with the strong that can be used to reduce or eliminate Europe’s alliance of the Hezbollah in Lebanon, the • They occupy one of the most strategic loca­ economic dependence on Russia ... another Russians and the expeditionary arm of the tions in that part of the world: Our enemy Iran is strategic win. Hezbollah in Syria, and the presence of the to their east; their puppet Iraq is to their south; Iranian-led Shia militants in Iraq, the arc is our enemy Syria is to their west; and Turkey, a • Retired Lt. Gen. Jay Garner, former Assistant being consolidated into a “thoroughfare” that NATO ally, is to their north, which would give us Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, directed will control the Levant and significantly excellent lines of communication. humanitarian efforts in the Kurdish Region increase the horrible attacks on the Israeli pop­ after the 1991 Gulf War. ulation. In a recent op-ed, Charles Krauthammer • They have abundant natural resources in oil said the Shiite Crescent is “stretching from Iran and gas, which are among the largest remaining through Iraq, Syria and Lebanon to the hydrocarbon reserves in the world. Mediterranean. If consolidated, it gives the Persians a Mediterranean reach they have not Considering the above, we should, in conjunc­ had in 2,300 years.” tion with the Kurdistan Regional Government

69 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti

Observateur « 2 7 5 0 d u 2 0 a u 2 6 ju u ie t 2017 DansRaqqa, bastion assiégé de Daech Ils sont kurdes, arabes, yézidis... Soldats de l’opération “Colère de VEuphrate", ils se battent, au sein d ’une coalition fragile, pour reprendre la capitale de l’Etat islamique. Reportage

De noire envoyé spécial GUILLAUME PERKIER

ans le salon d’une maison vidée de ses habitants, les combattants ont installé un poste avancé à la hâte. Une théière fume, quelques pail­ Dlasses sont étendues à même le sol. Des talkies-walkies grésillent sur le rebord d’une fenêtre et des kalachnikovs sont appuyées contre les murs. Calé dans un canapé branlant, au-dessus duquel est accroché un canevas représentant une scène bucolique de l’Angleterre du X I X e siècle, le commandant du groupe a les yeux rivés sur une tablette. Sur l’écran, une photo satellite parsemée de points colorés. Raqqa. Les hauts murs d'enceinte entonne Jaunes pour les positions des combattants de fer à cheval, construits au VIIIe siècle par kurdes, les YPG (Unités de protection du Peuple), bleus pour leurs alliés, rouges pour les califes abbassides, ont été franchis. La route stratégique qui mène à la grande les djihadistes de Daech. « Tous les postes Régions contrôlées sont connectés en réseau, ce qui nous permet mosquée, un joyau architectural entiè­ pat les Kurdeşen Syrie en juin 201? de suivre l’évolution en temps réel des lignes rement en brique édifié il y a douze siècles, de front et les déplacements deforces. C’est est elle aussi sous le contrôle des FDS. « Daech est mort, jubile Metin, un combat­ m e guerre technologique », explique l’offi­ tant kurde syrien de 22 ans. Ils n’ont pas les cier dans son uniforme couleur sable. moyens de nous résister. Alors ils utilisent Sur la terrasse, qui offre une vue impre­ d’autres stratégies. Ils passent sous les lignes nable sur le quartier de Nassira et sur la grâce à des tunnels, lancent des drones piégés vieille ville de Raqqa, un guetteur jette ou des attaaues-suicides. » des coups d’oeil par-dessus le parapet. Il comme à Mossoul, la vraie bataille, celle est à portée de snipers, à 500 mètres à Un tiers de la cité est désormais libéré du pour la stabilité et la sécurité de la région, peine des lignes de Daech. D’un geste joug de Daech qui se recroqueville inexo­ ne fait, elle, que commencer. rablement dans le dédale de la médina, où ample, Boran, un Kurde originaire de Dans le petit poste avancé de Nassira, les combats risquent de se durcir. Après Hasankeyf, en Turquie, décrit l’avancée la majorité des combattants assis autour Mossoul, fief iralden du califat repris il y a décisive de ses compagnons, sur le front d’un plat de tomates et de viande séchée dix jouis, la reconquête militaire de Raqqa est, au cours de la nuit. est originaire de Turquie. D’Izmir à Van, est inéluctable. Ce n’est plus qu’une ques­ Le 4 juillet, les Forces démocratiques les Kurdes ont depuis 2012 rejoint en tion de temps, de semaines, peut-être de syriennes (FDS), une coalition arabo- masse les YPG, la branche armée du PYD, mois. Mais depuis qu’aété lancée l’opération kurde, qui assiègent la capitale syrienne de le mouvement syrien issu du PKK (Parti « Colère de l’Euphrate », en novembre 2016, l’organisation Etat islamique depuis deux des travailleurs du Kurdistan). Les * ♦ mois, sont entrées dans la vieille ville de toutes les parties le savent pertinemment :

70 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Özeti

» * « kadro » les plus expérimentés de la service obligatoire de neuf mois pour une Deir ez-Zor... Le seul projet politique de ces guérilla marxiste, en lutte depuis 1984 paye mensuelle de 120 dollars. Pour légiti­ jeunes combattants est la vengeance. La contre l’Etat turc, sont omniprésents. Us mer la reconquête, la coalition a placé en haine de l’Etat islamique est le seul ciment occupent les postes stratégiques, dirigent première ligne, sur tous les fronts qui qui unit toutes ces brigades. « Nous espérons les opérations, noyautent les « médias mili­ enserrent la ville, des brigades arabes plus un avenir plus heureux », lâche Salman. taires » officiels qui sont les seuls autorisés expérimentées. Des katiba issues de ce Pour faire tomber la capitale de l’Etat à couvrir au plus près les opérations. qu’il reste de l’Armée syrienne libre (ASL) islamique, Rojda Felat peut compter sur Dans les rues des quartiers libérés de anti-Bachar al-Assad, qui ne se sont pas une armée mixte de 10000 hommes et Raqqa, sur chaque position ou checkpoint, ralliées par adhésion idéologique mais qui femmes, où se mêlent toutes les compo­ les Kurdes de Syrie sont majoritaires, mais ont opportunément choisi la force la plus santes ethniques et religieuses de la région. ils sont suppléés par ceux originaires à même de faire tomber Raqqa. « Notre Kurdes, Arabes, mais aussi Arméniens, d’Iran ou de Turquie, venus libérer Raqqa ennemi commun, ce sont les terroristes de yézidis, Tcherkesses... Un attelage hété­ et consolider les fondations de leur pays. Daech », clame Aboubakir, 23 ans, qui com­ roclite, souvent bancal, toujours dominé Car le projet des YPG, derrière le paravent bat avec 25 autres membres de Liwa al- politiquement par les Kurdes de Turquie. multiethnique des Forces démocratiques Tahrir originaires de Deir ez-Zor. « Ils ont Des bataillons de volontaires étrangers syriennes, est d’établir dans le nord de la tué plus de cent hommes de ma tribu, pendus parcourent aussi les lignes de front, avec des Syrie un territoire autonome, tout le long ou exécutés, souffle-t-il. Le même sort m’at­ motivations diverses. Des staliniens turcs, de la frontière turque. Divisé en trois tendait sije n’avais pas pris les armes. » Son des zapatistes latino-américains, des cantons, ce « proto-Etat » est une mise en etarras basques, des évangéliques améri­ pratique des théories élaborées par cains en croisade, des militants de 1 Armée Abdullah Öcalan, le fondateur du PKK rouge japonaise, des espions et des aven­ emprisonné en Turquie depuis 1999. Au turiers en mal de sensations fortes... cas où l’on en douterait, le portrait du Robert Grodt, un Américain de 28 ans, « guide » Öcalan trône dans les lieux figure du mouvement Occupy Wall Street publics et dans toutes les institutions du en 2011, était l’un d’eux ; sa mort sur le front « Rojava », le « Kurdistan occidental », que “DAECHA PENDÜ Oü EXÉCUTÉ de Raqqa a été annoncée lundi 10 juillet. ses détracteurs préfèrent qualifier PLUS DE CENT HOMMES Dans un bel uniforme frappé du blason des d’« Ôcalanistan ». Washington, le principal YPG, Michael Enright, un Britannique de parrain des Kurdes de Syrie, fait mine dene DE MA TRIBU. LE MÊME SORT 53 ans à l’éphémère carrière d’acteur à pas le voir pour ne pas irriter son allié turc. Hollywood - il a joué un second rôle dans A Raqqa, les Kurdes sont aussi mus par M’ATTENDAIT SI JE N’AVAIS « Pirates des Caraïbes » ! -, s’est engagé en un désir de vengeance, deux ans après le PAS PRIS LES ARMES.” 2015 avec les Kurdes. Il combat avec eux traumatisme de la bataille de Kobané. près de Raqqa depuis plus d’un an. « J ’ai Parmi les slogans politiques qui recouvrent ABOUBAKIR, 23 ANS voulu m ’engager après le 11 septembre2001, les murs de la ville, un message récurrent mais j’étais trop âgé pour entrer dans s’étale en lettres noires ou rouges : «N ous l’armée», raconte cet homme aux cheveux n’oublions pas ce qui s’est passé à Kobané. » grisonnants, avec le débit d’une arme auto­ La commandante de l’opération « Colère matique. Ce chrétien « en quête spirituelle » de l’Euphrate », Rojda Felat, 36 ans, est un a été marqué par la figure de Jihadi John, pur produit de cette école idéologique. Née ami Abou al-Moughira, 22 ans, a lui aussi le jihadiste britannique le plus célèbre, à Qamichli, dans la région syrienne de la des comptes à régler avec Daech. « L’été le mal absolu, selon lui, ainsi que par les Djézireh, à majorité kurde, cette petite dernier, l’Etat islamique m’a emprisonné attentats récents commis à Londres. Il a femme aux cheveux noirs comme la nuit pour mes liens avec l’ASL. Mon père est venu voulu apporter sa contribution à la «guerre et aux pommettes saillantes, a pris les me rendre visite, mais ils l’ont attrapé et contre le terrorisme ». armes en 2012 « pour défendre la terre et le enfermé à son tour. Il a été torturé pendant A cette coalition de bric et de broc peuple kurdes ». « Cela fait des décennies troisjours. Il en est mort peu après », raconte s’ajoutent les parrains étrangers, dont la que nous luttons pour nos droits. Face à la le jeune homme, longiligne, un keffieh noir présence est de plus en plus visible dans menace de Daech, nous avons été obligés de enroulé autour de la tête. « Je savais que les quartiers libérés de Raqqa. Les Améri­ nous organiser et de nous défendre, c’était j ’allais être de nouveau arrêté, alors je suis cains ont déployé plusieurs centaines de une question de survie », assure-t-elle en p a rti com battre Daech à A zaz, près de la marines lourdement armés et équipés. sirotant un thé, assise en tailleur dans une Turquie, puis à Al-Bab et enfin à Raqqa. Leur artillerie pilonne la ville, chaque nuit, base de Raqqa Ouest. En arrivant, j ’ai failli finir sur une mine », malgré la présence estimée d’au moins « La population de Raqqa est en majorité explique-t-il en relevant son pantalon et en 50000 civils. Ces frappes ont déjà fait arabe, reconnaît Rojda Felat Mais ungrand découvrant sa jambe blessée. plusieurs dizaines de morts, des milliers nombre de nos combattants le sont aussi, ce A côté d’eux, Salman, 20 ans, est venu de réfugiés, des destructions irréparables. sont eux qui vont libérer la ville », affirme- laver l’honneur de son frère, tué par Daech Comme à Mossoul, la méthode employée t-elle. Les FDS font en effet la part belle aux en 2015. Quant à Houd, il veut en découdre crée un profond ressentiment au sein de combattants non kurdes. Y compris au sein avec ceux qui lui ont volé deux voitures la population, ce qui aura des consé­ des bataillons d’appelés qui font leur et de l’argent, dans son village près de quences une fois Raqqa reprise. Devant **

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»+ leurs véhicules blindés Humvees, les tôt, la chaîne américaine CBS avait pu djihadistes étrangers, afin d’éviter qu’ils ne soldats américains tiennent les carrefours filmer l’atterrissage d’un avion-cargo sur ressortent vivants de Syrie- stratégiques à proximité des lignes de la piste de Kobané, à trois heures de route. Une seule chose semble faire le lien front, buste droit et regard haut derrière Des dizaines de blindés, surmontés de entre les différentes composantes de la leurs Ray-Ban. Ils interviennent en appui tourelles, des transports de troupes, coalition. La haine de Daech. Mais une fois des combattants kurdes et arabes, qui eux quatre semi-remorques chargés de caisses les djihadistes éliminés, évincés de leur sont armés de vieilles kalachnikovs, d’armes, de missiles et d’obus de mortier partent au front en chantant, claquettes de gros calibre sont entrés en fanfare dans aux pieds et sans gilets pare-balles. Raqqa Une démonstration de force. La Le 4 juillet, date de l’entrée dans la vieille présence des Français est en revanche plus ville et jour de la fête nationale américaine, discrète. Les forces spéciales sont installées un impressionnant convoi militaire envoyé dans une maison avec piscine à proximité “ DAECHA DÉTRUIT TOUTE par Washington est arrivé aux portes de du front est Le but principal de tout ce petit LA SOCIÉTÉ. POUR LES Raqqa, par l’ouest. Quelques jours plus monde est de capturer ou d’éliminer les CONTRER, IL FAUT RÉTABLIR L’ACTIVITÉ ÉCONOMIQUE.” ADIL AL ALI, MEMBRE DU CONSEIL CIVIL PROVISOIRE DE RAQQA

bastion, cette fragile alliance risque de voler en éclats. «Nous sommes confrontés à un défi de taille, reconnaît Rojda Felat, dans la base des combattants kurdes. Per­ suader les habitants de Raqqa que le modèle de l’Etat islamique n’estpas islamique. » Les Kurdes aussi vont devoir convaincre de la sincérité de leur projet, présenté comme démocratique, égalitaire et libertaire. Sur le terrain, les tendances hégémoniques et autoritaires de leur mouvement font A Metin, 22 ans, des Forces démocratiques syriennes, est l’un des premiers soldats à être craindre un réveil brutal. Les discrimina­ entrés début juillet dans la vieille ville de Raqqa. tions envers les civils arabes, les humi­ liations aux checkpoints, les petits trafics, la corruption leur attirent de virulentes critiques et le ressentiment des minorités. Pour administrer la ville de Raqqa, les FDS ont mis en place un conseil civil, une sorte de municipalité autonome. Une fois la victoire militaire assurée, le pouvoir lui sera transmis. « Nous essayons de traiter tous les problèmes : l’eau, l’électricité, la reconstruction des canalisations, le redé­ marrage d’une boulangerie... Daech a détruit toute la société. Pour les contrer, il faut rétablir l’activité économique », souligne Adil al-Ali, membre de ce conseil provisoirement installé à Aïn Issa, à 50 kilomètres de Raqqa. Ce modèle a déjà été testé dans d’autres villes reprises à Daech et notamment dans des villes à majorité arabe, comme Manbij, libérée le 12 août 2016. Depuis, cette ville de **

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50000 habitants, située à l’ouest de l’Euphrate sur la route d’Alep, reprend vie. Vêtu d’un costume noir, d’un keffieh immaculé et de chaussures vernies impec­ cablement lustrées, le cheikh Farouk al-Machi, 49 ans, préside le conseil civil installé par les FDS et approuvé par le conseil des chefs des 64 tribus locales. « Après trois années de crimes deDaech, tout était détruit mais nous avons rouvert les écoles qui avaient été minées, reconstruit six hôpitaux, les gens l’ont bien vu », plaide-t-il. «Au sein du conseil, 70% des membres sont arabes, le reste est issu des minorités de la ville dont les Kurdes, insiste le cheikh. Ce sont les habitants qui décident. » Dans la ville, les avis sont partagés. Pour des questions de sécurité et de stabilité, une bonne partie de la population semble se A Un jeune Kurde, avec un drapeau représentant le leader Ôcalan, manifeste. ranger derrière les nouveaux maîtres des lieux que beaucoup persistent à appeler « les Kurdes » ou « les camarades » - heval, un terme par lequel s’identifient les sympa­ thisants du PKK. « Il n’y a pas une seule mai­ son en Syrie qui ne soit pas divisée », tempère Mustafa Droubi. Ce sexagénaire qui a été emprisonné un mois et torturé pour avoir allumé une cigarette à la sortie de la mos­ quée devant un chef de guerre tchétchène de Daech bénit la présence des FDS. Mais les menaces qui planent sur Manbij sont celles qui s’annoncent pour Raqqa Le soutien occidental se limite au militaire. Et les Forces démocratiques syriennes sont considérées par le voisin turc comme des groupes terroristes, au même titre que Daech. Un mur a été édifié tout le long de la frontière, et l’eau de l’Euphrate est rete­ nue en amont, ce qui cause d’importantes a Les officiers suivent en direct l'évolution de la bataille sur leurs tablettes. pénuries. Le président turc a menacé à plusieurs reprises d’aller « libérer Manbij ». « Nous sommes libres de choisir le drapeau de notre administration, tempête le cheikh Fetrouk. A Azaz ou Jarablous, c’est le drapeau turc qui flotte, c’est une occupation. » Depuis 2015, Ankara a tout fait pour dis­ suader Washington de soutenir les forces du Rojava. En vain. Ces dernières se sont imposées comme l’option la plus réaliste pour débarrasser la Syrie de Daech. La suite estime autre histoire. Après Raqqa, les FDS pousseront-elles jusqu’à Deir ez-Zor pour nettoyer les dernières poches djihadistes? Les alliés occidentaux trahiront-ils les Kurdes, une fois le fief du califat anéanti? La question brûle toutes les lèvres. La com­ mandante Rojda Felat esquisse un sourire quand on la lui pose : « Notre peuple n’a tou­ jours pu compter que sur lui-même. » a a Funérailles de soldats tombés pour la libération de Raqqa.

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