INSTITUT

KURDDE PARIS E

Information and liaison bulletin N° 410

MAY 2019 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

Price per issue : : 6 € — Abroad : 7,5 € Annual subscribtion (12 issues) France : 60 € — Elsewhere : 75 € Monthly review Directeur de la publication : Mohamad HASSAN Misen en page et maquette : Ṣerefettin ISBN 0761 1285

INSTITUT KURDE, 106, rue La Fayette - 75010 PARIS Tel. : 01-48 24 64 64 - Fax : 01-48 24 64 66

www.fikp.org E-mail: bulletin@fikp.org Information and liaison bulletin Kurdish Institute of Paris Bulletin N° 410 May 2019

• : THE TURKISH PRESIDENT HAS ELECTION RESULT CANCELLED, BUT MUST GIVE IN TO HUNGER STRIKERS

• ROJAVA: DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST THE AUTONOMOUS ADMINISTRATION, ISIS DORMANT CELLS

• IRAQI KURDISTAN: NECHIRVAN BARZANI ELECTED PRESIDENT; DESPITE BETTER RELATIONS WITH , ARABIZATION GOES ON IN

• : NEW DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST THE DETERIORATION OF THE ECONOMY

• FRANCE: THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE MURDER OF THE THREE KURDISH ACTIVISTS RESTARTS

• FRANCE: ARREST OF A LYON-BASED TURKISH MATHEMATICIAN

• FRANCE: YEZIDIS ARRIVE IN TOULOUSE; POLEMIC ON FRENCH JIHADISTS’ FATE

• SUSAN MEISELAS WINS THE 2019 AWARD FROM THE DEUTSCHE BÖRSE PHOTOGRAPHY FOUNDATION

• TWO KURDISH WOMEN ELECTED TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIA- MENT

• PUBLICATIONS: KURD’INALCO, JOURNAL OF THE KURDISH STU- DENTS OF THE PARIS INSTITUTE OF ORIENTAL LANGUAGES

TURKEY: THE TURKISH PRESIDENT HAS ISTANBUL ELECTION RESULT CANCELLED, BUT MUST GIVE IN TO HUNGER STRIKERS his month began with the fundamental freedoms, this choice Turkish journalists in exile like repression of the May 1st raised some hope. He was quickly Ahval, or foreign channels in Turkish demonstrations: 119 peo- disappointed, as all appeals were like the BBC or Deutsche Welle... In ple who tried to march in dismissed. Arab Weekly recalled the 5 its 2019 report published precisely T Taksim (Istanbul) were how 92% of Turkish media are now on 3 September detained. Then on the 3rd, it was the directly controlled by the President (https://tgs.org.tr/basin- 26th “World Press Freedom Day”. Erdoğan, while a new ozgurlugu-raporu-nisan-2018-nisan- When the Turkish Constitutional Communications Directorate, locat- 2019/), the Turkish Union of Court announced, after 2 years, that ed directly in his palace, intervenes Journalists notes the following facts: it would examine on that date the in almost all pro-government from April 2018 to April 2019, 74 appeals submitted by 9 journalists in media... Citizens seeking objective journalists received a total of 256 the name of non-compliance with information look at sites created by years’ imprisonment, including 3 • 2 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 410 • May 2019

years for life; the total fines or com- güzel olacak), the government he had validated in writing the sub- pensation imposed reached 170 mil- banned on the 13th a banner bearing mission of their candidacy... Thus at lion lire ($28.4 million); 4 out of 5 these words during the parade com- Bağlar (Diyarbakir), Zeyyat Ceylan, journalists tried were convicted; memorating the Manisa mining dis- winner with 70.34% of the votes, during the last 3 years, 1.954 press aster which killed 301 people in had to leave the mayor’s office to cards were cancelled: one in four 2014... Several opposition parties the AKP candidate (25.46%), as well journalists is now unemployed. On announced their support to as to the elected HDP of Tusba in the same day, the “Mesopotamia İmamoğlu; the Communist Party Van (52.93%), the election of Platform of Women Journalists” withdrew its candidate. The HDP Caldiran, also in Van (53%), or (MKGP, Mezopotamya kadın gazetciler announced that again it would not Tekman (Erzurum)... The YSK also platformu) presented its own report present a candidate. On 28 June, invalidated the election of 10 covering the last 4 months in HDP Co-Chair Pervin Buldan said: moukhtars (village or district chiefs) Diyarbakir (Bianet). Published in “The June 23rd elections are also from Lice district (Diyarbakir), Turkish and Kurdish, it mentions 12 those of Şırnak, Muş, Bitlis and replaced by appointed administra- journalists imprisoned on hunger Bağlar. It was the elections of our six tors (Ahval)... strike, 14 women journalists impris- municipalities that were seized”. oned, 30 on trial, 2 acquitted, 2 beat- The CHP, for its part, tried to attract The “guerrilla” of the power against en and... 2 murdered. On this World Kurdish voters by mentioning the the HDP municipalities was not lim- Day, Amnesty International’s Turkish “fundamental right” to education in ited to the invalidation of elected branch asked journalists to describe its mother tongue.... officials. Already last month, AKP their situation. The contributions, administrators had handed over some sent from prison, were pub- The prospect is not in favour of the municipal buildings to the police or lished (in Turkish) on the Internet AKP, the economic situation being the provincial administration before (https://amnesty.org.tr/icerik/tutu particularly bad in this city which leaving their post. On 8 May, the klu-gazeteciler-yazdi). generates 31% of Turkish GDP. As of Bianet website announced that in the May 31, the consumer confidence districts of , İdil and Sılopi In addition, political events were index was down 13% from the pre- (Şırnak), taken over by the HDP, the dominated by the results of the vious month, and statistics show police had set up checkpoints with March 31 municipal elections, in that when this index falls, so too X-ray equipment or even guard which voters in the major Western does the pro-AKP vote... It seems posts in front of the town halls, as cities sanctioned power for the that in response, the authorities are well as in Kiziltepe (Mardin), in economic crisis, while in the East, trying to manipulate the voters list, front of the metropolitan town hall Kurdish voters rejected the while it should remain the same as of Mardin, and according to RojInfo “administrators” (kayyum) on March 31: Cumhuriyet reports in 26 municipalities. Reason given appointed by Ankara to elect can- that some voters have noticed that by the authorities for these illegal didates from the HDP (Democratic they have been removed and acts of intimidation, because with- Peoples’ Party, progressive and replaced (at the same address!) by out a written order: to prevent peo- “pro-Kurdish”). A decidedly bad complete strangers (Al-Monitor)... ple deprived of public office by loser, Mr. Erdoğan led the forcing decree-law “to interfere in the throughout April to obtain from The so-called independent YSK, administration of municipalities” the YSK (High Electoral who only cancelled the result of the (RojInfo)... The municipality of Commission) the cancellation of CHP, while conditions were the Tunceli, conquered on 31 March by the Istanbul result. He finally same in the other districts, publicly the country’s only communist obtained it on May 6 with an revealed himself as ordered by the mayor, Fatih Mehmet Maçoğlu, has “extraordinary objection” from the Turkish President. Even former AKP also attracted the wrath of ultrana- AKP based on the fact that some leaders Abdullah Gül and Ahmet tionalists: at its first session on 23rd, assessors of the counting of the Davutoğlu reacted negatively its municipal council decided to votes were not civil servants... The (Bianet). The HDP candidate for change the name on the town hall next day, the Ministry of the Interior Ankara, Filiz Keresecioğlu, said: by re-establishing its Kurdish name appointed the interim mayor, while “Now Turkey sees that what has of “Dersim», authoritatively the CHP candidate, Ekrem been done in the Kurdish provinces changed in 1935, and to offer its citi- Imamoğlu, announced that he can also be done in Istanbul and the zens services in Zazakî and would not give in and gave his vot- West”: the YSK has also declared Kurmancî (Bianet). MHP leader ers an appointment on June 23, the several new HDP mayors ineligible, Devlet Bahceli stigmatized a “com- date of the new vote. After on the pretext that they were dis- munist and separatist plot”, and the Imamoğlu declared in a meeting missed in 2016 by emergency Interior Ministry sent an inspector to “Everything will be fine” (Hersey decrees from Mr Erdoğan. However, the area (Ahval). n° 410 • May 2019 Information and liaison bulletin • 3 •

In addition, during the week of the press conference in which their Prison (Hapishaneler’de ifade özgür- 13th, the Turkish Presidency lodged client called on fasters not to endan- lügü), the organization’s website no fewer than 33 complaints against ger their lives, stating also that appears to have been immediately 21 Kurdish MPs (and 1 from the “problems in Syria must be solved closed (links indicated: CHP opposition) to deprive them of far from the culture of violence and http://www.tcps.org.tr/sites/default/files their immunity and allow them to with the aim of establishing local /kitaplar/freedom_of_speech_in_prison_ be convicted or dismissed. democracy while respecting Syria’s report.pdf and According to Turkish state media, territorial integrity”. Extended http://www.tcps.org.tr/sites/default/files among the targeted MPs are the two hand? Öçalan added: “Turkey’s sen- /kitaplar/hapishanelerde_ifade_ozgurlug HDP co-chairs Pervin Buldan and sitivities must be taken into u_internet.pdf) Sezai Temelli, Leyla Güven account”... On the 20th, the police (Diyarbakir), initiator of hunger violently repressed again outside At the same time, the well-estab- strikes, and Ahmet Şık (Istanbul), a the Gebze women’s prison a rally lished repressive mechanism of former journalist known for his organised by mothers of political arrests, charges and convictions con- investigations into the Gülen net- prisoners; several demonstrators tinues to function. After academics work (such as his book İmamın were injured, the 2 local HDP repre- signed the petition against violence Ordusu., “The Imam’s Army”) and sentatives arrested, and the HDP in the Kurdish provinces “We will the administration Erdoğan deputy Ayşe Sürücü was beaten not be party to this crime”, the (dis- (Kurdistan 24). (RojInfo). On 22nd, two of Öçalan’s missed) members of the Governing lawyers, after several rejected appli- Council of the Turkish Medical Another significant event this cations, were able to visit him again. Association (TTB) who had criti- month was the success of the hunger On the 26th, after they had relayed a cised the Afrîn operation were sen- strike movement calling for an end new message from Öçalan calling tenced on the 3rd to prison terms to the isolation of the imprisoned for the end of the movement, whose (Bianet). Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. “objective[...] has been achieved”, The electoral tremor of 31 March the representative of fasting prison- On the 7th, the sentence imposed on and the concern of the authorities in ers, Deniz Kaya, announced the end journalist Pelin Ünker of Cumhuriyet front of thousands of prisoners fast- of the movement, quickly followed was overturned on appeal. She had ing (7,000 to 6 May according to by the initiator of the movement, been sentenced to more than a year Humanity), 8 of whom had already Leyla Güven, who welcomed “a vic- in prison for defamation after a committed suicide, probably both tory of Turkish democracy”, while report on the Paradise Papers involv- influenced the decision to lift the regretting the death of the 8 suicide ing Binali Yıldırım and his sons, isolation, taken on 16. On the 2nd, prisoners. who had admitted the facts! On 8 the day when the police violently August, journalist Cansu Pişkin, of dispersed in Diyarbakir a gathering This victory should not make us for- the daily newspaper Evrensel, was of mothers and wives of prisoners get how worrying the prison situa- sentenced to 10 months’ suspended on hunger strike (AFP), arresting in tion in Turkey remains. According to sentence for publishing the name of several cities about forty relatives, an April 2019 report by the Human the prosecutor of the university stu- Öçalan’s lawyers were able to meet Rights Association (İHD), torture or dents’ case Boğaziçi, who were tried him (after 8 years and 810 rejected ill-treatment in prison has increased for protesting against the Turkish requests!). Fearing a manoeuvre to sharply in recent years: 1,149 com- attack on Afrîn. His lawyers said stop the movement, the prisoners plainants have reported having suf- that the publication of the magis- announced that they would contin- fered torture or ill-treatment, and at trate’s name in pro-government ue it; the fasting people of least 23 prisoners have experienced media such as Sabah had not trig- Strasbourg declared in particular: suspicious deaths. On 7 July, Van gered any prosecutions... “We will not stop until the isolation HDP MP Tayip Menzel tabled a is over. The visit took place, but the written question in parliament on On the 10th, the Constitutional important thing is the next step” the systematic use of torture in Court ordered the release of the (RojInfo). The HDP called on the prison No. 2 at Elaziğ, pointing out teacher Ayşe Çelik for “violation international community to break its that despite several complaints from of her freedom of expression”. silence, as 15 prisoners had begun a prisoners, no investigation had been Çelik had been convicted of “ter- “fast to death”. On the 14th, there opened. On 23 August, after the rorist propaganda” after calling a were 30 of them. Turkey’s Center for Prison Studies live television programme to On the 16th, Justice Minister (TCPS, Turkish acronym CISST) report child deaths caused by mili- Abdülhamit Gül announced the lift- announced the publication on the tary operations in the country’s ing of isolation. Öçalan’s lawyers Internet in English and Turkish of a Kurdish provinces. One of its had relayed a letter on the 6th at a report entitled Freedom of Speech in lawyers, Mahsuni Kahraman, said • 4 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 410 • May 2019

he hoped that this verdict would ticular, life imprisonment for tions with the con- set a precedent in the cases of aca- Cumhuriyet’s editor-in-chief, Can tinue to expand. On the 4th, demics and doctors convicted of Dündar. In February, the Secretary of Defence Patrick their statements (Bianet). On the Constitutional Court ruled that the Shanahan threatened to exclude 14th, a delegation of doctors went imprisonment of Dündar and the Turkey from the F-35 military air- to the Ministry of Justice to pre- head of the newspaper in Ankara, craft production program if the sent a petition calling for the Erdem Gül, was a violation of country persists in its desire to release of the TTB leaders. their rights, a decision that acquire the Russian S-400 air angered Erdoğan... The Istanbul defence system. Ankara, which The prosecution of the approxi- court this time acquitted Gül and has invested more than $1 billion mately 2,000 signatories of the dropped the charges against CHP in this program, is expected to petition “We will not be party to deputy and journalist Enis receive about 100 devices. On the this crime” has increased, also tar- Berberoğlu. At the trial held last 24th, the American channel CNBC geting people residing abroad, February, their cases were separat- even announced that the United such as mathematician Tuna ed from Dündar’s, whose extradi- States had threatened Turkey with Altinel, a professor in France at tion is now awaited by the court to sanctions... the University of Lyon 2, arrested continue the trial.... on 11 November during a visit to The Turkish army has further Balıkesir for “terrorist propagan- From the 20th, another case of intensified its anti-PKK opera- da”. His arrest triggered a major police abuse made headlines, that tions in Iraqi Kurdistan. The PKK solidarity movement in France. of the village of Halfeti (Şanlıurfa). claimed earlier this month the On the 21st, Ayşe Gül Altınay, a That evening, HDP MP and death of 6 Turkish soldiers the signatory to the same petition, human rights defender Ömer previous week, while the Turkish was sentenced for “terrorist pro- Faruk Gergerlioğlu posted a photo Ministry of Defence announced paganda” to 2 years and one on Twitter showing a dozen peo- that it had “neutralized” 14 month’s imprisonment (a sentence ple handcuffed behind their backs Kurdish fighters in an air strike of more than 2 years prohibits con- and lying on the ground. Then on a cave north of Dohuk, which ditional sentences). Teacher at details gradually emerged. After the PKK denied. On the 2nd, Sabanci University, anthropolo- an anti-PKK operation in the other strikes damaged without gist, Altınay had co-signed in 2011 Dergili district on 18 December, killing several villages in the with Fethiye Cetin the Book of Little during which a police officer was Qandîl area. On the 3rd, the Children (Torunlar), which gathers killed and two others wounded, Turkish Ministry of Defence testimonies of descendants of the security forces retaliated announced the death of 3 soldiers Armenians victims of the 1915 against the village, placing 53 peo- in Iraqi Kurdistan in mortar fire genocide. Bianet has published her ple in police custody for question- at their base in Sherwan Mazin, moving statement of defence ing and torturing some with elec- opposite the Turkish province of online tricity, including children, to Hakkari. In retaliation, heli- (https://bianet.org/english/free- extract confessions... The detained copters pounded several villages dom-of-expression/208723-state- persons were illegally denied the next evening, terrifying the ment-of-academic-ayse-gul-alti- access to a lawyer. On the 20th, a inhabitants (Rûdaw). On the 6th nay). On the same day, 7 journal- military helicopter bombed the and 7th, planes also bombed the ists of the “pro-Kurdish” Özgur area almost all afternoon. The district of Amêdî (Dohouk), not Gündem newspaper, closed by Şanlıurfa branch of the Human far from Shiladze. On the morn- decree in 2016, including its edi- Rights Association İHD accused ing of the 10th, one Turkish sol- tors Eren Keskin and Huseyin the police of torture and ill-treat- dier was killed and another Aykol, were sentenced on the ment, which the city prosecutor wounded by an improvised same charges to prison terms denied. On 24 July, Amnesty explosive device in Dilucu ranging from 15 to 45 months International launched a campaign (Iğdır), near the Iranian border (AFP). denouncing the risk of torture of (Rûdaw). On 11 March, Riza On the 15th, the judgment con- detainees and calling on its mem- Altun, a PKK leader who had cerning the revelation of the clan- bers to write to the Turkish been announced by the Turkish destine convoy of weapons to Minister of the Interior army (just before the elections...) Syria by the Turkish intelligence (https://www.amnesty.org/down to have been wounded in a strike services (MIT) was finally handed load/Documents/EUR4404402019 on 21 March, denied the informa- down. In this case, the Turkish FRENCH.pdf). tion. On the 14th, a sergeant was President had personally lodged a killed in Derecik (Hakkari), caus- complaint and requested, in par- On the international scene, rela- ing a retaliatory strike on the n° 410 • May 2019 Information and liaison bulletin • 5 •

Iraqi side, and a Kurdish civilian PKK reported having “attacked Turkish propaganda and claimed who went out to collect mush- the Turkish invading army” 5 dead and “many wounded” in rooms was killed. early in the morning near the attack on a military convoy Khwakurk (Rûdaw). On the 21st, in Basan (Iğdır). On the morning On the 15th, a Turkish military further air strikes killed a civilian of the 29th, Turkish fighters car- drone crashed on the Iraqi side near Barzan. ried out, for the second time in near Sarsing (Dohuk), shot down the week, strikes near Shiladze or because of technical problems On the 28th, the Anatolia Agency (Dohuk), an event that has (Kurdistan 24). On the 13th, the announced the launch the previ- become more and more frequent PKK claimed to have killed 3 sol- ous evening in Iraqi Kurdistan of in recent weeks. On the 31st, the diers and wounded “many oth- a major anti-PKK offensive in HPG announced that on the 29th ers” at Şırnak (Roj News). The Khwakurk (northern Erbil it had repelled the Turkish ANF agency also announced province). Under the personal invading army, inflicting a “his- “many deaths” in Cukurca supervision of Defence Minister toric blow” and killing 9 soldiers, (Hakkari). The Turkish army has Hulusi Akar, the operation, at the cost of 3 of its own fighters announced the elimination of 4 called “Claw”, started with killed in air strikes (RojInfo). Kurdish fighters in Dersim and 4 heavy artillery shelling, also others in Hakkari. On the 16th, 5 involving commandos and 10 These military operations seem MIT agents were wounded in fighter planes, as well as at least to have a mainly domestic pro- Sarsing (Amêdî), Kurdistan, , 30 Cobra helicopters. According paganda function. As the Ahval when their convoy was hit by an to the mayor of Sidakan (Soran), site noted in April, if they are so improvised explosive device the strikes were heard from the effective, how can it be explained (NRT). On the 19th, RojInfo cities of Soran and Rawandouz, that the Turkish army, the 2nd reported that another similar whose inhabitants were terror- largest in NATO, has not yet explosion killed 9 Turkish sol- ized. The operation was widely been able to put an end to a guer- diers and wounded 21 others, covered by the media, with the rilla war that has been going on again in Amêdî. Other clashes Turkish President himself men- for decades, nor to take control involving helicopters lasted tioning it in a tweet. The HPG of its opponent’s mountain sanc- almost a week in Sidakan. The (PKK military wing) denounced tuary?

ROJAVA: DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST THE AUTONOMOUS ADMINISTRATION, ISIS DORMANT CELLS

ccording to Al-Monitor, Syrian North (so far without having Low, threatening to kill the inhabi- indirect negotiations obtained anything concrete from the tants if they did not leave their have reportedly begun United States on this subject, it homes, firing on those who resisted between the Turkish seems), a control that has been abso- or refused to leave, injuring 10 peo- A Secret Service (MIT) and lutely refused by the autonomous ple, among them women and chil- the PYD, the Kurdish party in Syria administration, and Kobanê insisted dren, including 2 seriously. The next dominating the autonomous admin- on his side that any agreement first day, hundreds of from Syria istration of North Syria. On 6 April, implies a Turkish withdrawal from took to the streets to protest against the online newspaper reported Afrîn, a path that Turkey hardly the Turks’ plans to build an insulat- reports from an anonymous source seems to take... ing wall Afrîn from the rest of Syria. that MIT envoys had met Mazloum Sînem Mohammed, representative Kobanê, the Syrian democratic On the contrary, the jihadist merce- in the United States of the Syrian forces (SDF) commander-in-chief, naries of Turkey controlling the Democratic Council, expressed her twice in late April. The United States region and the city of Afrîn continue concern that this operation would reportedly served as intermediaries their abuses, which are clearly prepare for the annexation of Afrîn to start these discussions, which aimed at frightening the Kurdish by Turkey (Kurdistan 24). On the 5th, Kobanê mentioned in early May, populations in order to drive them another demonstration gathering describing them as “indirect”, con- away and carry out the ethnic several thousand participants took ducted “through intermediaries”. In cleansing desired by Mr. Erdoğan. place in Kobanê to denounce both any case, a “deal” is far from certain: On the afternoon of 29 May, they the silence of the international com- Turkey is still seeking control of a surrounded and attacked 2 villages munity regarding the Turkish exac- “security zone” established in the in Mabata district, Kokan High and tions in Afrîn and the isolation • 6 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 410 • May 2019

imposed by Turkey on the impris- likely to move away, the Rojava While 75% come from outside Iran, oned Kurdish leader Abdullah authorities organised a “Kurdo- Iran has stopped its deliveries since Öcalan (RojInfo). Arab” forum on 3 May in Ain al- the return of US sanctions, and local Issa, near Raqqa, to which 5,000 par- oil fields are under the control of the Further east, and particularly in the ticipants, members and leaders of autonomous administration... (AP) Deir Ezzor region, the autonomous these same tribes were invited. The administration of the Syrian meeting brought together represen- On the other front, on the Turkish Northern Federation has been con- tatives of some 70 clans, and ended side, the situation is becoming more fronted for three weeks with a series with a declaration defending the and more tense. On the 4th, the of demonstrations by Arab residents unity of Syria and the sovereignty of Turkish Ministry of Defence who complain about the lack of its people, and calling for an end to announced that a lieutenant had basic services and accuse the lead- the Turkish occupation of the been killed and another soldier ers, mainly Kurdish, of discrimina- Jerablous, Azaz, al-Bab and Idlib wounded in a YPG attack near Tell tion against them. These protests regions and the liberation from the Rifaat, a town east of Afrîn and have gradually spread to oil-rich same occupation of the Afrîn region south of Azaz trapped between areas, where some residents have and the return of its original inhabi- Turks in the north and regime in the tried to stop convoys carrying oil to tants. The autonomous administra- south (Reuters). Further south, in Damascus-held territories, com- tion has stated that it is ready to Idlib, Syrian army fire on a Turkish plaining about the lack of local prof- engage in dialogue with the regime, outpost wounded 2 soldiers, causing its. In some villages, banners but has once again rejected the so- 3 helicopters and a plane (Bloomberg) described the SDF and the Syrian called “reconciliation” agreements to be sent. Later that same day, the President as “accomplices to the promoted by the regime, accusing Ministry announced that it had same crime”. Another criticism is them of being nothing more than launched a retaliatory attack on sev- the recent increase in insecurity. unconditional surrenders accompa- eral villages in the Tell Rifaat area nied by the evacuation of combat- and had “neutralized” 28 militants. But one of the most important ants (AFP). The Syrian “National Army” points of friction remains conscrip- (despite its name a pure Turkish cre- tion, particularly at Raqqa. The After the forum, the Russian Foreign ation), also announced an attack, but incorporation campaign, which tar- Minister accused the US and the according to Reuters had to with- gets all ethnic groups, Kurds and autonomous administration of seek- draw from the 3 villages it had taken Arabs alike, follows a decision taken ing to establish a “quasi-state» in the due to heavy fire from the Syrian on the 14th by the Defense eastern Euphrates, and Damascus army. Committee for Recruitment in the described the forum as “treason”, Euphrates Region to call on all while the Syrian Deputy Foreign On the 10th, further jihadist fire tar- young people between the ages of Minister said that the Kurds were geted the SDF in the same area, 18 and 28 to complete an 18-month only a “tool in Washington’s hands”. and on the 12th, a Kurdish farmer “self-defense period”. On the 18th, The Syrian Democratic Council injured in his field by Turkish fire the SDF military police arrested reacted on the 5th by stating in a had to be hospitalized in Girê Spî about 20 young people from several statement that Damascus had no (Tell Abyad). In Afrîn, the Turkish villages who refused to be drafted right to accuse anyone of treason or army and two jihadist factions and sent them to training camps, to claim to defend the unity and bombed Shera district with heavy many of whom are deserting, sovereignty of the country after artillery (WKI). On 15 December, according to an anonymous source allowing Turkey to occupy the Syrian Observatory for Human from Raqqa. Some of these young Jerablous, Azaz, al-Bab, Afrîn, and Rights (OSDH) announced that people belong to poor families who parts of Idlib province... (Rûdaw) more than 600 Kurdish prisoners need their labour force, others join arrested in Afrîn after the Turkish the SDF for the salary of 200 dollars On the 14th, the administration of the invasion, and transferred since a month (Al-Monitor). Syrian North accused the Damascus then to Azaz, had been displaced regime of inciting demonstrations, again over the past week. The In an attempt to reduce tensions, while the pro-regime media, on the OSDH reported that it had and as some tribal Arab leaders other hand, affected defending the received reports that some of them from northern and eastern Syria demonstrators. The regime’s animosi- had been sent to Turkish prisons, began to discuss with Damascus, the ty, which has engaged with the sup- and also reported that a number of autonomous administration began port of its Russian ally in an offensive them had been tortured. According discussions with them (Reuters). to retake Idlib province, may well be to the OSDH, 2,682 people have so Aware that, now that the ISIS threat linked to its oil supply difficulties, the far been arrested in Afrîn, includ- is diminishing, the former allies are worst since the beginning of the war. ing 1,087 still in prison, the others n° 410 • May 2019 Information and liaison bulletin • 7 •

having been released, most often an attack in the streets of Manbij ers in Deir Ezzor province, the SDF for ransoms ranging from a few using an improvised explosive announced the seizure of weapons hundred to 100,000 dollars (Ahval). device that wounded two civilians, and ammunition, the dismantling On the 18th, Tell Rifaat was again an attack confirmed by the OSDH of a sleeper cell in Tabqa, and the targeted by Turkish fire, while and then claimed by ISIS (Hawar, arrest of 42 jihadists in recently rebel fighting between Turkey and Kurdistan 24). On the 8th, a bomb released areas. On the evening of YPG north of Aleppo was reported. exploded in Raqqa without causing the 18th, a bomb exploded in front Thousands of Kurds gathered out- any casualties. On the 10th, two of the Manbij Security Office, side a Russian centre in Aleppo to explosions, one using a motorcycle killing 10 people, including civil- denounce Russian complicity in bomb, the other near a checkpoint, ians and 3 children. Two other the Turkish bombing of Tell Rifaat. killed 5 civilians in Manbij (WKI). explosions near stores also caused They have good reason to be suspi- On the 11th, the OSDH reported the material damage on the 21st (WKI). cious: earlier this month, Turkish deaths of 3 SDF members in Girê Spî Vice-President Fuat Oktay (Tell Abyad), while a car bomb At the end of the month, the SDF announced a joint Turkish-Russian killed 1 person and injured 6, was also able to send back 2 young military deployment agreement at including a child, in Manbij (Hawar). Yezidi girls freed from ISIS to join the border in the region. Even if On the evening of the 15th, a suicide their community in Shingal Turkey regularly makes announce- attack targeted a SDF demining con- (Sinjar). At the beginning of the ments that subsequently turn out voy in southern Hassakeh province month, a of 27 yezidis, 14 to be devoid of any reality, it is a without casualties. women and 13 children, released worrying reminder of Russia’s during the battle for Baghouz, had agreement in early 2018 for the Worryingly, some attacks, particu- already been driven back to Iraq. Turkish invasion of Afrin... larly in Deir Ezzor province, have But the fate of hundreds of yezidis taken place in areas supposedly remains unknown (WKI). On the American side, it seems that, cleared of jihadists long ago, far in contradiction with President behind SDF lines, which presup- On the 30th, Deutsche Welle, quoting Trump’s initial announcement of poses local complicity. A recent Spiegel magazine, announced that withdrawal, Washington is prepar- Pentagon report the German government had held ing to leave a thousand men behind, (https://media.defense.gov/2019/May/0 discussions with the United States partly because the Turkish President 7/2002128675/-1/- on a possible air deployment to pro- has refused to give assurances that 1/1/LIG%20OCO%20OIR%20Q2%2 tect a security zone in northern he will not attack the SDF, partly 0OIR%20Q2%20MARCH2019.PDF) Syria “from both Turkey and the because American experts estimate highlights the persistence of the Assad regime”... This would pre- that there are still nearly 20,000 ISIS threat, particularly in areas where vent any deployment of German fighters in the world, including the population is predominantly troops on the ground. But German many members of sleeping cells in Arab and where some tribal ties political parties disagree on this Syria. And they seem more and may still exist with ISIS... point: while the CDU has indicated more active. On May 1st, one of the its support, the SPD has expressed commanders of the Jaysh al-Thuwar, After launching a major offensive strong opposition to this idea a faction allied to the SDF, escaped on the 15th mobilizing 5,000 fight- (Ahval, Al-Masdar).

IRAQI KURDISTAN: NECHIRVAN BARZANI ELECTED PRESIDENT; DESPITE BETTER RELATIONS WITH BAGHDAD, ARABIZATION GOES ON IN KIRKUK lthough deep differences ings could be resolved through dia- Kurdistan and the federal territory, still remain between the logue. In particular, he insisted on the one from Zummar to Dohuk (the Kurdistan Region and the unification of customs proce- Sihela-Sindjar and Kirkuk-Erbil the federal government, dures, which made it possible to roads were already reopened). This A relations are gradually eliminate internal control points is a far cry from the time when the fading. On 3 March, Iraqi Prime between Kurdistan and the rest of Iraqis tried to militarily take control Minister Abdul Mahdi, visiting the country (Kurdistan 24). Another of the crossing point to the Rojava of Paris, welcomed this in his joint example of the improvement is that Pêsh Khabour, before giving up in press conference with the French on the 21st, Iraqi peshmergas and the face of peshmergas’ resistance... President, stating that problems con- soldiers reopened by mutual agree- cerning oil, Sinjar and border cross- ment the last closed road between But tensions over oil remain. The • 8 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 410 • May 2019

2019 budget provides that in flooding and population displace- KRG retaining some of the funds return for Baghdad paying the ments throughout the Middle East sent by Baghdad to pay its offi- salaries of its civil servants, the had an unexpected consequence in cials, Finance Minister Rebaz Kurdistan Region must provide the desert areas of southern Iraq: Hamlan rejected any misconduct 250,000 barrels of crude oil per they brought to light many human on 27 July. He indicated that there day to the state-owned company remains, causing the discovery in had been delays in sending SOMO (State Oil Marketing Muthanna province, 300 km south salaries in 2018, and that for both Organization). But by 21 June, of Baghdad, of three mass graves 2018 and 2019, the amounts almost in the middle of the year, dating from the genocidal opera- received did not cover all of them: the KRG had still not made any tions of the Anfal carried out by for 2019 the GRK had to supple- deliveries, although reports put its the Ba’ath regime in 1987-88. A ment the amounts received, 2,266 production at 600 or 700,000 bar- GRK delegation led by the billion dinars, with 1,831 billion rels/day and its exports at over Minister of Martyrs and Anfal, from its own budget, to put an 400,000 (Asharq Al-Awsat). For the Baravan Hamdî, visited the last end to salary deductions. By 2018, first time since his appointment, discovered grave on the 19th, it had already completed with the Iraqi Prime Minister has raised which contains about 300 bodies. 3.618 billion (Kurdistan 24). his voice, threatening to cut the A forensic team is expected to region’s budget if it does not meet begin exhumations in mid-June Finally, tension remains high in its obligations. MP Aram Balatayi (Rûdaw, ISHM). the country: on 14 July, security (PDK), a member of the forces opened fire on demonstra- Parliamentary Oil and Gas Still in connection with this sad tors in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square, Committee, replied indirectly the legacy, the Prime Minister of the killing 2 people and injuring 12 next day, assuring that as soon as KRG called on Baghdad on the (ISHM), and the following day, the new Kurdish government was 21st for the equalization of pen- violent anti-corruption demonstra- formed, a delegation would travel sions between former Kurdish tions in Najaf killed 4 people and to Baghdad to discuss the issue. political prisoners and their coun- injured 17 (Rûdaw). On 16 August, Balatayi added that the KRG, hav- terparts in the federal govern- Washington ordered the evacua- ing previously signed contracts ment: they receive 1.2 million tion of its “non-essential» diplo- with companies exploiting its dinars (900 €) per month against matic personnel stationed in fields, must first sell its oil to pay only 500.000 dinars (375 €) for the Baghdad and Erbil, shortly after them their dues, but that if Kurds... At the end of March 2018, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Baghdad agreed to bear these the Iraqi parliament voted for warned of a “very specific threat» costs, it could deliver the oil equal treatment, Baghdad having due to “Iranian activity» in the quickly (Kurdistan 24)... to send the Kurdish pensions to country. The issuance of visas has the Ministry of Martyrs and Anfal been stopped.... Another point of strong local ten- independently of the KRG budget. sions is the governance of the ter- Although Baghdad accepted the In Kurdistan, on the 2nd, the Goran ritories disputed between KRG principle on 11 August and the movement, and later in the day, and the federal government. The Iraqi Political Prisoners UPK spokesman Latif Sheikh leaders of the Kurdish factions in Association has asked to register Omer said in essence that they the Iraqi Parliament on 18 Kurdish prisoners, the equaliza- were ready to sign a government December called for the establish- tion is still not applied (Rûdaw)... agreement with the KDP. Omer ment of a parliamentary commit- indicated on the NRT that he tee to monitor the implementation Concerning a more recent geno- would wait for the PDK to set a of article 140 of the 2005 constitu- cide, that of the Yezidis by ISIS in date for the signature. The KDP tion. This article, which was never 2014, Hediye Mourad Haider, indicated that it hoped to form the applied, provided that the popula- Yezidie deputy (KDP) in the Erbil new KRG by the end of May... On tions of the disputed territories parliament, announced on 16 5 May, the KDP and the UPK were to vote by referendum in August that he had introduced a announced that they had reached December 2007 on the future of bill proposing to institute an offi- an agreement on the distribution these territories. The Iraqi cial commemoration every 3 of ministerial portfolios (ISHM), Parliament voted on 29 November August. Haider added that it was and on 7 May, a delegation from to create the Commission. It the responsibility of the Iraqi State the KDP went to Suleimaniyeh to remains to be seen whether and to compensate the victims and meet Goran and formally sign the how it works.... their relatives (Kurdistan 24). agreement with the UPK. The next day, in a session chaired by its The torrential rains that caused Finally, after rumours about the President Vala Farîd, the n° 410 • May 2019 Information and liaison bulletin • 9 •

Kurdistan Parliament reactivated session (AFP). PDK and UPK then of the movement had been arrest- the function of President and blamed each other for the failure ed on 6 April, and that 5 others changed its method of appoint- to comply with the agreement were now the subject of warrants ment so that it would be chosen reached: the UPK accused the for threats of blackmail and insults by deputies by a simple majority, PDK of not having implemented against other members of the and no longer by universal suf- the agreement concerning the movement: on 24 April, MP Shadi frage. Disagreements on this point choice of the Governor of Kirkuk, Nawzad filed a complaint after had in the past caused such ten- who was supposed to go to the receiving a text message threaten- sions that the parliament had UPK, the PDK replied that it had ing to broadcast a video showing ceased to function. The acceptance complied with the agreement, the her naked, shot without her by the KDP of the new method of choice of the Governor being set- knowledge by cameras hidden in appointment has helped to reduce tled by the two leaders Massoud a housing used by the movement. tension, particularly with Goran. Barzani (PDK) and Kosrat Rassoul She had received the support of The bill was passed by 82 votes (UPK). According to the KDP many women MPs from all par- out of 111 seats; the 12 “New statement, after they had agreed ties, in Erbil or Baghdad. After the Generation» deputies voted on the name Faraydoun Abdul- launch of a criminal investigation, against (Al-Monitor), as well as Qadir, the UPK reportedly the Asayish of Suleimaniyeh broad- those of the Islamic Union returned 3 other names the day cast on the 9th the filmed confes- (Yekgirtû); the Islamic Group before the parliamentary session, sions of 5 people. On the 14th, a (Komal) opposed some aspects of “which constituted a violation of court in Suleimaniyeh issued a the amendment. The new law also the agreements”... Another unre- warrant against Shaswar created the position of Second solved issue is the choice of the Abdulwahid himself. Imprisoned Vice-President. This reactivation common candidate for the post of on the 15th, he immediately went was a necessary step in the forma- Minister of Justice in Baghdad, on hunger strike. On the evening tion of a new government, since it vacant since Abdul Mahdi’s of the 22nd, the movement, is the President who must appoint appointment last October denouncing a political arrest, the Prime Minister responsible for (Kurdistan 24)... announced that after a week of forming it... fasting, his health was “unstable”. On 30 June, Parliament announced The governor of Sulaimaniyeh, On the 12th, the Parliament that the swearing-in ceremony for Haval Aboubakir (Goran), replied announced that candidates for the the new President would be held that the arrest was indeed the Presidency should be submitted on 10 June, not in Parliament in result of a legal procedure from the 12th to the 15th, and view of the large attendance (Rûdaw). Finally, Abdulwahid was recalled the 3 conditions of eligi- expected, but at the Saad released on bail on the 30th. bility: residing in the Kurdistan Abdullah Conference Centre, near Region, being over 40 years old, Erbil Park. According to Kurdistan The outcome of the month shows and possessing their civil and 24, it is on June 12 that Nechirvan a very worrying intensification of political rights. The KDP candi- Barzani will call Masrour Barzani jihadist attacks in disputed territo- date is none other than Nechirvan to form the regional government ries where they are freely Barzani, who would be replaced within 30 days. deployed between the lines of the as Prime Minister of the KRG by Kurdish peshmergas and the Iraqi Masrour Barzani, the current head In the Kurdistan Region’s domes- military. Already on April 29, (“Chancellor”) of the Security tic politics, another case also occu- ISIS’s leader, Abu-Bakr al- Council (Kurdistan 24). According pied the press columns: the threat Bagdadi, had reappeared in a to the agreement between PDK, of blackmail within the “New video where he promised his ene- Goran and UPK, Moustafa Sayid Generation» movement, which mies a “long battle”. The next day, Qadir (Goran), former Peshmergas eventually led to the arrest in mid- the jihadists reported killing a minister, would become Vice- May of its founder and leader member of the Suleimaniyeh President. Shaswar Abdulwahid. After a raid Asayish who had fallen into their by the Asayish (Security) of hands 4 days earlier. His body was On the 19th, the parliament Suleimaniyeh, dependent on the discovered on the 5th at the foot of announced 5 candidates, but, not UPK, on the office of the move- Mount Qarachogh, not far from surprisingly, on the 28th, ment in that city, and the arrest of Makhmour, with a bullet in the Nechirvan Barzani was elected. several of its members, head (Rûdaw). Meanwhile, on the However, only 81 deputies were Abdulwahid had denounced 2nd, Iraqi Security announced that present out of 111, with the UPK political motives. On 9 April, it had killed an important ISIS finally calling for a boycott of the Rûdaw announced that 5 members commander and his assistant in an • 10 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 410 • May 2019

early morning ambush in Nineveh including one teacher (Kurdistan “new Arabization campaign”: province. 24). On the 19th, again in Diyala, some Kurdish farmers who were an improvised explosive device victims of the fire in their fields Jihadists also burned down many targeting Shia militia vehicles testified that the perpetrators were crops throughout the month to killed or wounded 26 members of Arab settlers from the Ba’ath era obtain payments or ambush their the militia. The next day, 1 civilian who had returned to evict them. enemies. On May 27, the Iraqi was killed and 3 others wounded Like the Peshmerga Ministry and Civil Defence Directorate made a in the same way near Tell Afar the various Kurdish parties, the frightening assessment: nearly (Nineveh) (ISHM). On the 22nd, 1 Commission has called for the 2,500 hectares (6,103 acres) of policeman was killed and 5 others return of the peshmergas and the fields burned in 136 different wounded in Salahaddin. joint management of the attacks over 18 days in 11 province’s security between them provinces of the country. The most On the 23rd, a joint operation and the Iraqi military, as well as affected provinces are precisely between the French military and the management of the city’s secu- those of the disputed territories: peshmergas made it possible to rity by the local police and securi- Salahaddin, Nineveh, Kirkuk and eliminate at least 3 jihadists near ty forces, in order to “put an end Diyala... (Kurdistan 24) Tuz Khurmatu, free about ten vil- to militarisation”. It also called for lages and dismantle several the dismissal of Rakan al-Jaburi, On the 4th, two successive impro- weapons depots (Rûdaw). But two the interim governor appointed by vised explosive devices exploded days later, other fields were set on former Iraqi Prime Minister in the village of Moukhaysa fire in Taza Khurmatu (Hawija) Haider al-Abadi, and “serious (Diyala), killing 1 person and and Daquq (NRT). On the 26th, an efforts” to implement Article 140 injuring 3 others. On the 7th, the unclaimed bomb attack at the of the Constitution (Kurdistan 24). jihadists killed 3 civilians in Rabia market near the Syrian bor- Kurdish parties still accuse Jaburi Mazarieh (Salahaddin), and in the der killed 5 people and injured at of reactivating the Arabisation evening 3 police officers at a least 8. On the evening of the 27th, policy of the previous regime (he checkpoint in Altun Kupri, a jihadist attack on the oil fields issued 14 decrees seizing land between Erbil and Kirkuk. On the near Hamrin Mountains and the belonging to Kurds and re-allocat- 9th, an attack was reported on the city of Tikrit was repelled, the sec- ing it to Arabs, before the Iraqi house of a village mukhtar in ond attack in this area in a week Federal Court cancelled them last Nineveh province, killing him and (Kurdistan 24). December) and of illegally com- 4 of his relatives (ISHM). On the mitting funds received from 12th, farmers in Makhmur But it was at the end of the month Baghdad without consulting the (Nineveh) asked to be protected that the most serious attacks took Provincial Council. But they have from jihadists seeking to extort place. On the evening of the 20th, still not been able to agree on a diya («blood money») from them the fields of several Kakai villages candidate who could be elected by by threatening to burn their fields in the south of Kirkuk province the Provincial Council to replace (Iraqi News). That same evening, were set on fire, and on the 30th, him. The disagreement also affects the jihadists murdered a father those of the village of Haftaghar, the meeting place: several advi- and his son, both members of the 35 km South of this city, were set sors, including KDP members, Kurdistan Socialist Democratic on fire. As farmers tried to save refuse to return to Kirkuk, which Party (Rojinfo, NRT). The next day, their crops, jihadists opened fire, they consider to be under military an improvised explosive device killing 1 person and injuring 9 occupation by Baghdad. On 30 exploded in the same province, (Kurdistan 24). And on the same April, a new session of the Council near Tell Afar, killing an Iraqi sol- night, a series of 5 explosions (6 had to be postponed due to a lack dier and injuring 3 others (ISHM). according to other sources) struck of quorum (Kurdistan 24). The On the 15th, jihadists set fire to the city of Kirkuk, killing at least 7 Arab faction of the Council, led by other fields near Mount people and injuring dozens (RFI). Jaburi himself, obviously refuses Qarachogh. On 15 and 16, they On the 31st, the Iraqi Ministry of to participate in the meetings... killed 9 Iraqi security personnel, Health reported 2 deaths and 38 including 4 officers, in blitz attacks injured, including women and Many testimonies this month con- near Hawija, in southwestern children. cern attempts to evict Kurdish Kirkuk province. On the 18th, ISIS farmers by former Arab settlers set again fire to crops in Diyala On the same day, the who have returned to the area. On province. Several attacks in this Parliamentary Committee for the the 14th in the village of Palkana area have resulted in a total of 4 Monitoring of Disputed Territories (Sargaran), in the west of the civilian deaths in one week, condemned this situation as a province, some 200 Arab families n° 410 • May 2019 Information and liaison bulletin • 11 •

with invalid Ba’athist property (ISHM). On 22 September, four harvest” their fields! Arab settlers titles arrived in a convoy of 25 Kurdish citizens of Kirkuk were reported building houses in the vehicles and forcibly evicted sev- arrested after refusing to leave region before 2003, with Jaburi eral Kurdish families. According their homes claimed by the North supporting them by stating that to Kurdish residents, they have Oil Company. According to local “Arabs were the original inhabi- received support from the security reports, Governor al-Jaburi regu- tants of Sargaran”... This type of forces. On the 16th, in Kirkuk, larly issues administrative orders conflict caused harvests to stop in security forces bulldozed 4 houses for eviction in groups of 5 houses 16 predominantly Kurdish areas of belonging to Kurdish peshmerga (Kurdistan 24). The Erbil Kirkuk province (Rûdaw). On 27 families in the Arafa district. The Parliament’s Human Rights July, a member of the Erbil reason given: the land would Committee has called for the sus- Parliament’s Committee on belong to the North Oil Company. pension of the Governor’s admin- Contested Territories, Naser But according to the inhabitants, istrative decisions as violations of Ahmed, reported to Kurdistan 24 Arab or Turkmen houses in the the 2005 Iraqi Constitution, in par- that the deputies would form a same case were not targeted... On ticular Article 140 thereof. new Committee to visit these terri- the 17th, several Kurdish farmers tories and travel to Baghdad to in the village of Mama (Dibis) On 22nd, following the acute con- push for the implementation of complained that their crops had flict in Palkana, a meeting was article 140. Another MP, Mahyadin been harvested at night by Arabs held with local authorities, includ- Hassan, indicated that the from Baaj, in neighbouring ing the mayor of the village, offi- Commission could also request Nineveh province... Agricultural cials of the Kirkuk Department of the dismissal of the current equipment was also stolen Agriculture, some of the Arab set- President of the Iraqi Council on (Kurdistan 24). On the 18th, an offi- tlers, and Jaburi. A Commission of the disputed territories, Hadi al- cial source told Shafaaq News that Inquiry has been set up, and pend- Ameri, who is also the leader of 600 Kurdish families had been ing its conclusions, Kurdish the Iranian-backed Fatah Coalition expelled from 3 villages in Kirkuk landowners have been “allowed to (Kurdistan 24).

IRAN: NEW DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST THE DETERIORATION OF THE ECONOMY

oncerned about the May Also on May 1st, an incident involv- was killed and three others wound- 1st rallies, the regime ing members of Iraqi Shia militias ed in an ambush by the pasdaran tried to prevent them in (Hashd al-Shaabi), who officially near Nowsoud. Another attack took Kurdish cities, including came to Iran in mid-April to partici- place near . On May 5, two C imprisoning activist pate in post-flood assistance, was kolbars drowned while trying to Zanyar Dabagian in Sanandadj reported. The authorities have been cross a lake near Urumieh. On the after a one-year prison sentence for accused on social networks of actu- 7th, the body of another carrier who “propaganda against the govern- ally bringing these militiamen to the had disappeared three months earli- ment” (WKI). In Tehran, a demon- country’s border provinces, particu- er was found near Baneh, dead of stration of several thousand peo- larly Kurdistan, to help suppress cold (WKI). On the 9th, another carri- ple, called by the bus drivers’ demonstrations caused by the dete- er from Kermanshah fell to his death union in particular, had begun to riorating economy, or even to assist in a ravine while trying to escape chant slogans in front of the parlia- the pasdaran against the Kurdish the border guards. The next day, ment denouncing high living costs rebels. According to a local testimo- they seriously injured another kolbar, and inflation, but the police inter- ny transmitted to Kurdistan 24, who then died in hospital in vened very violently to disperse through the human rights organiza- Piranshahr. On May 11, two more the group, not hesitating to hit tion Hengaw, some of these militia- kolbars were killed by gunfire near demonstrators already on land, men fired on a vehicle in Oshnavieh, Bokan and the next day another and stopping at least 35 partici- killing two cross-border Kurdish or wounded near Sardasht. On the pants. Two journalists covering the Kolbar porters. Although unarmed, 14th, another, barely 17 years old, demonstration, Kayvan Samimi, they continue to be regularly target- drowned in a river near Oshnavieh, editor-in-chief of Iran-e-Farda, and ed by Iranian pasdaran or border and on the 19th, another was killed Marzieh Amiri of Shargh Daily, were guards. In the first week of the by shooting at his group near Baneh. also arrested. On 6 June, the CPJ month alone, six of them were On 28, KMMK and Hengaw (Committee to Protect Journalists) killed, including the two victims of announced that the Iranian army called for their release. Iraqi militiamen. On the 4th, a kolbar had killed 4 kolbars and wounded 2 • 12 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 410 • May 2019

others in Piranshahr. To date, the the economic downturn, on the 12th, lic order”. Several other women Kurdistan Human Rights Association taxi drivers in Urumieh went on activists have been arrested (KMMK) has counted 39 dead and strike all day to protest against their throughout the country, including 80 injured carriers (RojInfo) since low incomes and the sharp increase for encouraging women to give up early 2019. in the price of car parts following their veils (NCR). the devaluation of the rial. In Arrests and convictions of Kurdish Khorramabad, municipal employees Meanwhile, three new environmen- activists also continued. For exam- gathered outside the town hall to tal activists, Mahdi Qubadi, Rashad ple, Ataollah Ahsani of protest against the non-payment of Montazari, and Jalal Rostami, were Divandarreh, sentenced to 7 years’ their salaries (WKI). transferred to prison after months of imprisonment for “insulting sacred On 15 May, three members of the detention in Etelaat cells (WKI, symbols” after participating in Iranian Writers’ Association, KMMK). demonstrations against the regime Baktash Abtin, Reza Khandan in 2018, Daniel Darab, sentenced to Mahabadi, and Keyvan Bajan, were In addition, after two months of one year’s imprisonment in sentenced to 6 years in prison for hunger strike, which began in Kermanshah for “acts against “propaganda against the State» and protest at the unfair treatment of national security”, or 2 Uroumieh “collusion against State security”: political prisoners in Iran, the health Kurds arrested in October 2018, they had dared to publish a story of of activist Barzan Mohammadi con- Bihzhad and Mikael Shahswar, sen- their group, founded in 1968 to fight tinues to deteriorate. Mohammadi is tenced to 5 years’ imprisonment for censorship, and to hold ceremonies serving a 6-year sentence imposed “belonging to opposition parties”. commemorating their comrades on him in 2017 for “gathering a On the 8th, officers of the Etelaat Mohammad Mokhtari and group against national security” (Intelligence Service) arrested a Mohammad Jafar Pouyandeh, mur- (WKI). Kurdish trade union activist, Ishaq dered by the State in 1998 by gather- Rûhî, in Sanandadj, without know- ing at their graves (CHRI). Nationally, political activist and for- ing the cause. At the same time, two mer advisor to green movement environmental activists, Sîrwan Recent arrests in Kurdistan include a leader Mehdi Karroubi, Hengameh Qurbanî and Hadî Kamangar, large number of women. On the Shahidi, was sentenced on the 13th arrested in December 2018 at the 14th, Iran Rah-Paykar was arrested by a Tehran Court of Appeal to 7 same time as six others by Etelaat, in Marivan, on her return from Iraqi years and 6 months in prison for were transferred to prison pending Kurdistan, and transferred to the “propaganda against the state”, trial. The fate of their 6 companions Etelaat detention centre in “insults to officials” and “spreading remains unknown, which frequently Sanandadj. On the 16th, the regime’s false news”, in fact for criticising for- happens in the event of incarcera- security forces raided the village of mer Justice Minister Sadegh Larijani tion by Etelaat... (WKI). Kûlan (Marivan) and arrested at (CHRI). least 7 activists, including 3 Kurdish Despite repression, in several cities women, Daiman Fat’hi, Somayyeh Finally, a new of 5.3 in Iran’s Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Rûzbeh and Mojdeh Mardokhi. magnitude struck the border area Marivan, Sanandaj, Saqqez, Again, it was to prevent a commem- between Iranian Kurdistan and the Urumieh, and Kamyaran, teachers orative rally on a grave, that of Kurdistan Region of Iraq on 11 dared to gather to protest against Nermin Vatankhah, previously mur- November. In contrast to the 2017 their working conditions and dered in Marivan. On 18 May, two earthquake that struck Kermanshah oppose the regime’s plans to priva- of the three women arrested, in 2017, which killed 630 people and tize some schools. Among the many Daiman Fat’hi, Somayyeh Ruzbeh, injured 8,000 in Kurdish settlements movements and strikes following were charged with “disturbing pub- in Iran, there were no casualties.

FRANCE: THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE MURDER OF THE THREE KURDISH ACTIVISTS RESTARTS ix years after the triple appointed on the 14th to resume by several bullets to the head. The murder of Kurdish investigations, and will work in suspect, Omer Güney, betrayed activists in Paris on 6 particular on the involvement of by surveillance cameras and January 2013, their the Turkish intelligence services ammunition traces on his belong- S families obtained the (TIS). The three activists, Sakine ings, died of brain cancer in reopening of the investigation. Cansiz, 54, Fidan Dogan, 28, and December 2016, just before his An anti-terrorist judge was Leyla Saylemez, 24, were killed trial before the Paris Special n° 410 • May 2019 Information and liaison bulletin • 13 •

Court of Assize opened, resulting of the French authorities. In to examine all the elements, in the in the investigation being halted. March 2018, the families filed a first place the involvement of a new complaint and filed a civil foreign country, already pointed But families could not accept to suit to obtain the appointment of out by the initial investigation” leave it at that. They fought to an investigating judge. It is on (AFP). Indeed, the first investiga- have the investigations resumed - this basis that the Paris Public tion had indeed noted the not without difficulties. At the Prosecutor’s Office finally involvement of MIT members, beginning of 2017, a new com- opened a judicial investigation through the suspect’s contacts, plaint was filed on the basis of for “complicity in murders in and his (thwarted) plan to escape new information, documents connection with a terrorist enter- from prison, which did indeed indirectly incriminating the prise” and “criminal terrorist provide for the participation of a Turkish secret services. But the criminal conspiracy”, according MIT member... The investigation public prosecutor, once these doc- to a judicial source. One of the had not, however, made it possi- uments have been translated into family lawyers, Antoine Comte, ble to determine whether these French, closes the complaint told AFP: “It is historic, the end members of the Turkish secret without further action. In January of impunity for political killings services had acted on orders or 2018, thousands of Kurds demon- in France sponsored from abroad. on their own initiative. The sur- strated in Paris to demand ...] The prosecutor admits that the vey that is starting will have to “truth” and “justice” and case is not over with the death of try to answer these questions, denounce the inaction and silence the suspect, a judge will be able among many others....

FRANCE: ARREST OF A LYONS-BASED TURKISH MATHEMATICIAN

n May 14, the same day ing of a Kurdish association in Minister of Higher Education, that the investigation Villeurbanne to the former HDP Frédérique Vidal, expressed her into the Paris murders Faysal deputy Yıldız. This led to deep concern, stressing that Altınel was relaunched, at least further legal problems for him, as should be able to return to France O 150 people gathered in the Turkish authorities used Article as soon as possible and resume her Lyon to demand the release of the 7/2 of the “Anti-Terror Law” to work. The European Mathematical Turkish mathematician Tuna have him arrested on 10 May at Society also made a statement Altınel. Among the demonstrators, Balıkesir, where he had gone to regarding this arrest, stressing that members of the Association Amitiés inquire about the restrictions it was a violation of human rights kurdes de Lyon (Lyons Kurdish imposed on his passport. The and demanding his immediate Friendship Association), but also French government confirmed on release (Bianet). Several trials also many students and students of the 13 July that he was in pre-trial began this month in Turkey against University of Lyon 1 and members detention, expressing its “concern”. other academics who signed the of the “Sud Solidaires” trade union He is now charged with “propa- same petition, including some who and the PCF. Established in France ganda for a terrorist organization”. had denounced themselves to the since 1996, Altınel, a respected His colleagues and students in the judicial authorities in solidarity human rights defender and interna- mathematics department of Lyon 1 with their accused colleagues, such tionally recognized mathematician, have set up a support committee as Zeynep Tanbay or Halim is a lecturer at this university (Le and maintain contact with the Bulutoğlu, whose lawyer relied on Figaro). French Ministries of Higher the verdict of the Constitutional Education and Research and Court ordering the release of Ayşe What is he accused of in Turkey? Foreign Affairs. The French Celik to demand their immediate To have, like more than 2,000 aca- National Council for Higher acquittal... demics, signed in 2016 a petition Education and Research (CNESER) denouncing the plight of civilians unanimously decided to ask the On the 16th, L’Humanité made Tuna in the Kurdish regions of Turkey in Ministers of the , Altınel its “man of the day”, and the face of violence by Turkish Higher Education and Foreign on the 30th, two PS senators from security forces. His trial was held Affairs in France to “take the neces- the Rhône wrote to the French in February and the verdict was sary steps to ensure that Turkey Prime Minister Edouard Philippe expected in July. But last February, respects the freedom of expression to ask him what steps France»[was Altinay was wrong to act as an of academics”. In a speech deliv- planning] to take for the release of interpreter during the public meet- ered on 16 May, the French Mr Altinel» (LyonMag.com). • 14 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 410 • May 2019

YAZIDIS ARRIVE IN TOULOUSE; POLEMIC ON FRENCH JIHADISTS’ FATE

n May 22, 132 Yazidis left the German Ministers of Justice and to which “no one may be deprived Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq, at Home Affairs for failing to make of the right to enter the territory of midday for France, sufficient efforts to repatriate ISIS the State of which he is a national”. where they are to resettle fighters to Germany for trial, point- (AFP). According to the French O as part of a cooperation ing in particular to their recent Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approxi- program with the International “refusal to transfer a German citizen mately 450 French nationals are cur- Organization for Migration (ISHM) detained by the autonomous admin- rently detained in Syria (). funded by the French Ministry of istration of northern and eastern On 28th, the death sentence in Iraq Foreign Affairs, which has already Syria”. According to recent figures of 6 French jihadists provoked a enabled 16 families to start a new from the Ministry of the Interior, new controversy. The Quai d’Orsay life in the country. That same some 60 German jihadists are cur- immediately reacted by reaffirming evening, 28 Yazidi women and their rently prisoners of the Syrian its opposition in principle to the children landed in Toulouse- Democratic Forces (AFP). death penalty. On 31 December, the Blagnac. It was following a meeting human rights organisation Human between Nadia Murad, 2018 Nobel In France too, the possible repatria- Rights Watch called on Paris not to Peace Prize winner, and French tion of jihadist families detained in “outsource the management” of President , that Rojava (or its refusal by the French alleged French jihadists to “abusive this operation was set up. The presi- authorities) continues to be contro- judicial systems”. Some French dent had committed himself to her versial. On 6 May, the grandparents defendants, showing marks on for an “exceptional reception opera- of two children held in al-Hol camp their bodies, told the audience that tion” benefiting 100 Yazidi families in Rojava with their mother, brought their interrogators had beaten them (The Telegram). Some of the families an action before the European Court to extract confessions or that they will be welcomed in the Tarn of Human Rights (ECHR) seeking a had to sign confessions in Arabic, a department (county). conviction against France for refus- language they do not know. ing to repatriate them. The lawyers According to HRW, some Iraqi In a related information, on 29 July, argue that France’s decision “consti- interrogators use torture that leaves a Yazidi association in Germany tutes a violation of article 3, para- no visible traces, such as drowning filed a criminal complaint against graph 2, of Protocol No. 4, according simulations.

SUSAN MEISELAS WINS THE 2019 AWARD FROM THE DEUTSCHE BÖRSE PHOTOGRAPHY FOUNDATION hotographer Susan in London on May 16 by Turkish- book and website already men- Meiselas, well known to born British writer and activist Elif tioned, this experience also led her the Kurds for her pho- Shafak. to organize a series of workshops tographic history of to collect the memories of Kurds P Kurdistan, featured in For this exhibition, Meiselas had around the world. her book Kurdistan in the Shadow of chosen works from her engage- History ment with the Kurds. She said in The works of the artists selected (https://boutique.institutkurde.or an interview with the British for the prize will remain on dis- g/fr/english/28-kurdistan-in-the- Journal of Photography that she play in London until 9 June, before shadow-of-history.html) and on hoped visitors could gain “a deep- leaving for Frankfurt from 14 June her website “akaKurdistan” er appreciation of the experience to 23 August. Created by the (https://www.akakurdistan.com), of Kurds and others who have had Photographers’ Gallery in London in won the 2019 award from the to flee their country of origin and 1996, the £30,000 prize was then Deutsche Börse Photography face unpredictable conditions awarded to the Deutsche Börse Foundation. Meiselas was awarded without being able to return safe- Photography Foundation, a non- for its first European retrospective, ly”. Meiselas arrived in Iraq’s profit organisation specifically Mediations, presented in 2018 at Kurdistan in 1991 with the foren- dedicated to the collection, exhibi- the Musée du Jeu de Paume in sic team exhuming the bodies of tion and promotion of contempo- Paris. The announcement of the victims of the Anfal genocidal rary photography (L’Œil de la award was made at a special cere- operations launched by the Photographie, British Journal of mony at the Photographers’ Gallery Ba’athist regime. In addition to the Photography). n° 410 • May 2019 Information and liaison bulletin • 15 •

TWO KURDISH WOMEN ELECTED TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT s a testimony to the of Stockholm, was elected in Özlem Alev Demirel, 35, who excellent integration of Sweden on the Social entered politics at the age of 19, the Kurdish communi- Democratic Party list, where she was elected to the list of the ty in Europe and its ranked fifth. In an interview German Left Party, of which she A democratic institu- given before the election to the was one of the two main candi- tions, two Kurdish women were Kurdish television channel of dates. Kurdish Alevi from the elected to the European Iraq Kurdistan 24, she stated city of Malatya, Demirel, who Parliament in two different whether she was elected to studied at the University of countries during the elections advance the Kurdish cause and Bonn, expressed her willingness held this month. to address in parliament “the to “work hard” to become “the oppression and injustice from voice of the voiceless”. Evin Incir, 34, a 34-year-old resi- which the Kurds have suffered dent of the city of Upsalla, north and continue to suffer”.

PUBLICATIONS: KURD’INALCO, JOURNAL OF THE KURDISH STUDENTS OF THE PARIS INSTITUTE OF ORIENTAL LANGUAGES

hile 15 May is the date of INALCO, where the Kurdish lan- Kurdish students in Europe, Dengê the Kurdish Language guage has been taught since 1948, Kurdistan, have historically played Festival (Cejna zimanê has a special link with the Kurds an important role in the defence of Kurdî), in tribute to the and Kurdistan, since one of the first the Kurdish language and culture. W publication on 15 May presidents, the orientalist Pierre 1932 in Damascus of the Kurdish Amédée Jaubert, who was This first issue of Kurd’Înalco, with magazine Hawar, published by a Bonaparte’s interpreter in Egypt, is 83 pages, contains articles in team led by Celadet Elî Bedirxan, known to have visited Kurdistan Kurmancî and Soranî that cover lin- we are pleased to announce on 28 himself in 1805.... Moreover, guistics, literature, history, social sci- May the publication of the first issue Kurdish publications outside ences and mathematics. of the student magazine of the Kurdistan, such as the Kurdistan Kurdish section of INALCO (French newspaper, published in Cairo in For further information or to receive Institut national des langues et civilisa- 1898 before moving to the United the magazine: tions orientales), Kurd’Înalco. Kingdom, or the magazine of [email protected]. Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti LE FIGARO Paris troque ses djihadistes contre de l’équipement militaire La France a offert à l’Irak du matériel en échange de la prise en charge par ce pays de combattants français de l’État islamique détenus par les Kurdes.

GEORGES MALBRUNOT nés. Des pourparlers concernent enfin W (SMalbrunot les canons Caesar français, en fin de mission dans le nord de l’Irak près de la IRAKAdel Abdel Mahdi, le chef du frontière syrienne, mais leur cession à gouvernement irakien qui jouit de la Bagdad n’est pas encore actée. réalité du pouvoir à Bagdad, est pres­ Une délégation des services de ren­ que chez lui en France. L’ancien oppo­ seignements irakiens était récemment sant à Saddam Hussein y a passé près à Paris. Outre du renseignement satel­ de quarante ans, avant de revenir en litaire offert à Bagdad, la France a re­ 2003 en Irak, une fois le dictateur ren­ mis à l’Irak du matériel d’écoutes et versé par les militaires américains. des sondes pour espionner des réseaux Quant à son épouse, elle réside tou­ de téléphone. En revanche, selon nos informations, les États-Unis se sont jours près de Saint-Étienne. Sa franco­ Adel Abdel Mahdi, opposés à la fourniture d’une salle philie ne sera pas de trop pour relancer chef du gouvernement irakien. d’écoutes française au profit de l’ICTS, la relation entre Paris et Bagdad. Les TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP deux pays ont plus que jamais besoin l’unité antiterroriste formée conjoin­ l’un de l’autre, mais les obstacles sont tement par Washington et Paris, qui encore nombreux. fut en pointe dans la guerre contre Sans parti politique derrière lui, Adel Les Irakiens Daech. Abdel Mahdi reste, six mois après son Paris compte enfin sur sa proximité entrée en fonction, un premier minis­ rendent un grand service avec Adel Abdel Mahdi pour relancer le tre faible dans un système marqué par à la France 99 commerce avec Bagdad. Un partenariat la confessionnalisation du pouvoir. « fl UN EXPERT DE LA RELATION FRANCO-IRAKIENNE stratégique est en cours de finalisation. a besoin d'afficher qu’il est soutenu par Emmanuel Macron a promis de se ren­ une puissance internationale », décryp­ dre d’ici à la fin de l’année en Irak. Plu­ Officiellement, 14 Français ont été te l’universitaire franco-irakien Hos- sieurs sociétés françaises sont en lice transférés vers Bagdad, mais d’autres ham Dawood. pour décrocher des contrats, comme s’ajouteraient à cette liste. L’Irak récla­ Même si le voisin iranien a adoubé le Aéroports de Paris à Mossoul et Alstom me 1,8 milliard de dollars aux pays oc­ chiite Adel Abdel Mahdi, Téhéran ne lui en consortium avec Hyundai pour le cidentaux pour gérer le fardeau que re­ facilite pas la tâche, jouant des métro de Bagdad, un projet de 2,5 mil­ présente la gestion de centaines de nombreux leviers dont l’Iran dispose liards de dollars sur lequel pèsent déjà prisonniers, indésirables dans leur pays en Irak. Quant à ses relations avec les des soupçons de corruption. « En Irak, d’origine. États-Unis, elles sont tendues par les tous les partis politiques ont des hommes « Les Irakiens rendent un grand servi­ pressions exercées par les factions liges qui font des affaires et l’argent ré­ ce à la France », constate un expert de chiites pro-iraniennes, qui réclament colté est partagé ensuite », regrette un la relation franco-irakienne. « On le départ des S 200 soldats américains, industriel, familier de Bagdad. restés en Irak, après la victoire ignore si les Français transférés ont Sur les décombres de l’État islamique remportée par la coalition internatio­ vraiment du sang irakien sur les mains, vaincu territorialement, une opportu­ nale sur Daech. Signe de ces tensions : Bagdad couvre donc certaines choses. nité existe d’un réchauffement de la Donald Trump aurait reporté une Ensuite, ajoute cette source, les Irakiens relation franco-irakienne. Mais dans prochaine visite à Washington de vont les garder, voire peut-être les liqui­ un pays encore fracturé politiquement, M. Abdel Mahdi, en signe de mécon­ der. Bagdad a volontairement oublié que sa reconstruction, à laquelle Paris tentement face à ses positions jugées ces gens-là ont facilement quitté la compte prendre sa part, reste des plus pro-iraniennes. France en 2013-2014. L’Irak pourrait hypothétiques dans un environnement La France soutient le premier minis­ demander des comptes à la France, mais régional, toujours aussi volatil. ■ tre irakien dans sa volonté de se désen­ Adel Abdel Mahdi ne veut pas avoir de gager de sa double tutelle américano- problèmes avec Paris. » iranienne. Pour ce faire, Adel Abdel Qu’a-t-il obtenu en échange ? Selon Mahdi s’est rapproché de son voisinage nos informations, Bagdad a arraché un arabe sunnite, qu’il s’agisse de l’Arabie rééquilibrage de la position française en Saoudite, de l’Égypte ou de la Jordanie. faveur du pouvoir central au détriment À l’issue du combat contre Daech en des Kurdes irakiens. En contrepartie, la Syrie en Irak, Paris lui doit une fière France veut avoir des facilités à partir chandelle : Bagdad a accepté de rece­ du territoire irakien pour que ses forces voir dans ses prisons de nombreux dji­ spéciales déployées en Syrie puissent hadistes français, détenus jusque-là s’y replier, une fois les soldats améri­ dans les geôles des Kurdes syriens, qui cains partis du Nord-Est syrien. étaient sous la menace d’une offensive Bagdad négocie également le main­ militaire turque ou d’une reprise en tien d’une présence militaire française main par Damas. en Irak où 1 200 soldats restent station­

1 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti International ^cUiJIorkeimcs may 3,2019 Fear and doubt where ISIS once ruled

PHOTOGRAPHS BY IVOR PRICKETT FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES Left, the martyrs cemetery in Kobani, Syria. Right, Kurdish security forces in Raqqa. ISIS no longer rules the area, but thousands of its fighters continue to operate there.

On Monday, the Islamic State re­ In recent months, a local military MANBIJ, SYRIA leased a video of its reclusive leader, leader in one border town was killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in which he ap­ when a bomb stuck to his car blew up. A pears to be reasserting his leadership tribal leader in Raqqa was killed in the over the group. street. And a gunman killed seven Security concerns in Syria A Kurdish-led administration is strug­ guards while they slept near a check­ overshadow relief felt after gling to govern the area, which encom­ point. passes roughly the third of Syria east of Shervan Darwish, a member of the the groups territorial defeat the Euphrates River. But the United military council now ruling the town of States, which led the military coalition Manbij, presumed the Islamic State was BY BEN HUBBARD to defeat the Islamic State, also known behind most of the attacks, including AND IVOR PRICKETT as ISIS, has not recognized the local ad­ one in which a suicide bomber rammed ministration and won’t help with recon­ his car. But there were enough other en­ Cities and towns across eastern Syria struction. emies — from the Syrian government to are overwhelmed by rubble. The mili­ Having won the war, the United States rival militias—that he could not be sure. tias that fought the Islamic State are dig­ risks losing the peace. “They all want to undermine security ging tunnels to prepare for a possible The United States remains the area’s in this city,” he said. “But we don’t know battle against Turkey. A recent explo­ de facto protector, its 2,000 troops pre­ who did it.” sion in the city of Raqqa killed nine peo­ sumed to be the only barrier deterring The United States says it remains ple. incursions by Russian, Turkish or Syr­ committed to the “enduring” defeat of The routing of the Islamic State from ian government forces. the Islamic State, but it has done little to its final piece of territory in Syria in But the Trump administration’s plans shape the political future of the jihadists’ March was hailed as a milestone in the for those troops have fluctuated, from former lands. Local councils administer fight against the world’s most fearsome the complete withdrawal the president the territory and provide basic services. terrorist organization. But the territory suddenly announced in December to the The United States has provided aid it once ruled remains in shambles, inse­ current plan of drawing the number but has not officially recognized the cure, its future uncertain. councils, arguing that its goals are to Entire communities are destroyed, down by half and seeing how it goes. The uncertainty has confused Ameri­ work for a political solution to the con­ with little help for rebuilding. A range of flict and push Iran out of Syria, not de­ powers — the Syrian government, Tur­ can allies. key, Russia and militias backed by Iran “There is no clarity,” said Mr. Xelil, the termine local governance. The United — hope to fill the void left by the jihad­ senior S.D.F. official. “That is the prob­ States’ local allies say this has left them ists’ defeat. And the Islamic State isn’t lem with the Americans.” in political limbo. even gone: while the bombings that In recent visits to half a dozen towns More than 70,000 women and chil­ killed at least 250 people in Sri Lanka on and cities across northeastern Syria, we dren who once lived under the Islamic Easter demonstrated that its ideology found that the relief that residents had State now languish in three camps in continues to echo globally, in Syria thou­ over the territorial defeat of the Islamic northern Syria. About 10,000 of them are sands of its fighters have merely gone State had been quickly overshadowed foreigners whose countries do not want underground to launch attacks and plot by the tenuous security and paralyzing them back, placing the long-term bur­ their comeback. uncertainty about where the region den of caring for them on the local ad­ “We are talking about a secret organi­ goes from here. ministration. zation that is still operating,” said Redur It also holds in its prisons 8,000 men Xelil, a senior official with the Syrian THE ISLAMIC STATE, UNDERGROUND accused of being fighters, including Democratic Forces, the Kurdish-led mi­ After five years of battle, the Islamic 1,000 foreigners, raising fears that pris­ litia that the United States backed to State no longer rules territory the size of on breaks could help the Islamic State fight the jihadists. “It has a network, Britain, but thousands of its fighters reconstitute itself. means of communication and a central continue to operate in the region, strik­ “There are thousands of fighters and command.” ing when they can. their families who are in an area that is

2 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

not militarily and politically stable,” said of the S.D.F. is a Kurdish militia called blast peppered his back with shrapnel Abdulkarijn Omar, a local official who the Y.P.G., which is affiliated with the and paralyzed him from the waist down. has tried with little success to convince P.K.K., a Kurdish guerrilla movement “It has been two years and I’m not governments to repatriate their citi­ that has fought a bloody, 30-year insur­ getting better,” he said. zens. “The international community is gency against TUrkey and which the About 200 people he knew had been not carrying out its role.” United States considers a terrorist orga­ killed fighting, but the sacrifice had nization. been worth it, he said. DIGGING IN FOR THE NEXT BATTLE The Syrian government and its Rus­ “If we hadn’t fought them, we would­ Across, a swath of territory near the sian backers have vowed to take the ter­ n’t have a better future for our children,” Tbrkish border, men with shovels, ritory back, by force if necessary. he said. winches and wheelbarrows are digging Local leaders say they would prefer to Much of Raqqa, the area’s largest city hundreds of tunnels to prepare for what , reach an accommodation with Syria and once the jihadists’ capital, remains could be the next big battle. President than fight TUrkey, but negotiations have in ruins. Life has returned to the streets, Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey has led nowhere, according to Ilham Ah­ with shops and restaurants reopened threatened to send Turkish troops to med, an official involved in the talks. and the traffic police shooing away driv­ oust the militias, which he considers The local authority’s efforts to chart a ers who clog intersections. But the rub­ anti-TUrkish terrorist groups. political future have been complicated ble is overwhelming, and countless Along main roads leading to Manbij, a by the United States’ unclear policies, buildings remain uninhabitable. large town near the Turkish border, new which can be overturned by an unex­ In one heavily damaged neighbor­ tunnels large enough for fighters to run pected tweet from Mr. Trump. hood, a real estate agent, Muhammad through plunge into the earth every few “A country like America should not be al-Hamoud, stared from his office at the hundred meters. Kobani, a Kurdish-ma- like that,” Ms. Ahmed said. “These state­ tableau of destruction. Since he had re­ jority town on the Turkish border, has ments from the president are a surprise opened two weeks earlier, most inquir­ become a virtual gopher mound, with for everyone.” ies had been from former residents tunnels along its main roads, hear its seeking to sell destroyed apartments. graveyard, in traffic medians and within A LASTING TOLL He had sold two, he said, both damaged, sight of Turkish border posts. S.D.F. offi­ The years of fighting the Islamic State to buyers planning to fix them up. cials declined to comment on the tun­ took a tremendous toll, killing thou­ “There is little demand because the nels, but Mr. Darwish of the Manbij Mili­ sands of fighters and an untold number years have been punishing to people — tary Council said they were for defense of civilians. Roads and roundabouts are war, destruction and displacement,” he in the case of future attacks. dotted with signs commemorating fall­ said. “Our last fight was with Daesh,” he en fighters, some of them billboards But he was counting on the neighbor­ said, using another name for the Islamic bearing dozens of faces. hood to come back to life, so he had State. “Our next battle will be with Inside a rehabilitation hospital in rented the office, tiled the floor and states, so this is part of our defense Kobani, physical therapists work with bought chairs where he waits for the cli­ plan.” wounded fighters. One, who gave his ents he is sure will eventually come. Throughout the war, TUrkey watched name as Siwar Kobani, lay strapped to a with alarm as the American-backed Syr­ platform that rotated him into a stand­ Mustafa Ali contributed reporting. ian Democratic Forces grew stronger ing position. along its border. The leading component He had been fighting in Raqqa when a

S'' -- 5RUDAW May 5, 2019 — 'lV* KRG deputy PM meets with French experts to lay out better governance plan

By Rudaw.net 8/5/2019 “more transparent, honest and detailed in order to be able to pre­ RBIL, Kurdistan Region - A vent corruption.” The KRG Integrity Commission group of French experts came to Ethe Kurdistan Region on Tuesday to has already started to crack down on corruption cases, but is facing dif­ help in budgeting and auditing mat­ ters following a meeting between ficulties due to the lack of sufficient prosecutors and laws that provide Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Deputy Prime Minister immunity to some officials involved in corruption. Last year, the Integrity Qubad Talabani and a French Finance Ministry delegation in Erbil. Commission submitted 198 corrup­ “The French government is tion cases to courts, but only 33 of them have been concluded - 16 in expected to send some of its experts to advice the Kurdistan Regional Duhok, 15 in Erbil, and two in Government (KRG) in budgeting Sulaimani. “The problem is the lack of a and expense auditing matters in the Qubad Talabani (middle right), the deputy PM of the Kurdistan special court to deal with corruption Kurdistan Region in the next two Regional Government, meets with a French delegation in Erbil, cases,” Ahmad Anwar, the head of months,” a statement from the KRG Kurdistan Region, on May 7, 2019. Integrity Commission, said at the read. They are also due to “train time. They have submitted many cases to court and, two years on, government employees, help in needs help with are “auditing” and finance and economic affairs com­ amending old laws, and developing the “classic model of budgeting that mittee in the KRG parliament, told hearing dates still have not been set for some of them, he said. agriculture and tourism sectors,” the is complex and cumbersome Rudaw English. statement added. making it difficult to monitor corrup­ Fayeq stressed the KRG needs The commission also outlined another problem - the abundance *- The areas the KRG primarily tion,” Rewaz Fayeq, the head of a modern model of budgeting that is

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

>■ of immunity in the upper eche­ The Integrity Commission has Department of International Aid, but reform initiatives in Prime Minister lons of power that is preventing estimated that nearly 298.5 billion said the KRG mainly needs training Nechirvan Barzani’s government. investigations into those accused of dinars ($250 million) is wrapped up in areas of “auditing, monitoring, "The decentralization of power corruption. Many syndicates have in the corruption cases. They have budgeting, and planning,” adding it has to be the priority of the next immunity, meaning their members so far recuperated almost 5.4 billion appears France is the country that is government and there should be a can appear before a court only if the dinars ($4.5 million), mostly in prepared to do this at this time. strong monitoring on the decentrali­ syndicate gives its permission. Sulaimani province. Talabani was the list leader of zed powers so as to know how they “In many offices, when one of The lawmaker also said the the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan’s are managed,” Talabani said at a their members is accused of corrup­ KRG needs to “adjust its old central (PUK) campaign in the Iraqi and forum in October 2018. tion, he should take permission from rules to the free open market in the Kurdistan Region parliamentary Prior to the elections, Talabani his boss [to be able to appear before Kurdistan Region” in order to attract elections last year. Campaigning on and US officials revealed the Iraqi the court]. Some syndicates have more investors to the Region who an anti-corruption platform, Talabani Governance Performance and fixed this in their laws. And this has often complain of unnecessary and the PUK did well — re-establi­ Accountability program to help the created problems because having bureaucracy. shing itself as the second-largest KRG and Iraq meet the needs of its immunity or having to take permis­ Fayeq said she couldn’t com­ Kurdistani party. people through better governance sion from your boss prevents inves­ ment on today’s KRG meeting with The deputy PM has spearhea­ and delivery of services in March tigations,” Anwar addded. the French Finance Ministry’s ded governmental transparency and 2018. ■

lepomt.fr 2 mai 2019 Turquie: un maire communiste abat des murs et rebat les cartes

Tunceli (Turquie) (AFP) 02/05/2019 Cihan Durna, employé de la coopérative à www.lepoint.fr Ovacik, vante le modèle mis en place par l'ancien maire. "Nous sommes contents qu'il soutienne près son élection le mois dernier, le pre­ la production". mier acte de Fatih Maçoglu en tant que "PAS SUR LA BONNE VOIE" Amaire de Tunceli, dans l'est de la Turquie, a été Senem Yerlikaya, gérante du "Café Cuba" à de détruire les murs d'enceinte construits autour Ovacik, décrit un sentiment "doux-amer" main­ de la mairie. Un signe, pour lui, de transparence. tenant que le maire est parti. "Il a fait beaucoup Il a également refusé d'avoir une voiture pour les gens ici au cours des cinq dernières officielle et a prévu d'afficher les comptes années. Les maires sont d'habitude très formels, publics de la mairie sur le bâtiment, pour que mais lui s'était bien intégré avec les locaux." Turquie: un maire communiste abat des tous voient comment est dépensé son budget. murs et rebat les cartes © AFP / BULENT La population locale est globalement Seul maire communiste de Turquie, M. KTLIC contente de M. Maçoglu: par sa politique, cet Maçoglu, âgé de 50 ans, détonne dans un pay­ homme, marié et père de deux enfants, a permis sage largement dominé depuis 17 ans par l'AKP, "viser le communisme" mais estime qu'"à une de faire évoluer la région. le parti islamo-conservateur du président Recep époque de capitalisme sauvage, être commu­ Mahmut Tutan, qui possède un petit hôtel à Tayyip Erdogan. niste ou être vu comme tel apparaît comme Ovacik, souvent assimilé aux Alpes suisses, "Il n'y a rien d'anormal à ce que le public excessif'. affirme que les touristes sont venus nombreux sache ce qu'il se passe", explique-t-il à l'AFP au MIEL ET POIS-CHICHES BIOS l'année dernière, grâce au maire. "Il a grandi dans une famille pauvre de cette vallée", cours d'un entretien dans son bureau, une La région de Tunceli a une longue histoire explique M. Tutan en pointant du doigt un vil­ longue file de visiteurs attendant devant sa porte de résistance de gauche. En 1938, l'armée y a ouverte. "Cela ne devrait pas être (perçu comme) mené une vaste opération visant à mater une lage au loin. "Un jour, les gens autour de lui lui ont demandé de travailler pour le bien des une insulte". rébellion kurde, qui a causé la mort de quelque autres. C'est comme ça que ça a commencé." Aux élections du 31 mars, M. Maçoglu a été 13.800 personnes. En 2011, Recep Tayyip élu maire à Tunceli, ex-Dersim, dans l'est de la Erdogan, alors Premier ministre, avait présenté Metin Kahraman, chanteur populaire et Turquie, une ville kurde alévie foncièrement ses excuses "au nom de l'Etat", une première. chercheur travaillant sur l'histoire orale de la région, espère que M. Maçoglu apportera un laïque et de gauche. Des points de contrôle militaires ont été ins­ "changement positif', décrivant une situation Principale minorité religieuse du pays, les tallés autour de Tunceli, dont la région a été for­ particulière dans cette région "où les Alévis sont Alévis forment un groupe hétérodoxe et progres­ tement marquée par le conflit entre les forces majoritaires et respectent leur foi". Selon lui, siste, dont la pratique religieuse est très éloignée armées et le Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan jusqu'ici, les maires de tous bords ont négligé la de celle des franges traditionnelles de l'islam. (PKK), un groupe classé "terroriste" par Ankara culture locale. M. Maçoglu avait déjà été élu maire et ses alliés occidentaux. Ce conflit a fait plus de d'Ovacik, un village de la province de Tunceli, en 40.000 morts depuis 1984. Impliqué dans le mouvement communiste depuis les années 1980, M. Maçoglu assure ne 2014 pour le Parti communiste de Turquie - qui, Niant se sentir isolé parce qu'il défend le pas avoir de grandes ambitions. Ce qui lui tient marginal, n'a aucun élu au parlement turc. Ses communisme, M. Maçoglu dit au contraire rece­ le plus à coeur est l'apiculture. "Si vous me mesures promouvant l'agriculture et les trans­ voir "beaucoup de sympathie" du public. "Si demandez si j'ai d'autres projets, je n'en ai vrai­ ports publics gratuits y avaient rencontré un aujourd'hui, même les représentants de la poli­ ment pas." franc succès. tique bourgeoise parlent de production et de Il dit avoir récupéré à Tunceli une municipa­ coopératives, c'est une victoire pour nous." Interrogé sur la politique actuelle, il se refuse à tout commentaire sur le président lité "vidée", aux revenus confisqués. En 2014, la Lors de son mandat à Ovacik, village perché Erdogan ou sur le leader du principal parti d'op­ ville avait été remportée par le parti prokurde dans les montagnes, il a ouvert une coopérative position, Kemal Kiliçdaroglu, lui-même de HDP, mais le gouvernement y a nommé ensuite visant à promouvoir le travail de fermiers pro­ Tunceli. un administrateur public, comme dans de nom­ duisant du miel et des pois-chiches biologiques. breuses autres municipalités après le putsch Les revenus dégagés permettaient de financer "Est-ce que les capitalistes, les impérialistes manqué de juillet 2016. les études de jeunes issus de familles pauvres. sont sur la bonne voie ?", demande-t-il simple­ ment. "Je pense que non". • Préférant se dire "socialiste" plutôt que M. Maçoglu cherche désormais à étendre ce "communiste", M. Maçoglu assure toutefois modèle à travers le pays.

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

Jîlontîc DIMANCHE 5 - LUNDI 6 MAI 2019 Turquie : perpétuité confirmée pour deux journalistes lation de la Constitution. En fé­ Les purges consécutives au coup d’Etat raté de 2016 se poursuivent vrier 2018, un tribunal d’Istanbul avait condamné les trois journa­ ISTANBUL - correspondante listes à la réclusion à perpétuité «Messages subliminaux» «aggravée», c’est-à-dire assortie ondamnés à la prison à Les arrestations, les procès se d’un régime carcéral dur. Seul perpétuité, les journalis­ succèdent aujourd’hui encore à Mehmet Altan en est sorti, le tes turcs Ahmet Altan et un rythme soutenu. Les condam­ 27 juin 2018, après un arrêt de la CNazli Ilicak gardaient pourtant nations pleuvent. Vendredi, onze Cour constitutionnelle turque. espoir. Ils comptaient sur les re­ praticiens de l’Union des méde­ Les décisions de la Cour sont à cours individuels déposés cins turcs (TTB) ont été condam­ géométrie variable. Autant les dos­ auprès de la Cour constitution­ nés à vingt mois d’emprisonne­ siers d’accusation se ressemblent, nelle pour entrevoir la fin de leur ment pour avoir protesté publi­ autant les jugements divergent. incarcération, décidée dans le ca­ quement contre l’incursion de Vendredi, les juges ont estimé que dre des purges qui ont suivi le l’armée turque dans la région les droits du journaliste Ali Bulaç, coup d’Etat manqué du «l’organisation terroriste» du pré­ kurde dÂfrin, dans le nord-ouest emprisonné 650 jours pour ses 15 juillet 2016. Vendredi 3 mai, la dicateur Fethullah Gülen, accusé de la Syrie, en janvier 2018. Une liens présumés avec le mouve­ plus haute juridiction du pays a par Ankara d’avoir fomenté le pétition, un Tweet, une déclara­ ment Gülen, avaient été violés. tranché en leur défaveur. Neuf putsch raté. Une collusion assimi­ tion suffisent à envoyer n’im­ Jeudi, la Cour avait reconnu la juges, sur les quinze qui siègent à lée à une « tentative de renverse­ porte qui en prison. Les intellec­ violation des libertés individuel­ la Cour - trois nommés par le ment de l’ordre constitutionnel ». tuels surtout. les pour Kadri Gürsel, l’ancien Parlement, douze par le prési­ Court mais sanglant (250 Les preuves à charge sont sou­ chroniqueur du quotidien d’op­ dent - ont estimé que les autori­ morts), le soulèvement d’une vent absurdes. Ahmet Altan a position Cumhuriyet, et pour tés turques n’avaient pas attenté partie de l’armée, le 15 juillet 2016, ainsi été accusé, à l’égal de son Murat Aksoy, journaliste au quo­ à leurs libertés. Ahmet Altan, a servi de prétexte au président frère Mehmet, journaliste et uni­ tidien Yeni Hayat, aujourd’hui 69 ans, ancien rédacteur en chef Recep Tayyip Erdogan pour met­ versitaire, d’avoir émis des «mes­ fermé. Le même jour, Murat Sa- du quotidien Taraf, et Nazli Ili­ tre la société civile en coupe ré­ sages subliminaux» lors d’un pas­ buncu, Akin Atalay, Ahmet Sik et cak, 74 ans, journaliste de renom glée. Magistrats, universitaires, sage à la télévision, la veille de la Bülent Utku, tous des anciens et ancienne députée (1999-2001), journalistes ont été condamnés à tentative de coup d’Etat. employés et journalistes de Cu­ vont donc rester en prison. des peines de prison pour leur Nazli Ilicak se voit reprocher, mhuriyet, plaidaient eux aussi la Arrêtés peu après le coup d’Etat collusion présumée avec entre autres, d’avoir partagé « un violation des libertés individuel­ manqué, tous les deux ont été M. Gülen ou avec les militants Tweet favorable au putsch » les. La Cour les a déboutés. ■ condamnés à la perpétuité pour autonomistes kurdes du Parti des au lendemain des événements. MARIE JÉGO leur coopération présumée avec travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK). L’accusationy avuune grave vio­

VENDREDI 10 MAI 2019 comptés. Et le Haut Conseil électoral, qui a litique était un camouflet - la défaite de annulé le scrutin au prétexte qu’un certain trop. Perdre cette ville qui concentre un nombre de chefs de bureaux de vote bon tiers de la richesse nationale, c’est aussi ISTANBUL, LA n’étaient pas des fonctionnaires, n’a pas priver 1ÂKP de capitaux et de fonds publics contesté l’élection des maires d’arrondisse­ précieux pour nourrir entrepreneurs amis DÉFAITE DE TROP ment qui, elle, a été à l’avantage de 1ÂKP. et clientèle. Le virage autoritaire et nationa­ L’annulation d’une élection aussi sym­ liste de Recep Tayyip Erdogan, arrivé au bolique que celle d’Istanbul marque un pouvoir comme libéral et pro-européen, l’a POUR ERDOGAN tournant. Cette moitié de la Turquie qui ne coupé des parties les plus dynamiques du se reconnaît pas dans l’autoritarisme pays. Il riposte en durcissant encore la ré­ pieux, conservateur et nationaliste de Re­ pression : la confirmation par la Cour cons­ cep Tayyip Erdogan dénonce un vérita­ titutionnelle, le 5 mai, de la condamnation ÉDITORIAL M ble putsch électoral. «Il est possible de pré­ à la prison à perpétuité de deux journalis­ senter un candidat contre l’AKP, mais tes, Ahmet Altan et Nazli Ilicak, accusés pas de gagner», a résumé Onur Adiguzel, contre toute évidence d’implication dans le n régime autoritaire qui se sent coprésident du CHP. putsch militaire raté du 15 juillet 2016, en menacé est prêt à tout. En permet­ Ces dernières années, les irrégularités et est un nouveau signe. Depuis 2016, Utant l’invalidation, mardi 7 mai, les fraudes n’ont pas manqué, notamment 55000 personnes ont été arrêtées et plus de l’élection d’Ekrem Imamoglu, du Parti lors du référendum d’avril20l7 instaurant de 150 000 fonctionnaires limogés. républicain du peuple (CHP), la principale une république présidentielle, remporté Le «Rais» veut rejouer le match, comme force de l’opposition, à la mairie du Grand d’une très courte tête par celui que ses par­ il l’a fait après les législatives de juin 2015, Istanbul, le président Recep Tayyip Erdo­ tisans appellent le « Rais ». Les résultats ne lorsque son parti a perdu la majorité tout gan - qui se targue pourtant de tirer sa légi­ sont pourtant pas toujours acquis en restant la première force du pays. Six timité du suffrage universel - a franchi un d’avance: le 31 mars, le pouvoir a perdu mois plus tard, l’AKP triomphait, sur fond pas de plus dans le mépris ouvert des rè­ aussi la capitale Ankara et nombre des gran­ de reprise du conflit avec la rébellion kurde gles de la démocratie. des villes à l’issue des élections municipa­ et de chantage au chaos. Les Stambouliotes Certes, à peine 13000 voix, sur quelque les. Une perte d’autant plus cinglante que retourneront aux urnes le 23 juin. L’enjeu 10 millions de votants, séparent le vain­ ces villes étaient, pour la plupart, dirigées est tel, dans une Turquie polarisée comme queur du scrutin de l’ex-premier ministre par les islamistes depuis un quart de siècle. jamais, que tous les dérapages sont possi­ Binali Yildirim, candidat de 1ÂKP (Parti de Lui-même ancien maire d’Istanbul, M. Er­ bles. Mais pour la première fois, l’opposi­ la justice et du développement), le parti is­ dogan rappelle volontiers que « remporter tion turque, fragmentée, trouve une figure lamiste au pouvoir depuis novembre 2002. Istanbul, c'est remporter la Turquie». Cette charismatique autour de laquelle faire Mais les bulletins ont été comptés et re­ défaite dans la cité qui fut son tremplin po­ bloc : Ekrem Imamoglu, maire éphémère. ■

5 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

REUTERS Turkey-backed Syrian rebels launch attack into Kurdish-held area

May 4,2019 / BEIRUT/AMMAN (Reuters)

TURKEY-BACKED SYRIAN rebels launched an offensive into territory Fighters of held by the Kurdish YPG militia north of the Syrian city of Aleppo on National Army, Saturday, seizing some territory before heavy shelling forced them to retreat. backed by The operation marked an escalation on one of the most complicated theatres Turkey, stand at of the multi-sided Syrian war. Though the rebels are targeting the YPG, a back of a truck Syrian government forces are also deployed nearby as are their Russian and in the city of al- Iran-backed allies. Bab, Syria The Turkey-backed Syrian National Army took three villages before withdra­ August 5, 2018. wing “because of heavy shelling and the lack of an ability to sweep the area REUTERS/Khali completely in the light of the targeting of our forces”, said Yousef Hammoud, I Ashawi/File its spokesman. Photo He said pro-Damascus forces had shelled the advancing National Army figh­ ters. The YPG, which has fought alongside U.S. forces against Islamic State in eas­ Aleppo including the town of Tel Rifaat, taken by the tern and northeastern Syria, has lost ground in the northwest since early Kurdish militia since 2016. 2018, when Turkish forces and their Syrian allies drove it from the Afrin The Turkish defence ministry said one Turkish soldier region. was killed and another was wounded in a YPG attack in A military source in the Afrin Liberation Forces, which is close to the YPG, Tel Rifaat on Saturday. told Reuters the Turkey-backed rebels had advanced into an area where the Turkey views the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), Kurdish forces had no presence before being forced out. which has waged an insurgency on Turkish soil for autonomy in Turkey’s lar­ “Now, after strikes from our forces, the opposition forces were forced to with­ gely Kurdish southeast since 1984. The PKK is deemed a terrorist organisa­ draw from those positions,” the source said. tion by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. The National Army was formed with Turkish backing from a number of rebel The YPG is the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the main Free Syrian Army groups. Its main foothold is a chunk of territory northeast Syrian partner of the U.S.-backed coalition against Islamic State. The SDF of Aleppo known as Euphrates Shield that is secured with help from Turkish controls northeastern and eastern Syria, approximately one quarter of the forces on the ground. country. • The FSA groups have long vowed to take the YPG-held territory north of

REUTERS Damascus presses Idlib attack, artillery hits Turkish position

The Turkish defence ministry said the soldiers wounded in Saturday’s May 5,2019 -Tom Perry, Orhan Coskun (Reuters) shelling were sent to Turkey for treatment. Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week he did not rule out BEIRUT/ANKARA - Syrian government forces and their Russian Syrian forces, backed by Russian air power, launching a full-scale allies pounded the rebel-held northwest of Syria with air strikes on assault on militants in Idlib, but such an operation was impractical for Saturday, sources in the area said, as artillery hit a Turkish military posi­ now. tion there, underlining the risk of wider escalation. Syrian state media say government forces are attacking jihadists in the The upsurge in violence in Idlib and nearby areas in the last five days has northwest. State news agency SANA said the army had destroyed strained a Russian-Turkish deal that has staved off a government offen­ jihadist positions in southern Idlib and nearby Hama province on sive since September. The area is part of the last major foothold of the Saturday, in response to what it called repeated violations of a de-esca­ Syrian rebellion. lation agreement. Rescue workers in the rebel-held area say dozens of people have been But the U.N. regional humanitarian coordinator has said schools, health killed and thousands forced to flee by bombardments. The United facilities and residential areas have been hit and the government forces Nations has said the attacks have included the worst use of barrel bombs are employing the worst barrel bombing in at least 15 months. in 15 months. Barrel bombs are containers packed with explosives dropped from heli­ The Turkish defence ministry said two Turkish soldiers were lightly copters. wounded by the shelling, which was believed to have been launched from Syrian government-held territory. HEAVIER BOMBARDMENT Turkish troops have deployed in the northwest in agreement with A rebel spokesman said government attempts to advance into the Qalaat Russia, President Bashar al-Assad’s most powerful ally. al-Madiq area had been repelled. Rebels were shelling government posi­ tions, added Naji Mustafa of the Turkey-backed National Liberation Assad, who has defeated many of his enemies aided by Russian and Front (NLF) rebel grouping. Iranian firepower, has vowed to recover every inch of Syria. After an overnight lull, the bombardment escalated again on Saturday, But the presence of Turkish forces in the northwest and Russian under­ said Ahmad al-Dbis, safety and security manager for the U.S.-based standings with Ankara have complicated any offensive into the region, Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM), which sup­ home to some 3 million people. ports medical facilities in the area. Turkey, already hosting 3.6 million Syrian refugees and hoping to avoid “Now the bombing has returned and is much heavier and has spread another influx, has established a dozen military positions in Idlib and very widely in Jabal al-Zawiya and rural northern Hama. The planes are nearby areas in agreement with Russia. not stopping at all and the bombing is continuing in a very big way -*

6 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

-* like yesterday and worse,” he added. 130,000 people had fled towards more secure areas, adding: “Civil Defense centres have been targeted directly.” The Syrian Civil Defense, a rescue service operating in rebel-held areas, said it had recorded more than 30 deaths in the last few days. Dbis said UOSSM says four medical facilities have been bombed. the number of dead was at least 50, while the UK-based Syrian Russia’s deal with Turkey demanded the creation of a demilitarised zone Observatory for Human Rights, which reports on the war, said at least 67 free of all heavy weapons and jihadists. But Moscow says the agreement people had been killed. has not been implemented. Hundreds of vehicles have been arriving every day in the town of Atmeh The most powerful faction in the northwest is Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist at the Turkish border, ferrying people away from the targeted areas, an movement that emerged from the Nusra Front, formerly al Qaeda’s offi­ Atmeh resident contacted by Reuters said. cial Syrian affiliate. Its influence has grown as it has snuffed out rival Mustafa al-Haj Yousef, the Civil Defense director for Idlib, said more than groups. But other factions operating under the NLF umbrella still have a presence.*

The Arab Weekly May 5, 2019 US Brotherhood designation could throw a spanner in Turkish game in Syria the regime on another. Sami Moubayed Although media focus is on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Idlib, the province is historically a hotbed Beirut for the Syrian Brotherhood. This is where the group nourished in yrians on both sides of the the 1960s and 1970s, creating un­ conflict are waiting to see derground cells that outlived the whether US President Don­ Brotherhood’s 1982 exodus from ald Trump will designate the Syria. SMuslim Brotherhood as a “terror­The older generation of Idlib no­ ist organisation,” something he has tables is strongly affiliated with been toying with for more than two the Brotherhood and so are their years. children and grandchildren, who Authorities in Damascus would are carrying arms with HTS or the undoubtedly welcome the Trump Islamic State (ISIS) now, for lack of decision but remain silent, unable better alternative. With ease, the to praise the US president after his Brotherhood could make a visible decision on the Golan Heights. So is comeback in Idlib, carrying arms to the Syrian opposition but for differ­ combat HTS, with full backing from Steely gaze. US President Donald Trump (L) and Turkish ent reasons. Turkey. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at NATO The Brotherhood is strongly rep­ A second option is to cuddle up to headquarters in Brussels, last July. (Reuters) resented on the Turkey-backed the Russians, who neither sanction Syrian National Coalition, which is the Brotherhood nor consider it a positioned to take part in the forth­ terrorist organisation. It agreed to can talk the Syrians into accepting Rex Tillerson said the group was af­ coming constitutional committee join the Sochi conference of Janu­ the Brotherhood, which, by Syrian filiated with al-Qaeda. law, is considered a terrorist organi­ within the context of the UN-man- ary 2018 and has been supportive Some members of the Syrian dated Geneva peace process. of the Russian-Turkish-Iranian-led sation. Any contact or membership Brotherhood were, indeed, affili­ talks at Astana. is a capital offence in the Syrian le­ ated with al-Qaeda. Fleeing per­ This would play out nicely for gal system. secution at home, after failing to When Erdogan tried to push for The Iranians have Turkish President Recep Tayyip seize power in 1982, many headed the Muslim Brotherhood’s empow­ condemned the Trump Erdogan, who enjoys an excellent to Pakistan and later to Afghani­ decision — much to the working relationship with Russian erment in 2011, during the final stan, where they were recruited displeasure of their allies President Vladimir Putin and has stages of his honeymoon with the by Sheikh Abdullah Azzam, the in Damascus. long wanted to usher the Brother­ Syrians, he got a very cold shoul­ Palestinian founder of al-Qaeda. hood into the political process — der in Damascus. Interestingly, the They reported to him until his 1989 If the Brotherhood is sanctioned, more so today than ever, after los­ Russians don’t mind dealing with assassination, then to Osama bin it becomes technically difficult for ing his allies in Egypt and Sudan, the Brotherhood, nor do the Ira­ Laden and to current chief Ayman any US official to meet with the Syr­ and being on the verge of losing nians, who have condemned the Zawahiri. ian opposition, unless Brotherhood them in Libya as well. Trump decision — much to the dis­ After 9/11, Damascus sent piles members are expelled. If they are It can then be slowly injected into pleasure of their allies in Damascus. of intelligence that the Syrians asked to leave the Syrian coalition, the Russian-led, US-abandoned po­ A third option would be for the had gathered over the years about that would upset their financial litical process, perhaps after giving Americans to continue dealing with Brotherhood members who joined backers in Turkey and Qatar, cost­ it a facelift, with a new name and the Brotherhood members as indi­ al-Qaeda, which were put at the ing them money that they are eager a new identity. That would require viduals, not as part of an outlawed disposal of the FBI. to receive. the cooperation of Damascus and organisation, like they did with the One of them, Abou Khaled al- If the Brotherhood is squeezed amending of its 2011 political party Palestine Liberation Organisation Souri, was a main commander in out of the Geneva process, its mem­ law, which prohibits any party from at the start of the Madrid Peace the Syrian battlefield, until he was bers could try to disrupt it. operating within the Syrian frame­ Conference in 1991. This is some­ assassinated by ISIS in 2014. Anoth­ Throughout the past eight years, work, if carrying a religious agenda. thing Erdogan might try to peddle er, Abu Musaab al-Souri — the spir­ the Brotherhood has been the most The Syrian government sees zero to Trump, to keep his proxies on itual godfather of HTS (formerly well-organised and coherent po­ reason to accommodate the Broth­ the Syrian constitutional commit­ Jabhat al-Nusra) — was arrested in litical group in the Syrian opposi­ erhood, unable to forget or forgive tee, when they meet in July. Pakistan in 2005 and extradited to tion, with a clear vision, hierarchy its attempts at seizing power in the One month after being inaugurat­ Syria, where he remains in custody. and programme. Few politicians 1960s and in 1982. Extensive Rus­ ed, Trump raised the issue of sanc­ can afford a confrontation with the sian lobbying is needed but there tioning the Muslim Brotherhood Brotherhood on one front and with are limits as to how far the Russian and former US Secretary of State

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

The Arab Weekly May 5, 2019 Momentum for Kurdish independence stalled but is not finished

“When you travel around Kurdistan, it’s not what you’d expect for a country torn apart by war,” he said. Nor is this purely economic development. “Sitting in a cafe, I felt I could leave my iPhone, omentum for a laptop and wallet, walk around separate the block, come back and they Kurdish state in would still be there. I can’t do that Iraqi Kurdistan in Washington DC, Seattle or has stalled Toronto,” Gibson said. since the Gibson said decentralised ______September 2017 politics in his native Canada could independence referendum but offer Iraq one example, although Mhas it disappeared? Relations it would require greater under­ between the Kurds and Baghdad standing between Kurds and are improving but fragile. Arabs. Internally, the two main “Apart from the politicians who Kurdish parties - the Kurdistan go down to Baghdad for politics in Democratic Party (KDP) and the the Green Zone, they don’t Patriotic Union of Kurdistan interact,” he said. “When the - remain at odds. Despite the Mosul crisis [seized by the Islamic Hopes and challenges. Bryan Gibson, of Hawaii Pacific University, unified Kurdistan Regional State in 2014] happened, Arabs poses for a photo in the Iraqi city of Erbil. (Courtesy of Bryan Gibson) Government (KRG), each party were allowed into Kurdistan as a controls a separate zone. safe haven and given opportuni­ The parties’ energies seem to be ties to set up businesses... For a lot of these people, it’s the first Historically, Gibson said, Israel Gibson said he can imagine a going largely into internal future “more pliable government wrangling. Since September’s time they’ve ever actually lived in used the Kurds “to tie down the civility.” Arab armies in Iraq, which worked in Iran” giving Iraqi Kurds access parliamentary election in Iraqi to the sea but noted that Tehran, Kurdistan, they have been Gibson floated a notion of Iraq well in [Arab-Israeli wars of] ’67 as “four decentralised states or like Ankara, opposes independ­ battling over how to choose a KRG ence. president and over how many provinces: the [predominately Sunni] Kurds, [Arab] Sunnis and “I don’t think the Hence, he said, “The only way vice-presidents there should be. to the sea is through Baghdad” The likelihood is that the KDP’s desire for [Arab] Shias would have an ethnic and that Kurdish leaders have Nechirvan Barzani will be independence has made a “turn south.” They have president and his cousin Masrour territory of their own and then a fourth province would cover waned.” “leverage,” he said, through Barzani will be prime minister. controlling river headwaters. Nonetheless, the idea of greater Baghdad, which is more diverse.” Revenue would be raised Potential irrigation and electric­ independence persists and has centrally and distributed per Bryan Gibson, ity-generation require both supporters in Europe and the capita to the “states.” The central Hawaii Pacific technology and political coopera­ United States. Kurdish universi­ tion. ties are promoting overseas links government would control defence, and each “state” its own University “Israeli irrigation techniques and, in October, the University of police. are some of the world’s best,” he Kurdistan Hewler (UKH) will be Gibson conceded that US said. “They have innovations that, the site of an international and ’73.” Since the Kurds estab­ actions exacerbated Kurdish-Arab if applied to Iraq, would be conference, “The KRG’s Emerging lished autonomy after the 1990-91 tensions. “It was smart for the beneficial. Many people in Iraq Strategy for Stability in Iraq and Gulf War, “there’s been a lot of Kurds to align themselves with would not want that unless it was the Region,” to help “stabilise a Israeli investment building up the US before and after the surreptitiously provided through dysfunctional country.” their technology and communica­ invasion but there’s no question... the Kurds.” The conference co-ordinator is tions,” he said. Israel backed the [this] alienated those who saw the 2017 independence referendum. Bryan Gibson of Hawaii Pacific US as a colonial power,” he said. Gareth Smyth is a regular University. His 2015 book “Sold “Those relationships are etched in “From a North American perspec­ stone,” said Gibson. contributor to The Arab Weekly. Out? US Foreign Policy, Iraq, the tive, colonialism is far removed, He has reported from the Middle Kurds and the Cold War” focused Given that the referendum led they threw off the shackles of not to independence but to lost East since 1992. on Mullah Mustafa Barzani, the British colonials in the 1700s.” Kurdish nationalist leader whose territory, including Kirkuk, will Even more contentious is the the Kurds take a pragmatic war with Baghdad ended with Kurds’ relationship with Israel. defeat in 1975. course? “This goes back to 1962,” said “I don’t think the desire for Gibson said that when he Gibson. “It’s wink-wink, nudge- independence has waned,” said arrived in northern Iraq for the nudge but everyone knows it Gibson. “What changed is the first time in 2016 for another UKH exists. The IDF [Israeli Defence Kurdish government got a bloody conference, he made “a sort of Forces] and the Mossad have nose. They were reminded that pilgrimage” to Barzani’s grave in played a role helping Kurdish the push for independence would Barzan, the clan’s mountainous security forces.” not be easy.” homeland near Turkey.

8 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti Q orienTxxi 6 Mai 2019 L’avenir du Proche- Orient se joue en Iran

l'Iran cherche à s'ouvrir au monde. Les Pierre Prier Iraniens entrevoient une ouverture au monde 6 mai 2019 grâce à l'accord sur le nucléaire conclu en https:/ / orientxxi.info 2015 à Vienne entre l'Iran, les cinq membres permanents du conseil de sécurité de l'ONU, Un printemps à Téhéran, l'Allemagne et l'Union européenne, qui sera photo de couverture. Quarante ans après la révolution, l'Iran reste dénoncé par Donald Trump.. l'objet de fantasmes, et même de détestation Le peuple, lui souffre des restrictions de la part des gouvernements américain et Les choses ont-elles changé dans la vie de imposées par les sanctions américaines, mais israélien. Pour ceux qui ne se contentent pas tous les jours ? Oui et non, selon l'auteur. Son aussi, selon un professeur d'université de « des clichés — entre « le pays des mollahs » et premier contact à l'aéroport, c'est une l'absence de gestion et [des] vols importants « l'ennemi de l'Occident » —, trois livres vendeuse de fast-food interloquée : « dont souffre l'économie iranienne ». Dans le récents ouvrent les portes de la République Pourquoi êtes-vous venu en Iran ? Vous êtes sud, loin de la capitale, on se plaint des prix islamique : le récit d'un voyage très person­ fou, on essaie tous de partir. » La répression des aliments, multipliés par trois, de la nel par un jeune journaliste franco-iranien, de la révolte de 2009 contre la réélection du pénurie de médicaments, de la monnaie qui un petit dictionnaire allègre et érudit répon­ président Mahmoud Ahmadinedjad a laissé dégringole, et on râle contre le pouvoir qui « dant à toutes les questions, y compris les nombre de jeunes dans un état de résignation ferait mieux d'investir dans le pays au lieu plus saugrenues, et un coup de projecteur morose. Les pesanteurs institutionnelles, le d'envoyer des soldats à l'étranger ». Là aussi, sur cet enjeu géostratégique majeur qu'est le poids des réseaux économiques liés au pou­ on entretient le rêve impossible d'envoyer ses détroit d'Ormuz, haut lieu de l'affrontement voir qui briment les initiatives, la pression enfants étudier à l'étranger. Au terme de ses entre l'Iran et les États-Unis. sociale sont toujours présents dans cet tribulations, Armin Arefi repartira avec des itinéraire au gré des rencontres. sentiments mitigés, entre l'impression d'avoir Si la 4G omniprésente permet de multiplier rencontré une « société jeune et brillante » qui « Éteignez tout. Oubliez tout. Préparez-vous à les contacts et les aventures sur la messagerie « avance, doucement, mais sûrement, pour danser, rire et pleurer. Vous allez vivre une en ligne Telegram avec ses 20 millions forger son destin, à l'abri de toute guerre ou expérience iranienne. » Le journaliste franco- d'abonnés, dans ce pays où 70 % de la popu­ violence » et « pousse les mollahs à accepter le iranien Armin Arefi déroule sous cet exergue lation a moins de 35 ans, la pression familiale progrès » (on passera sur la comparaison plus ambitieux un récit à la première personne : le est toujours forte. Des ambiguïtés rassem­ que contestable avec l'Arabie Saoudite où, retour dans le pays de ses parents, exilés en blées en un lieu, le pont de Tabiat, à Téhéran, selon l'auteur le prince héritier tenterait au France avant sa naissance. Armin Arefi long de 270 mètres, inauguré en 2014, et où se contraire de « tirer vers le haut » une société « n'avait pas pu remettre les pieds en Iran promène le soir toute une société en mouve­ globalement conservatrice »). depuis juillet 2007. Correspondant à Téhéran ment, faute d'autres lieux publics de détente. pour plusieurs médias français de 2005 à Le lecteur désireux d'acquérir des connais­ 2007, sous la présidence de Mahmoud MOURIR POUR LA SYRIE ? sances de base pourra lire avec profit L'Iran Ahmadinejad, il s'était vu retirer son accrédi­ en cent questions, de Mohammad-Reza tation par le ministère de la culture et de l'ori­ Il y a des jeunes filles qui font des selfies en Djalili, professeur émérite à l'institut de entation islamique, puis avait dû quitter le rejetant leur voile, poursuivies par des hautes études internationales et du pays. Dans un précédent livre paru en 2009, dragueurs adolescents, et aussi des porteuses développement de Genève, et Thierry Dentelles et tchador, il revenait sur ces deux de tchador elles aussi hypnotisées par leur Kellner, maître de conférence au département années en décrivait des réalités de la société téléphone portable. Des garçons qui disent se de sciences politiques de l'Université libre de iranienne, en particulier les mille et un strata­ moquer de la religion et d'autres qui font leur Bruxelles (ULB). De « Pourquoi Napoléon gèmes d'une partie de la jeunesse pour échap­ prière. Mais le journaliste franco-iranien con­ s'est-il intéressé à la Perse »? à « Iran-Arabie per aux interdits religieux. state aussi la résistance du patriarcat et l'em­ Saoudite : une nouvelle guerre froide ? » en prise de la famille. En Iran une jeune femme passant par « Existe-t-il une société civile en L'ouvrage lui avait fermé les portes de la non mariée ne peut habiter seule, dit-il, même Iran ? », ce livre didactique, précis et agréable République islamique pour longtemps, écrit si elle jette son voile par-dessus les canapés à lire éclaire la complexité iranienne en la Arefi. Le journaliste avait pourtant cru à une lors de soirées alcoolisées comme celle, plutôt divisant en huit thématiques : histoire, ouverture quand il avait été convoqué à l'am­ lugubre, décrite au début du récit. société, système politique, culture, religion, bassade iranienne à Paris pour « remettre son questions géopolitiques, économie et relation livre à Son Excellence Monsieur l'ambas­ Le livre ouvre d'autres portes de la réalité France-Iran. Le chapitre sur le « malaise de la sadeur ». Lequel avait jeté les yeux sur la cou­ iranienne, comme avec cette visite à la section jeunesse » fait écho au livre du reporter fran­ verture, représentant deux jeunes Iraniennes 50 du plus grand cimetière de la capitale, co-iranien. au foulard tombant, esquissant un pas de réservée au corps d'élite des pasdarans, les danse. « Monsieur Arefi, avait lancé le diplo­ Gardiens de la révolution ; on s'y presse Outre le poids des interdits et du patriarcat, mate, ce n'est pas parce que vous êtes jeune et autour des sépultures des combattants les jeunes Iraniens souffrent, malgré les binational que vous pouvez ainsi pisser sur la tombés en Syrie, où ils avaient été envoyés efforts du gouvernement en faveur de l'édu­ République islamique » ! soutenir le régime de Bachar Al-Assad. Un cation, du manque de débouchés dans l'é­ entretien avec le fondateur historique de cette conomie du pays. « On estime que chaque UNE JEUNESSE EN QUÊTE DE LIBERTÉ force, devenu homme d'affaires, éclaire le année de 150 à 180 000 diplômés quittent le pouvoir des pasdarans dans l'économie, pays. Parfois près de 100 % des promotions Sept ans plus tard, en 2016, Armin Arefi passe l'homme se vantant de représenter en Iran de master des meilleures institutions univer­ le contrôle de police de l'aéroport de Téhéran une société française spécialisée dans l'aéro­ sitaires vont faire carrière à l'étranger. » Les avec son passeport iranien ; les temps ont nautique et le matériel de défense. nouvelles sanctions américaines changé. Sous le président Hassan Rohani, n'arrangeront pas les choses et laissent >•

9 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

>• pour l'instant sans réponse ce qui pourrait directe autour du détroit : les États-Unis, pro­ mercial, de partenariats de défense, de rela­ être la cent unième question de ce livre très tecteurs des États pétroliers arabes de l'autre tions diplomatiques qui font du détroit un riche : quel avenir pour la révolution rive et du trafic maritime passant par la porte véritable atout de la puissance iranienne. » islamique, qui vient de fêter ses quarante ans ? du Golfe. Les deux grandes puissances asiatiques ne LA MENACE DE FERMETURE DU C'est pourquoi l'Iran manie cette menace avec verraient toutefois pas d'un bon œil une fer­ DÉTROIT D'ORMUZ parcimonie et de façon rhétorique, principale­ meture du Golfe. « In fine, nuance dans sa ment pour rappeler sa souveraineté sur le préface Clément Therme, chercheur pour le Les nouvelles incertitudes crées par le retrait détroit, rappelle Léa Michelis dans L'Iran et le programme Moyen-Orient de l'International américain du traité sur le nucléaire se concen­ détroit d'Ormuz : « Il faut s'intéresser plus la Institute for Strategie Studies (ISS) de trent autour d'un point géographique : le manière dont la menace est utilisée qu'à la Londres, cet ouvrage démontre qu'en dépit détroit d'Ormuz, l'étroite entrée du Golfe per- manière dont elle va être exécutée », affirme- d'une situation stratégique favorable d'un sique, contrôlé par l'Iran d'un côté et le t-elle dans cet ouvrage issu d'un mémoire pays carrefour, l'Iran n'est pas parvenu à Sultanat d'Oman de l'autre, et par où transite soutenu en juillet 2018 à Sciences Po Aix-en- réaliser le potentiel lié à cette position géo­ 90 % du pétrole produit dans la région. Une Provence. graphique exceptionnelle. » En cause, « la position stratégique évidemment tentante. « dimension révolutionnaire de la politique L'Iran peut-il réellement fermer le détroit Pour bien comprendre l'importance du lieu régionale de la République islamique », mais d'Ormuz ? » demande le chapitre 67. pour l'Iran, il faut remonter à l'héritage loin­ aussi « l'hostilité institutionnalisée avec les Techniquement, les possibilités sont multi­ tain de la Perse antique, qui contrôlait les États-Unis » depuis la dénonciation par ples, nous disent les auteurs : attaques de deux rives, souvenir qui pèse toujours sur la Donald Trump de l'accord de Vienne. • navires par les vedettes rapides des Gardiens vision stratégique de Téhéran. Au cœur du Pierre Prier, Journaliste. Son premier contact de la révolution, pose de mines, missiles anti­ nationalisme iranien, Ormuz est aussi, écrit avec le Proche-Orient date de 1987, avec la pre­ navires tirés à partir des côtes. Téhéran bran­ Léa Michelis, le pivot d'une stratégie irani­ mière intifada. Il a quitté Le Figaro après 21 ans dit parfois cette menace comme un élément enne qui regarde au-delà du Proche-Orient, passés à couvrir le Proche-Orient et l'Afrique. de dissuasion, tout en sachant bien que son vers l'Inde et la Chine : « Ce sont les diverses exécution déclencherait une guerre contre la possibilités qu'offre le détroit à l'Iran en ter­ puissance avec qui elle est en confrontation mes de développement économique et com­

ouest 6 mai 2019 Turquie. Le chef kurde Ôcalan rencontre des avocats pour la 1re fois en huit ans

Istanbul, 6 mai 2019 (AFP) — physique et psychologique prime www.ouest-france.fr sur toute autre considération», a-t- elle ajouté. «Un règlement politique honorable et démocratique est pri­ Le chef historique de la rébellion mordial pour nous». kurde Abdullah Ôcalan, qui purge une peine de prison à vie en Depuis la reprise du conflit dans le Turquie, a rencontré des avocats sud-est de la Turquie en 2015 après pour la première fois depuis 2011, la rupture d’un fragile cessez-le-feu, ont indiqué ses défenseurs ce lundi. le discours du président Recep Tayyip Erdogan au sujet des Lors d’une conférence de presse à rebelles kurdes s’est nettement Istanbul, en Turquie, ce lundi 6 mai, durci, faisant s’éloigner la perspec­ les avocats d’Abdullah Ôcalan ont tive d’une solution politique négo­ annoncé avoir rencontré leur client ciée au conflit. pour la première fois. Ils ont aussi relayé un message de sa part exhor­ Son frère lui a aussi rendu visite tant ses partisans en grève de la Les avocats d’Ocalan, Faik Ozgur Erol, Newroz Uysal, Rezan Le frère d’Abdullah Ôcalan, faim à ne pas mettre leur vie en dan­ Sarica. I AFP / BULENT KILIC Mehmet, a pu lui rendre visite à la ger par leur action. mi-janvier pour la première fois Malgré un isolement quasi-total, Par ailleurs, huit personnes se sont La rencontre entre le chef historique depuis 2016 à la faveur d’un geste Abdullah Ocalan reste une figure de suicidées en prison depuis le début de la rébellion kurde et deux de ses d’apaisement consenti par les référence pour la rébellion kurde en du mouvement, selon le HDP. avocats a eu lieu le 2 mai dans l’île- autorités après le lancement du Turquie, où le conflit avec l’État a fait prison d’Imrali, non loin d’Istanbul, «Leur état de santé physique et mouvement de grève de la faim par plus de 40000 morts depuis 1984. où il est incarcéré, ont-ils précisé. « psychologique prime» des prisonniers en signe de protes­ tation contre son isolement. C’est sa première rencontre avec «Nous respectons la résistance de des avocats depuis 2011. Elle a Selon le parti prokurde HDP, nos amis dans les prisons et en Abdullah Ôcalan, alors en cavale duré environ une heure», a déclaré quelque 3000 prisonniers sont dehors mais nous souhaitons qu’ils depuis 1980, a été capturé le 15 l’un des avocats qui l’a rencontré, actuellement en grève de la faim ne la portent pas à un stade mettant février 1999 par des agents turcs au Rezan Sarica, lors d’une conférence pour réclamer l’assouplissement leur vie en danger ou entraînant leur Kenya.Il a été condamné à mort le de presse à Istanbul. «Seulement des conditions de sa détention, la mort», a indiqué une autre avocate, 29 juin 1999 pour trahison et tenta­ deux avocats ont été autorisés à le plupart ayant rejoint le mouvement Nevroz Uysal, relayant un message tive de diviser la Turquie mais sa rencontrer même si quatre en ont ces dernières semaines par solidar­ d’Abdullah Ôcalan lors de la con­ peine a été commuée en 2002 en fait la demande», a-t-il ajouté. ité avec une députée prokurde, férence de presse. réclusion à perpétuité, après l’aboli­ Leyla Güven, qui refuse de s’ali­ tion de la peine de mort en Des centaines de prisonniers en «Pour nous, leur état de santé grève de la faim menter depuis novembre dernier. Turquie.*

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

LE FIGARO mardi 7 mai 2019 À Istanbul, un nouveau vote est convoqué et la victoire de l’opposition annulée Le président turc a multiplié les pressions pour que soit invalidé le scrutin municipal du 31 mars dernier.

« Mes concitoyens me disent : "Mon président, il faut renouveler cette DELPHINE MINOUI * (SDelphineMinoui CORRESPONDANTE A ISTANBUL élection." (...) Venez, allons au-devant du peuple et ce que dictera TURQUIE Le Haut comité électoral a fini la volonté populaire, nous par trancher. Après des semaines de l'accepterons», a déclaré, consultations, l’YSK, l’instance turque en ce week-end, Recep Tayyip charge de superviser le processus électo­ Erdogan. ral, a annoncé, lundi soir, l’annulation des résultats du scrutin du 31 mars à Istanbul et la tenue d’un nouveau vote. «L’YSK a décidé d’annuler et de renouveler l’élection pour la métropole d’Istanbul», énonce froidement une dépêche de l’agence tur­ que Anadolu. Une décision qui va dans le sens des dernières déclarations du prési­ 8 dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan: «Mes conci­ toyens me disent : “ Mon président, il faut renouveler cette élection” (...) Venez, al­ mer, dans un premier temps, un recomp­ de bureaux de vote et la mouvance de Fe- lons au-devant du peuple et ce que dictera tage à Istanbul et Ankara. Mais la victoire tuUah Gülen, l’instigateur présumé du la volonté populaire, nous l’accepterons. confirmée d’Imamoglu l’a ensuite poussé putsch raté du 15 juület 2016. C’est aussi simple que cela», avait-il à déposer plusieurs recours extraordinai­ Tandis que le verdict de la Commission ouvertement déclaré ce week-end lors res auprès du Haut comité électoral dans électorale se faisait attendre, le vainqueur d’une rencontre avec les représentants l’espoir de faire annuler le vote d’Istanbul de l’opposition, Ekrem Imamoglu avait d’une association patronale. Selon la télé­ et d’organiser de nouvelles élections. néanmoins pris ses fonctions à la tête de vision turque NTV, le gouverneur d’Is­ la municipalité, n’hésitant pas à accuser tanbul va mandater un maire par intérim «Une parodie» l’AKP d’être «un mauvais perdant». dans l’attente du nouveau scrutin, qui se Jeudi, les médias locaux faisaient ainsi Dans un discours prononcé ce lundi soir, tiendra le 23 juin. part de l’ouverture, par la police, de plus quelques heures après le verdict, devant Cette décision est un coup dur pour de 30 enquêtes distinctes dans trois dis­ une foule compacte, U s’est efforcé de re­ l’opposition. En dépit d’un musellement tricts. Plus de cent présidents de bureaux donner le moral à ses supporters. «Nous de la presse et des pressions endurées, le de vote et assesseurs ont ainsi été convo­ avons soif de justice, nous sommes la jeune candidat anti-Erdogan, Ekrem Imagoglu, qués et interrogés en tant que suspects. Us génération turque qui croit en la démocra­ était parvenu à sortir la tête haute du sont accusés d’avoir minimisé le nombre tie (...) Personne ne doit pleurer. Nous scrutin avec quelque 13 000 voix d’avance de voix remportées par les candidats de la sommes là, nous allons travailler ensem­ sur le candidat de la Coalition menée par Coalition du pouvoir ou d’avoir indûment ble », a-t-U promis, fidèle à son calme. l’AKP et les ultranationalistes du MELP, Faisant écho à la contestation du ver­ l’ex-premier ministre Binali Yildirim. Dès dict de la Commission électorale par l’op­ sa victoire, le nouveau maire s’était dis­ position, de petits attroupements se sont tingué par ses discours inclusifs, en oppo­ improvisés, ce lundi soir, et un concert de sition à la politique polarisatrice des parti­ casseroles et de poêles a défié la nuit dans sans du président. Mais ces derniers n’ont 15000 certains quartiers anti-Erdogan: une pas digéré leur revers dans cette ville voix manière de signifier à l’AKP que la fronde hautement symbolique pour Erdogan. L'avance obtenue par le candidat reste au rendez-vous et que le nouveau C’est ici même, à Istanbul, que l’homme anti-Erdogan, Ekrem Imamoglu, lors scrutin n’est pas gagné d’avance... Sauf fort du pays entama véritablement sa car­ des élections municipales à Istanbul fraude évidente de la part du pouvoir, rière politique en tant que maire en 1994. dans un pays où la démocratie ne cesse de Pour lui, la perte de l’ex-Constantinople reculer. «L’annulation du scrutin d’Is­ constitue également une perte financière, comptabilisé comme nuis des votes vali­ tanbul n’est pas seulement une parodie l’AKP perdant sa prise directe sur les des. À la thèse d’irrégularités s’est égale­ mais démontre qu’il n’existe aucune insti­ marchés publics qui y sont liés et qui pro­ ment greffée ceUe de l’implication de tution en Turquie qu ’Erdogan ne domine ou fitent aux hommes d’affaires qui gravitent « groupes terroristes » dans le processus ne contrôle», estime ce lundi soir le spé­ dans sa sphère. électoral. Ce dimanche, l’agence Anadolu cialiste de la Turquie, Henri Barkey, sur Evoquant des irrégularités, le duo annonçait ainsi qu’une enquête judiciaire son compte Twitter. ■ AKP-MHP s’est ainsi empressé de récla­ aurait établi un lien entre 43 responsables

11 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti •^liljfijptÏÏiK 8 Mai 2019 Turquie: l’illusion démocratique tombe à Istanbul L’autorité électorale sultats, qui se sont joués à a annulé le résultat quelques milliers de voix des municipales près, il y a notamment celui de la ville lundi, selon lequel certains prési­ poussée par l’AKP dents de bureaux de vote du président n’étaient pas des fonction­ Erdogan. Ekrem naires, ce qui est contraire à la loi. Or ce sont Imamoglu, ces mêmes pré- le vainqueur L'HISTOIRE sidents qui DU JOUR de l’opposition, avaient été vali­ parle de «trahison». dés par le YSK, dont les mem­ bres sont en partie nommés par Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Par Ces présidents ont supervisé JÉRÉMIE BERLIOUX les élections des maires d’ar­ Correspondant à Istanbul rondissement et des conseils Des militants pro-Imamoglu, maire d’Istanbul depuis municipaux, toutes deux J est à sept voix quelques semaines, après l’annonce de l'annulation de remportées par l’AKP. Elles contre quatre que le n’ont pas été contestées ni l’élection, lundi, photo afp C Haut Conseil élec­ annulées. De quoi faire dire à toral (YSK) turc a décidé Ahmet Sik, député du parti devraient avoir suffisam­ Lundi soir, ce dernier a ex­ lundi d’ordonner l’organi­ pro-kurde HDP sur Twitter : ment de réseaux, un accès horté ses sympathisants à ne sation de nouvelles élec­ «6 mai 2019, à nouveau il y a aux médias (verrouillés) et pas perdre espoir: «Nous tions municipales à Istanbul. un coup d’Etat en Turquie». rassembler plus de 10 % des avons soif de justice, nous Ekrem Imamoglu, candidat La décision du YSK fait électeurs pour entrer au Par­ sommes la jeunesse turque vainqueur de l’opposition, tomber le voile sur la fonction lement. L’agitation de per­ qui croit en la démocratie. Les n’aura donc occupé le fau­ réelle des élections en Tur­ sonnalités, tel l’ancien décideurs de ce pays sont teuil de maire d’Istanbul, quie. «La population Premier ministre Ahmet Da- peut-être dans l’ignorance, cœur de l’activité économi­ n’accepterait pas un dirigeant vutoglu ou encore l’ex-prési­ l'erreur ou même la trahison que du pays, que quelques non élu. Mais le pays abrite dent Abdullah Gül, est le mais nous n’abandonnerons semaines. Suffisamment un autoritarisme compétitif, symptôme d’un malaise au jamais.» Erdogan ne peut ce­ pour faire croire un moment à savoir un régime autoritaire sein de l’AKP. pendant pas prendre le ris­ qu’en Turquie, l’alternance entretenant une apparence de «Après seize ans au pouvoir, le que de perdre à nouveau. «Il politique peut se faire nor­ démocratie», parti souffre d’usure. Au sein faut s’attendre à une augmen­ malement. avance Howard de la base, certains critiquent tation de la violence et de la Cette décision du YSK Eissenstat, assis­ la direction tant pour des rai­ criminalisation de l’opposi­ ébranle un peu plus la con­ tant professeur à sons démocratiques qu’à tion», note Gürhanli. Plu­ fiance de millions d’électeurs l’université St. Lawrence, cause de la gestion de l’écono­ sieurs présidents de bureaux dans le processus électoral. dans l’Etat de New York, mie», souligne Howard Eis­ de vote sont déjà sous le coup Bien que le Parti de la justice membre du Project on Middle senstat. Le pays est en réces­ d’enquête pour appartenance et du développement (AKP) a East Democracy. sion, l’inflation frôle les à une organisation terroriste. toujours clamé son attache­ Perdre Istanbul est certes une 20% et le nombre de chô­ «Une nouvelle défaite l’affai­ ment à la démocratie grâce défaite symbolique pour Er­ meurs ne cesse d’augmenter. blirait considérablement», aux élections, son insistance dogan, qui en a été maire ajoute-t-il. à rejouer le scrutin à Istanbul en 1994. Mais c’est surtout la Dilemme. Ce nouveau vote Cette «crise d’Istanbul» met écorne «l’option d’une transi­ perte du cœur des réseaux ne devrait pas changer la con­ le pouvoir face à un dilemme. tion pacifique du pouvoir à clientélistes, base de la vie figuration du jeu politique Prendre le risque de paraître travers des élections», selon politique turque, qui aurait turc. Le parti ultranationa­ affaibli voire laisser s’échap­ Halil Gürhanli, spécialiste motivé le pouvoir à prendre liste MHP continue de profi­ per une partie de ses réseaux, des populismes et de la vie cette décision. ter de son alliance avec l’AKP. mais garder son apparence politique turque à l’université «Istanbul est une source gi­ De même pour l’alliance de démocratique. Ou piétiner le d’Helsinki. Depuis de nom­ gantesque de revenus pour les l’opposition turque (kémalis- jeu électoral, quitte à pousser breuses années, l’AKP, le parti cercles restreints de l’AKP, tes du CHP et nationalistes l’opposition à ne plus croire du Président, Recep Tayyip continue Howard Eissenstat. de l’IP), bénéficiant du sou­ en une potentielle alternance Erdogan, est critiqué pour Les partis turcs fonctionnent tien tacite du Parti démocra­ pacifique. «Si l’opposition l’affaiblissement progressif différemment qu’ailleurs. Le tique des peuples (HDP). Plu­ perd cette confiance et ne joue plus le jeu, la Turquie devien­ des institutions démocrati­ chef concentre tous les pou­ sieurs formations, dont le ques, transformant le pays en dra beaucoup moins stable, et voirs et redistribue les bénéfi­ Parti communiste de Turquie un régime autoritaire. plus difficile à gouverner», as­ ces de ses réseaux clientélis­ et le Parti de la félicité, isla­ sure Howard Eissenstat. ♦ «Coup d’Etat». Parmi les tes.» Pour cette raison, une miste, ont annoncé leur ral­ arguments évoqués pour de­ fronde au sein de l’AKP est liement à un Imamoglu gal­ mander l'annulation des ré­ peu probable. Les frondeurs vanisant les foules.

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

REUTERS No turning back: Syrian Kurds reshape region with hooks and schools

May 6,2019 QAMISHLI, Syria / Ellen Francis (Reuters) -

WHEN Eyub Mohamad was a boy, security forces beat his father into paralysis. His offence was typing leaflets in Kurdish, banned under Syria’s riding Baath party. Mohamad, with his family, fed and bathed his father for years. Wary of the typewriter that landed his father in interrogation rooms, he avoided learning to read his own language. “I never saw my dad walking,” he said. “Till his last day, he believed he would get up for this cause.” Mohamad’s father died in 2011, the year Syria’s conflict began. He did not see Kurdish fighters carve out autonomous rule across north and east Syria. He did not see his son, now 34, become a teacher at a Kurdish school in the city of Qamishli on the border with Turkey. Kurdish leaders now hold about a quarter of Syria, the biggest chunk outside state hands. But their grip on power — in a region rich in oil, farmland and Kurdish students attend class at a school in Qamishli, Syria, March 11, water — remains vulnerable: President Bashar al-Assad wants all of Syria, 2019. Picture taken March 11, 2019. REUTERS/Issam Abdallah Turkey threatens to crush them and U.S. support is wavering. The changes reshaping swathes of Syria have alarmed neighboring states that fear separatism within their own Kurdish communities. Millions of Kurds, an ethnic minority left stateless when the Ottoman empire collapsed a century It teaches children until the 10th grade, up to age 16. In secondary schools ago, live in Turkey, Iran, Syria and Iraq. however, inside the same buildings, state teachers still handle the 11th and 12th grade. In Qamishli, these changes were once unimaginable. A law student who was tortured for carrying a Kurdish book now owns a bookstore. A woman who “They succumbed to the reality,” said Haj Ali, a member of the Kurdish PYD once secretly huddled with friends at night to learn Kurdish is now a de facto party, the YPG’s political wing. Next year, her board will start teaching the education minister. 11th grade too. Kurdish activists who could not protest without risking arrest now have prin­ The plans face opposition not just from the government but also from some ting presses, festivals and television channels. Arab communities, Kurdish parties opposed to the PYD and parents who fear for their children’s future, several teachers said. The shift is glaring in school hallways where, for eight years, a generation has grown up not only learning Kurdish but also learning to believe that Kurds The schools in northeast Syria, like the self-run administration, are not reco­ deserve the rights they were denied for decades and must hold on to them. gnized officially by the state or the outside world. “We never imagined this. This was a dream,” said Semira Haj Ali, who co- In response to questions from Reuters, Syria’s education ministry said it chairs the education board in the northeast. “Of course, we will not go back repeatedly tells all schools to keep the government curriculum for the benefit to before 2011. We will not turn back.” of the students and for degrees to remain valid abroad. SANDBAGS AND TRENCHES Some feel they have sacrificed too much to turn back now. Pre-school director Nujin Kali said her husband, a YPG fighter, had died so she could do her job. Syrian Kurdish leaders say they do not seek independence but want to cement autonomy that has evolved to include security forces and what “Honestly, I asked him what if something happens to you?” she recalled. “He amounts to a government. said, ‘I’m doing this for your children’s future...for them to learn their lan­ guage, for people not to lose their rights’.” Yet the sandbags and trenches around some schools or the armed men guar­ ding printing presses show their fate still hangs in the balance. BURNING BOOKS On one side, there is the Turkish army, which has swept across the border Despite historic enmity, Kurdish fighters and Damascus have seldom clashed twice to roll back the Kurdish YPG militia in northern Syria. during Syria’s war, at times fighting common enemies including Turkey- backed rebels. On another, there is Assad, now holding most of Syria with Russia and Iran’s help. Damascus has pledged to reclaim YPG territory though the two have This relationship enabled the state to hold onto patches of Qamishli, inclu­ kept channels open. ding an airport that flies planes to Damascus, and of Hasaka city nearby. It has also allowed for Kurdish leaders to make money from oil sold into Their main ally, the United States, helped Kurdish-led forces seize vast terri­ government territory. tory from Islamic State. But it opposes their autonomy plans and has promi­ sed nothing. Funds also come from levies on trade, agriculture and border-crossing fees. President Donald Trump’s plan last year to withdraw all U.S. troops from Residents register births, marriages and deaths at state centers in Qamishli Syria threw Kurdish officials into crisis. and Hasaka, while the self-run administration issues driving licenses and other documents. Washington later changed course, and intends to leave some troops, along with forces from European allies, preserving for now the security umbrella Senior Kurdish leader Fawza Youssef said such ties enabled people to get on that helped Kurdish leaders deepen their autonomy. with their daily lives. MOTHER TONGUE Still, attempts to negotiate a political deal with Damascus have gone now­ here, causing fears for Kurdish authorities who want to safeguard their gains. In the early days of Syria’s conflict, when Haj Ali and other activists tried introducing a Kurdish class, the government shut down the schools. They hope such a deal would also help shield their region from attack by Turkey, which deems the YPG a branch of the Kurdish PKK movement “With the parents and the students, we broke down the doors,” she said. waging an insurgency on Turkish soil. Months later, state employees returned. In northern Syria, another source of tension is that local critics accuse the Today, she heads an education board running thousands of schools and uni­ PYD of calling the shots and imposing its ideas even in city councils that versities, and teaching adults to read Kurdish. It has built a curriculum in include Arabs and other ethnicities. Kurdish, Arabic and the Syriac dialect for pupils to learn in their mother tongue, renouncing the Baathist thinking that championed Arab nationalism At the institute that sets the curriculum in the town of Amuda, the walls bear in the classroom. pictures of jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. The northern region’s =♦

13 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

=* new governing system is based on his views of federalism, though the Abdallah Shekho’s shop in Qamishli sells books he translated with friends PYD says it has only political relations with the PKK. into Kurdish. He said the northeast, whose economy was long stifled, still Teachers say the curriculum does not promote any ideology, but presents relies on Damascus in some ways because it lacks equipment and experts. Ocalan’s ideas along with others in classes such as “culture and ethics” or gen­ In the past, people burnt Kurdish books out of fear or buried them in their vil­ der studies. lages to keep them safe, Shekho said. The questions of how to govern and what to teach have caused friction in “(In) this region, God forbid, if there is an attack from the regime or another mainly Arab cities and towns in Raqqa and Deir al-Zor that came into the side, we will have to burn these books or bury them underground again.” • Kurdish fold more recently.

5 rudaw May 5, 2019 KDP strikes new government deals with Gorran and PUK

By Rudaw.net 5/5/2019 Roadmap for reform Dlawer Ala’Aldeen, founding ULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region President of the Middle East Research Institute (MERI) and for­ - The Kurdistan Democratic mer KRG Minister of Higher PartyS (KDP) has reached a final understanding regarding the next Education and Scientific Research, told Rudaw the primary job of the Kurdistan Regional Government new KRG is further unifying the (KRG) in separate deals signed with Region and erasing past traces of the Change Movement (Gorran) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan division. The new government has to set (PUK) in Sulaimani on Sunday. Nechirvan Barzani, leading a up a roadmap for the coming years to unify the Peshmerga and security delegation from the KDP, arrived in Sulaimani on Sunday morning to forces, Ala’Aldeen argued. Another roadmap that would meet with the PUK and Gorran, hoping to end months of discussions redraw the governance of educa­ tion, health and services is also over the formation of the next necessary, he said. government. “The biggest weakness of the “We have reached an unders­ tanding and we hope that in the next KDP deputy leader Nechirvan Barzani (L) and PUK acting leader Regional Government is its high centralization,” Ala’Aldeen said. few days we will start the process of Kosrat Rasul sign new agreement on government formation in forming the next cabinet by initially Sulaimani, May 5, 2019. Photo: Rudaw TV Striking an optimistic note, the analyst noted that all parties partici­ reviving the Kurdistan presidency law,” KDP spokesperson Mahmoud pating in the KRG have emphasized tions were held on September 30, ple and the revival of the bazaar is institutional reform. Mohammed told reporters Sunday 2018, with the KDP coming out on our main responsibility and we afternoon after the meeting between “The four years will test whether top, winning 45 seats in the 111-seat believe, given the circumstances they are serious or not in establi­ his party and Gorran. legislature, but not securing an which the wider region is facing, the Kurdistan Region Parliament shing the foundations [of reform],” outright majority. It has spent more sooner the government is formed is he said. Speaker Vala Farid announced in a than half a year trying to build a in the interest of the Kurdish people statement on Tuesday that a ses­ “There is plenty of space for governing coalition with the PUK, and the bazaar,” he said. reform, but for the people to believe sion will convene on Wednesday to which won 21 seats, and Gorran, KDP’s Mohammed thanked discuss the presidency bill. it, the government needs to take which has 12 seats. Gorran “for being understanding in practical steps.” The KDP first reached a deal After signing its agreement with relation to our agreement.” with Gorran in February with Gorran Previous governments have Gorran, KDP then arrived at a simi­ Gorran formed as a breakaway delivered plenty of reform, agreeing to enter the government lar pact with the PUK in March, but group from the PUK in 2009, and the and pushing a package of institutio­ Ala’Aldeen said, but they have done disagreements over distributing two parties have since had on-and- little to publicize it. nal reforms. cabinet positions lingered. Gorran off relations. Gorran are depending “We have emphasized that the “The next government might not and PUK also disagreed over the on the KDP to bring the PUK on be able to get to everything, but it main issue in this agreement is president's deputies. board. has to be clear about what it needs reform in every field of power, admi­ PUK, which shares control of “For a few months, we have not nistration and governance in particu­ to give priority to.” the security forces with the KDP, had any official relations with the The events of October 2017, lar in the unification of the wanted the creation of a second PUK. Unofficially maybe we have Peshmerga force and Interior when Iraqi forces seized the dispu­ deputy president who would be res­ received some messages, but there ted territories from the Peshmerga, [Ministry] forces as well as the inde­ ponsible for military affairs. Gorran, have been no official contacts,” pendence of the judiciary system,” provide a “big lesson that control which does not have an armed Shunas Sherko, an official with and command of Peshmerga forces said Gorran spokesperson Shoresh force, objected, arguing that the new Gorran’s diplomatic relations depart­ Haji at the Sunday press conference and other armed forces have to be post would be a financial drain and, ment, told Rudaw TV after the press settled”. in Sulaimani. if created, should be solely an admi­ conference. Another of Gorran’s priorities is “This has to be a priority,” nistrative position. “We hope that the PUK and Ala’Aldeen said. amending the presidency law, cal­ Speaking on Sunday, Haji said Komal (Kurdistan Islamic Group) ling for the president to be elected Nevertheless, people also need that, amid the disputes, forming the take part in the next cabinet, but services like health, education, and by parliament not a public vote. government must be the priority, for given that the KDP is the main win­ municipalities, he added. ■ The government-formation pro­ the sake of the people and the mar­ ner of the last election it is their res­ cess has dragged on for more than ket. ponsibility to approach these par­ seven months. Parliamentary elec­ "The interest of the Kurdish peo­ ties,” he said.

14 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti IAL-MONITBR1 MAY 6, 2019 Why did Turkey allow jailed Kurdish leader to meet lawyers after long pause? In his first meeting with lawyers in eight years, imprisoned Kurdistan Workers Party leader Abdullah Ocalan called for "democratic negotiation" between Turkey and the Syrian Kurds and for hunger strikers protesting his treatment not to endanger their health.

‘ Amberin Zaman r May 6, 2019 ât www.al-monitor.com/ bdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), called on US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces A(SDF) to refrain from conflict with Turkey and to take what he termed Turkey's sensibilities into account. The 70-year-old guerrilla boss relayed his appeal through his lawyers after they were granted access to him for the first time in eight years. The Turkish authorities' decision to end his isolation has spurred specula­ tion of a possible resumption of peace talks that would include a deal on Syria. Others say it's part of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s plan to ditch his nationalist partners and win Kurdish support, which proved critical A man holds a picture of Kurdistan Workers Party leader Abdullah to the opposition's victory, before a rerun of municipal elections in Istanbul. Turkey's Supreme Electoral Commission ruled in favor of Erdogan’s Ocalan as people gather to celebrate Nowroz in Istanbul, Turkey, demands for fresh elections today. March 24, 2019. REUTERS/Kemal Aslan But the immediate goal appeared to be to leverage Ocalan's uncontested leadership over the PKK to persuade thousands of prisoners who are on to Al-Monitor on condition of strict anonymity because of the sensitive an extended hunger strike in protest of his isolation to end their fast. nature of the topic claimed that officials from Turkey's national spy agency, MIT, had recently met with SDF commander Mazlum Kobane, a close In a statement that was shared by his lawyers at a news conference today, associate of Ocalan in northern Syria. Ocalan called for "democratic negotiation" between Turkey and the Kurds and the use of soft power instead of "tools of physical violence." He said, "The first meeting took place 10 days ago, then another last week, and "We believe that though the Syrian Democratic Forces, all parties should after meeting Sahin, they met with Ocalan on the island and then again strive to resolve outstanding issues in Syria by shunning the culture of con­ with Sahin,” the source said, using Kobane's real name of Ferhat Abdi flict and embracing constitutionally enshrined local democracy within the Sahin. He is also known as Sahin Cilo from his years in the PKK. The framework of a united Syria.” source went on, "The meetings started a month ago through the United States' mediation. Of course they will all deny it for now. And the prison visit Ocalan also called on the hunger strikers not to take their actions to a point is not related to the elections. The Kurds will continue to support the oppo­ that threatens their health or results in death. Turkey's Human Rights sition in any Istanbul re-run.” Association said in an April 22 report that at least 3,000 prisoners in 92 pris­ ons across Turkey were on hunger strike. SDF officials could not be reached for comment. But if such talks did occur, they would not be a first. Kobane told Al-Monitor in a March interview that Seven of them took their own lives in March within the space of a single he had met with MIT officials in Syria when peace talks between Ocalan week. Another by the name of Ugur Sakar killed himself in Germany on and the Turkish government were still ongoing. Feb. 21, in a morbid manifestation of the cultish devotion Ocalan continues to inspire some 20 years since being sentenced to lifelong imprisonment obane confirmed last week at a public forum that "indirect talks” were on Imrali Island on terror and treason charges. taking place between Turkey and the SDF “through intermediaries.” KThe United States' envoy for Syria, Jim Jeffrey, has been seeking to strike Ibrahim Bilmez was among the four lawyers who applied to visit Ocalan but a deal between Ankara and Kobane for a proposed safe zone, shuttling did not make it to the island. He said, "We believe the government finally between Turkey and northeastern Syria since last year. granted us access to our client after refusing to do so 810 times because of its fear of the hunger strikes. Thousands of lives are at risk.” Bilmez told Jeffrey was in Turkey the day that Ocalan met with his lawyers. But Kobane Al-Monitor worries over a public backlash were evident in the authorities' has said a deal could only be reached if Turkey were to pull its forces out hasty burials of the seven inmates who had died so far. "Their remains of the mainly Kurdish enclave of Afrin, where the PKK-linked Afrin were spirited away in the late night hours and only immediate family mem­ Liberation Forces have sharply escalated their attacks against the Turkish bers were permitted to attend their interment.” military and its Arab rebel allies in recent weeks. ilmez added that it was premature to conclude that the visit amounted But with Turkey sticking to its demands that its forces monitor the safe zone to a reversal of the government's harsh repression of the Kurdish poli­ extending up to 40 kilometers (25 miles) deep into the Kurdish-controlled Btical movement, which has seen thousands of people, including democra­zone and the YPG rejecting any arrangement involving a Turkish presence, tically elected lawmakers and mayors, locked up on scantily evidenced ter­ little progress has reportedly been made. ror charges. The justice minister has not responded to lawyers' and A second source with intimate knowledge of the talks contended, however, Ocalan's brother Mehmet's subsequent request to meet with the PKK lea­ that a compromise formula that Kobane has allegedly not ruled out is purg­ der in the wake of the May 2 visit. "It may be a one-off thing, and if so the ing YPG-linked military and local council members in the mainly Arab town hunger strikers may decide to continue their strike. The ball is squarely in of Tell Abyad with Turkish vetting much, in the same way they were in the government's court,” Giran Ozcan, the Washington representative of Manbij. But the real test of any progress, Ozcan said, will be whether the Peoples' Democratic Party, the third largest bloc in the Turkish parlia­ Ocalan is allowed to continue to communicate with his lawyers and the out­ ment, told Al-Monitor. side world. ♦ But sources with close knowledge of the Turkish government's Kurdish Amberin Zaman is a senior correspondent reporting from the Middle East, dossier asserted that the prison assignation was intimately linked to a North Africa and Europe exclusively for Al-Monitor. broader effort to stitch together a deal with the PKK on northern Syria, where its US-backed affiliate and backbone of the SDF known as the People Protection Units (YPG) holds sway. One of the sources who spoke

15 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti LE FIGARO Les scénarios d’une guerre avec Téhéran Washington ne veut pas d’un conflit mais se tient prêt, alors que Riyad a préparé un plan d’invasion de l’Iran.

GEORGES MALBRUNOT * (SMalbrunot

MOYEN-ORIENT «Ni guerre, ni paix». Depuis plus de trente ans, les États-Unis et l’Iran s’en tiennent à cette posture prudente. Mais avec Donald Trump, la situation a changé. Après s’être retiré de l’accord nucléaire de 2015 et avoir ins­ crit les gardiens de la révolution sur la liste des organisations terroristes, il va déployer au Moyen-Orient le porte- avions USS Abraham Lincoln, accompa­ gné d’une task force aérienne. Alors qu’en réaction, Téhéran devrait annoncer ce mercredi son retrait « par­ tiel» de l’accord nucléaire, le renforce­ ment de la présence militaire américai­ ne est justifié par « une menace crédible» contre des cibles américaines en Irak et en Syrie, voire, selon la presse israélien­ Les vedettes iraniennes (ici, lors d'un exercice), plus rapides que les navires ne, après des informations transmises américains, sont un élément de guérilla stratégique via le Mossad, sur un « plan » iranien de dans l’hypothèse d’attaques de tankers dans le détroit d'Ormuz. atta kenare/afp s’en prendre aux intérêts américains dans le Golfe. Quelle que soit la réalité de cette vires de guerre américains, constate à contact M-08 notamment - via des ré­ «menace», le risque d’un accrochage l’analyste. Les Iraniens vont arriver avec pliques de mines chinoises. Téhéran en s’est accru. « Les différents éléments de leurs drones pour essayer de voir ce qui se posséderait plusieurs milliers, mais ces derniers mois vont dans une seule di­ passe. Si les gardiens de la révolution d’après des experts américains, 300 seu­ rection : la confrontation, décrypte un s’approchent trop près du navire améri­ lement suffiraient pour bloquer Ormuz. analyste français, familier du Golfe. cain, ça peut partir en sucette », redoute Pour le mouillage de ces mines, « les J’exclus une guerre avec l’Iran, mais pas l’expert. Iraniens ont aussi des petits sous-marins un dérapage dans les eaux du Golfe. » Au cœur de cette guériUa maritime de poche avec deux personnes à l’inté­ L’Iran répète « ne pas vouloir la guer­ pour mener des embuscades et attaquer re» mais ajoute que « si on nous attaque, rieur, comme des cimetières flottants au rapidement des pétrohers, les vedettes nous riposterons ». En représailles à l’in­ fond de l’eau attendant qu’il y ait un por­ iraniennes peuvent aUer jusqu’à terdiction américaine à l’Iran de vendre te-avions en face pour remonter à la sur­ 65 nœuds, une vitesse supérieure à ceUe son pétrole, Téhéran menace également face et tirer deux torpilles», explique des navires américains. L’Iran en a pro­ de bloquer le détroit d’Ormuz, l’un des notre analyste. Téhéran disposerait au duit de nombreuses, permettant la passages maritimes les plus stratégiques total d’une quinzaine de sous-marins constitution de meutes, armées de lan­ à l’échelle mondiale. Bref, chaque camp (de type Kilo et Ghadir), capables de ce-roquettes et de missiles de dernière se tient prêt. mettre à l’eau entre 8 et 24 mines par génération. « Des dizaines de vedettes Dans les eaux du Golfe, la République sortie, et un plus large de classe Nahang. suicides sont capables de mettre à mal les islamique a mis au point une stratégie Un minage du détroit d’Ormuz en­ navires de guerre les plus puissamment navale basée sur la guerre asymétrique, traînerait un arrêt probable du trafic, les armés, mais non préparés à cette forme reposant surlaposede mines dans le dé - compagnies d’assurances maritimes re­ de guérilla », souligne un rapport du troit d’Ormuz, le harcèlement par des fusant alors de couvrir le risque. Sachant centre d’études supérieures de la Marine essaims de vedettes rapides de bâti­ que la neutralisation d'une mine prend française. ments américains et des tirs de missiles 200 fois plus de temps que son mouilla­ Les centaines de vedettes rapides sont antinavires terre-mer, prépositionnés ge, et même si les supertankers sont ca­ sur ses côtes. «En cas de conflit, nous également capables de mouiller entre pables de survivre à l’explosion d’une serons partout et nulle part pour pouvoir deux et six mines. Destinées à entraver la mine, le déminage du détroit serait long atteindre nos ennemis», avertit le circulation dans le détroit d’Ormuz, les et périlleux. Car les Marines étrangères contre-amiral AU Fadavi, ancien chef de mines sont le deuxième élément de la s’exposeraient aux missiles tirés depuis la marine des gardiens de la révolution. guérilla maritime iranienne. Leur pose les côtes iraniennes. Les stratèges ira­ Le but est clair : « saturer l’espace » pour doit être rapide et discrète dans les pas­ niens ont compris que les lanceurs de compUquer la tâche des systèmes de dé­ sages les plus étroits du détroit. Outre missiles installés sur leurs bateaux de fense américains. des reconstitutions de stocks provenant guerre ne pèseraient pas lourd face à « U n’y a qu’un chenal en eaux profon­ de Russie, de Chine et de Corée du Nord, leurs ennemis. Ils ont donc opté pour un des dans le Golfe pour faire passer les na­ l’Iran a créé sa propre industrie - mines déploiement sur leurs côtes, jalonnées

16 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

de criques où les gardiens de la révolu­ tion disposent de nombreuses aires de transit, de batteries de missiles antina­ 0 Téhéran Syrie vires, dont le C-802, modèle subsonique © IRAN évoluant au ras des vagues et d’une por­ Irak Afghanistan tée de 120 kilomètres. Golfe Détroit Bref, « si les autorités iraniennes sont © Persique d'Ormuz Koweït © ®© conscientes qu’elles ne peuvent pas af­ fronter militairement une puissance com­ Bahreïn @ me les États-Unis, selon le rapport de la (,) © Marine française, leur but est de convain - Riyad s Qatar © Émirats arabes unis cre l’adversaire que le prix à payer pour ARABIE remporter la victoire est disproportionné y Oman au regard des dommages qui lui seront infligés ». C’est bien pourquoi ces dernières an­ Base navale nées, tout en se regardant en chiens de V'flotte iranienne américaine faïence, Marines américaine et iranien­ Présence ne se respectaient. «Les harcèlements O américaine par l’Iran avaient diminué», selon l’ana­ 500 km Djibouti (© Infographie LE FIGARO lyste, « les lignes rouges étaient connues de part et d’autre, mais aujourd’hui, on YouTube, des soldats débarquent sur les n’est pas à l’abri d’un dérapage». En cas de conflit, nous côtes iraniennes et des chars saoudiens Washington est poussé par ses alliés défilent sur la célèbre place Azadi de saoudien et émirien. «Riyad et Abu serons partout et nulle Téhéran sous les clameurs d’iraniens, Dhabi parient sur un dérapage, ajoute-t- part pour pouvoir atteindre heureux d’agiter des fanions saoudiens. 11, ils savent qu’ils doivent aller vite face à nos ennemis On voit même le général Qassem l’Iran, ils n’ont qu’un an environ, d’ici à LE CONTRE-AMIRAL ALI FADAVI Soleimani, l’ennemi juré d’Israël et de l’élection présidentielle américaine ». ses alliés sunnites du Golfe, se rendre Soutenu à bout de bras par Donald «Des généraux saoudiens nous ont dans son bunker ! Scénario plus Trump, le jeune prince héritier saoudien parlé de ce plan, confie le militaire fran­ qu’improbable. Certes, « mais avec Mohammed Ben Salman a demandé à çais. MBS leur a réclamé une doctrine Trump, les faucons John Bolton, MBS, ses généraux de lui préparer un plan amphibie. L’Arabie nous a demandé des Mohammed Ben Zayed des Émirats et pour envahir l’Iran, révèle au Figaro une embarcations pour débarquer sur les cô­ l’Israélien Benyamin Nétanyahou, il y a un source militaire française. « Oui, c’est tes iraniennes. Je leur ai répondu : “mais dangereux alignement des planètes. Je vrai», confirme l’analyste qui rappelle vous êtes sérieux ? Vous avez en face des n’ai jamais vu autant de dirigeants du le jeu vidéo, non-officiel bien sûr mais centaines de milliers de gars qui savent Moyen-Orient aussi anti-iraniens». diffusé sur un média saoudien, d’une faire la guerre”. » Malgré les dangers d’un tel dérapage, le telle invasion. Sur le jeu vidéo, disponible sur pire n’est pas à exclure. ■

/HT Syrie: les Kurdes refusent les accords de "réconciliation" du régime Beyrouth, 3 mai 2019 (AFP) avoir accepté les termes de ces accords, selon l'Observatoire syrien des droits de l'Homme (OSDH) et des militants. LES FORCES DÉMOCRATIQUES SYRIENNES (FDS), dominées par Soutenu par la Russie et l'Iran, le régime syrien a enchainé les victoires des combattants kurdes, se sont dit prêtes vendredi à dialoguer avec contre rebelles et jihadistes ces dernières années et contrôle aujourd'hui le régime syrien, mais ont rejeté les accords dits de "réconciliation" près des deux tiers du pays. généralement imposés par ce dernier. Les zones contrôlés par les Kurdes s'étendent sur environ un tiers de la A la faveur de la guerre qui a éclaté en 2011, les Kurdes de Syrie, une mino­ Syrie. Les FDS ont été le fer de lance de la lutte contre le groupe jihadiste rité ethnique représentant 15% de la population, ont établi une administra­ Etat islamique (El) dans le nord et l'est de la Syrie avec l'aide des Etats- tion autonome sur de vastes territoires dans le nord et le nord-est du pays. Unis. Cette autonomie n’est pas reconnue par le régime syrien. Le 23 mars, elles ont proclamé l'éradication de ce qui fut le "califat" autopro­ "Nous n’accepterons en aucun cas un retour à l'avant-2011", a martelé ven­ clamé par l'EI en s'emparant du dernier réduit des jihadistes à Baghouz, dredi Mazloum Kobani, le chef des FDS, lors d'une conférence organisée à dans l'est de la Syrie. Ain Issa, une ville du nord de la Syrie sous contrôle kurde. Le chef des FDS a affirmé être prêt pour "un dialogue avec le régime syrien" "Il n'est pas possible de régler les problèmes existants et les grands défis afin de parvenir à une "solution globale" en Syrie. de la région (...) par le biais des (accords de) réconciliations", a-t-il ajouté. "Aucun règlement réel" ne peut émerger "sans une reconnaissance totale Ces derniers mois, le président syrien Bachar al-Assad a fait part de sa et constitutionnelle des droits du peuple kurde" et de la légitimité de "l'admi­ volonté de reconquérir les zones kurdes, par "la force" ou à travers des nistration autonome", a-t-il toutefois défendu. accords dits de "réconciliation". Dans le passé, son régime a imposé ces accords dans des zones contrô­ Les Kurdes, qui ont maintenu tout au long du conflit une position neutre lées par les rebelles à l'issue de sièges et de campagnes de bombarde­ envers le régime et les rebelles, ont entamé l'été dernier des négociations ments intensifs. avec Damas concernant l'avenir de leur autonomie mais aucun accord n'a Ils prévoyaient notamment une évacuation des combattants et des civils été trouvé à ce jour. réfractaires à l'autorité du régime et le redéploiement des institutions de Déclenchée en 2011, la guerre en Syrie n'a eu de cesse de se complexifier l'Etat dans les zones reconquises. au fil des ans, impliquant plusieurs acteurs régionaux et internationaux. Le Des analystes et ONG ont comparé ces accords à des capitulations, tandis conflit a fait en huit ans plus de 370.000 morts et déplacé plusieurs millions que des opposants au régime d'Assad les ont qualifié de "déplacements for­ de personnes. • cés". Certaines personnes restées sur place auraient en outre été arrêtées après

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

VENDREDI 10 MAI 2019 L’alliance russo-syrienne à la reconquête d’Idlib Les attaques contre l’ultime bastion rebelle ont fait des dizaines de morts

BEYROUTH, ISTANBUL - nes de milliers de Syriens à cher­ de simples «représailles» à des correspondants cher refuge sur son territoire, où violations de l’accord de démilita­ vivent déjà 3,5 millions de resca­ risation de septembre 2018. Cet a machine de guerre syro- pés de la guerre civile. arrangement devait garantir l’ar­ russe s’est remise en « Si les combats se propagent à la rêt des hostilités, en séparant branle dans la région totalité de la région d’Idlib, beau­ les belligérants de part et d’autre d’Idlib. Cette poche coup de Syriens voudront se met­ d’une zone démilitarisée de du nord-ouest de la Syrie, qui est tre à l'abri de l’autre côté de la fron­ quinze à vingt kilomètres de Ll’ultime bastion de l’insurrection tière, moi le premier», confie sur large. Le répit ainsi obtenu devait contre le régime de Bachar Al-As- WhatsApp Abu Omar, un résident aider la Turquie à neutraliser sad, est soumise depuis le 30 avril du nord de la province. «La Tur­ Hayat Tahrir Al-Cham, considéré à de violents bombardements. quie ne veut pas de ce scénario, par la communauté internatio­ Ces attaques, qui ont déjà fait souligne un diplomate occidental nale comme un groupe terroriste, des dizaines de morts, et déplacé en poste à Damas. Elle Ta fait com­ en l'obligeant à se dissoudre dans 150 000 personnes, sont les plus pagne d’Idlib sera plus ardue que prendre à la Russie, qui s’efforce la rébellion. meurtrières depuis l’accord de ces batailles-là. La région compte de modérer les ardeurs du régime. Mais la poursuite des bombarde­ démilitarisation russo-turc de de 30000 à 50000 combattants Le Kremlin est obligé de tenir ments du régime et l'inflexibilité septembre 2018. Ce compromis anti-Assad, dont une grande par­ compte des réserves turques s’il ne de HTC, qui a écrasé en janvier un avait suspendu l’opération de tie pourrait être prête à se battre veut pas que le processus d’Astana groupe rebelle rival, ont torpillé ce reconquête à laquelle la zone jusqu’au bout, par fanatisme reli­ s’effondre», ajoute cette source en plan. «Le régime considère que la d’Idlib, peuplée de 3 millions de gieux, ou parce qu’elle se trouve référence au mécanisme de dé­ Turquie a échoué à mettre au pas personnes et contrôlée par le dos au mur. Idlib étant la dernière sescalade, lancé en 2017, sous les groupes rebelles. Les bombarde­ groupe djihadiste Hayat Tahrir Al- possession de la rébellion, où une l’égide de Moscou et dÂnkara. ments constituent une punition, on Cham (HTC), semblait promise. partie des vaincus d’Alep, de la n’est pas en présence d’une opéra­ Les frappes de l’armée régulière Ghouta et de Deraa ont été trans­ Matériel russe tion de reconquête totale», estime et de son allié russe, qui raniment férés, les insurgés n’auront pas L’approche de la livraison à le diplomate. « [Damas] ne dispose la peur d’une offensive générali­ d’autre choix que de se battre ou Ankara du système de défense an­ pas de la main-d’œuvre suffisante sée, se concentrent pour l’instant de se rendre. « Reprendre Idlib sera tiaérien russe S-4.00, prévue en pour une offensive généralisée, pré­ sur la partie sud du bastion re­ tout sauf un pique-nique», assure juillet, pourrait aussi inciter le tend Nawar Oliver. Il lui faudrait belle. En plus de pilonner les posi­ Nawar Oliver, un analyste proche président Vladimir Poutine à mé­ mobiliser de nombreuses milices tions de ses adversaires, le camp de l’opposition. nager son homologue turc. Recep pro-iraniennes, qui n’ont pas les fa­ progouvernemental, fidèle à sa L’une des inconnues de cette Tayyip Erdogan. Moscou n’a veurs de la Russie. » méthode, cible les infrastructures nouvelle confrontation réside guère d’intérêt à perturber l’arri­ Damas, aux dires de certains civiles. Selon les Nations unies dans l’attitude de la Turquie. An­ vage de ce matériel qui promet analystes, chercherait avant tout (ONU), en l’espace de dix jours, kara n’a toujours pas réagi à l’esca­ d’achever de mettre la relation à reprendre le contrôle des deux douze installations médicales lade en cours, alors même que l’un américano-turque par terre. Le autoroutes qui traversent cette ré­ et neuf écoles ont été touchées des douze postes d’observation 27 avril, Vladimir Poutine avait gion: Damas-Alep et Lattaquié- par des raids aériens et des tirs mis en place par son armée dans la déclaré qu’il n’excluait pas un as­ Alep. Cet objectif pourrait être at­ d’artillerie. Cette tactique a région d’Idlib a été touché, samedi, saut massif sur Idlib mais que, teint sans toucher au cœur du ter­ contribué à la victoire des forces par un obus loyaliste. Ce silence in­ pour le moment, Moscou et ritoire de HTC, situé plus au nord, loyalistes à Alep-Est, reprise quiète les opposants syriens, qui Damas considéraient «qu’un tel où les personnes déplacées par les aux rebelles en décembre 2016, et redoutent une réédition du scéna­ développement [était] inenvisa­ combats pourraient se réfugier, dans la Ghouta, la banlieue de Da­ rio dÂlep-Est, où leur lâchage par geable, avant tout pour des rai­ épargnant ainsi la Turquie. mas, regagnée en avril 2018. Ankara - en échange du consente­ sons humanitaires ». Mais Bachar Al-Assad, qui a tou­ ment de Moscou à une attaque Si des sites d’information pro­ jours affirmé vouloir récupérer Milices kurdes du nord turque contre les milices kurdes régime, comme Al-Masdar, assu­ l’intégralité du territoire syrien, Les assaillants ont aussi com­ du nord de la Syrie - avait facilité la rent que la bataille finale est lan­ pourrait-il se satisfaire d’une de- mencé à avancer au sol. L’offen­ tâche du régime. « C’est ce qui va se cée, le gouvernement syrien parle mi-offensive ? «Non, l’objectif sive est menée par les unités passer, croit savoir Taleb Ibrahim, c’est de reprendre tout Idlib, clame d’élite du régime, comme la IVe di­ un analyste prorégime. La Turquie Taleb Ibrahim. Avec la coopéra­ vision blindée et les forces du Ti­ va faciliter le retour du gouverne­ L’une des inconnues tion discrète de la Turquie, les com­ gre, avec le concours de milices ment à Idlib, en échange de l’aide de la confrontation bats seront moins compliqués pro-Assad locales, et le soutien [syrienne] pour bloquer les Kurdes qu’on ne le dit. L’opération pourrait aérien de la Russie : un cocktail de dans le nord-est de la Syrie. » réside dans êtreterminéeà la fin juillet. Ce n’est forces déjà à l’œuvre, là encore, à Mais Ankara doit aussi compo­ l’attitude plus qu’une question de temps. » ■ Alep-Est et dans la Ghouta. Des ser avec le risque qu’une attaque BENJAMIN BARTHE observateurs jugent que la cam­ d’envergure ne pousse des centai­ de la Turquie ET MARIE JÉGO

18 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti IACROIX 10 mai 2019

Turquie En Syrie, une nouvelle Alep O Ç QRakka escalade militaire à Idlib Gouvernorat d’Idlib Sur l’autoroute qui relie Liban SYRIE Irak Damas à Alep, des Syriens ■Damas fuient les attaques aériennes Israël dans la région d’Idlib, le 9 mai. Anas Al-Dyab/AFP 50 km Jordanie

©I vf ROIX __ Depuis le 1er mai, « Le régime semble le dernier grand bastion contrôlé par les djihadistes vouloir mettre dans le nord-ouest la région d’Alep du pays est la cible d’une violente offensive hors de portée de l’armée syrienne, des attaques épaulée par la Russie. de Hayat Tahrir __ Alors que les frappes ne cessent de s’intensifier, Al-Cham. » plus de 152 000 civils trophique », poursuit-il. Selon lui, ont quitté leurs foyers pour mons (...) des attaques aériennes tensions relativement contenues, la reprise d’Idlib « n’est pas prio­ fuir les bombardements. sur des centres de population et Damas a repris, depuis février, le ritaire aujourd’hui dans l’agenda des infrastructures civiles, qui ont pilonnage de la région. La perspective d’un bain de de Damas », qui concentrerait fait des centaines de morts et de « Je ne pense pas qu’il s’agisse sang, tant redoutée à la rentrée davantage son attention sur blessés parmi les civils. » de la fameuse bataille, prédite 2018, est-elle en train de se redes­ les enjeux politiques et énergé­ Ces derniers affrontements depuis tant de temps, qui entéri­ siner? Depuis le 1er mai, les forces tiques dans les régions kurdes du comptent parmi les plus meur­ nerait la reprise en un seul bloc militaires syriennes, appuyées nord-est du pays. « Ces attaques triers depuis que Moscou et de la province d’Idlib. Le régime sur le terrain par Moscou, ont ont aussi pu marquer un tour de Ankara, parrain de certains semble plutôt vouloir mettre la mené plusieurs raids aériens et groupes rebelles, ont signé en région d’Alep - et plus spécifique­ chauffe pour tester la réaction des tirs d’artillerie dans la province septembre 2018 l’accord dit de ment la ville d’Alep - hors de por­ Occidentaux », conclut-il. d’Idlib, ultime bastion djihadiste Sotchi, entérinant la mise en tée des attaques de Hayat Tahrir Ruines d’hôpitaux, files de dans le Nord-Ouest syrien. Une œuvre d’une « zone démilitari­ Al-Cham, qui se sont accrues ces voitures fuyant les débris, dé­ nouvelle escalade militaire qui dernières semaines », décrypte le part à la hâte de certains Syriens fragilise l’accord de cessez-le- sée » à l’ourlet de la province. En géopolitologue Frédéric Pichon, à même leurs tracteurs... Sur les feu entériné neuf mois plus tôt empêchant le lancement d’une auteur de Syrie, une guerre pour réseaux sociaux, les images des dans la région, et qui pousse des offensive d’envergure du régime rien (1). bombardements circulent en dizaines de milliers d’habitants à sur Idlib, cette initiative, censée « Il s’agirait de redonner un boucle. Ayant afflué pour la plu­ quitter leur foyer. garantir un arrêt des hostilités, peu d’oxygène sécuritaire à Alep, part d’autres bastions rebelles re­ D’après les derniers bilans, au devait permettre de séparer géo­ alors que ses axes autoroutiers ne conquis par le régime, l’écrasante moins 53 combattants auraient graphiquement les territoires in­ sont pas sécurisés et que les chefs majorité des trois millions d’ha­ été tués, mardi 7 mai, dans les surgés des zones gouvernemen­ de guerre y organisent la pénurie, bitants de la région vit ici grâce à tales. Mais après des mois de sanglants affrontements qui op­ dans un climat économique catas­ l’aide humanitaire. posent les troupes loyalistes aux « L’aide ne peut plus arriver djihadistes officiant sous la ban­ jusqu’à Idlib, s’alarme toutefois un nière de Hayat Tahrir Al-Cham ancien traducteur - contacté par - l’ancienne branche syrienne La Croix - de la Free Idlib Police, d’Al-Qaida. Selon l’Observatoire une organisation civile qui assu­ syrien des droits de l’homme, Réunion en urgence rait un service sécuritaire dans près de 90 civils auraient perdu l’enclave avant de suspendre ses la vie ces neuf derniers jours. du Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU patrouilles, en janvier. La situa­ Impuissante devant les mou­ tion pour les civils n’est pas sûre du vements massifs de population, tout, mais nous nous débrouillons la communauté internationale Une réunion d’urgence du Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU sur la comme nous pouvons pour nous retient son souffle. « Rien que situation - notamment humanitaire - de la province syrienne protéger. » « Beaucoup de gens sont pour la semaine dernière, plus d’Idlib se tiendra à huis clos, ce vendredi 10 mai. Selon plusieurs partis se réfugier dans les villages de 152 000 femmes, enfants et diplomates, la Belgique, l’Allemagne et le Koweït en seraient à proches de la frontière turque, hommes ont été déplacés, déplo­ l’origine. Alors que le secrétaire général de l’organisation, Anto­ poursuit-il. Mais cette attaque rait, toujours le 7 mai, David nio Guterres, avait exhorté, lundi 6 mai, les belligérants à proté­ ne devrait pas s’éterniser, parce Swanson, un porte-parole du ger les civils en réclamant une « désescalade urgente », la cheffe qu’elle n’est d’aucune utilité... » bureau de la coordination des af­ de la diplomatie européenne, Federica Mogherini, a regretté Malo Tresca faires humanitaires des Nations deux jours plus tard « une violation inacceptable du droit inter­ unies (Ocha). Nous nous alar- national » avec ces frappes ciblant des écoles ou des hôpitaux. (1) Éditions du Cerf, 2017,192p., 16 €.

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

May 7, 2019 Kurdish party reiterates support for Turkey opposition in re-do Istanbul elections

Rawa Barwari / May 07-2019 kurdistan24.net

ERBIL I Turkey’s Pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Co-chair Sezai Temelli on Tuesday vowed to preserve its earlier stance: to support the Turkish opposition in the country’s largest city and economic powerhouse Istanbul where authorities ordered a re-do of the March local elections which saw President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s candidate lose. “We laid out a strategy for March 31. We did this to open up the path for the peace Turkey is longing for. Tomorrow, we will do what we did yesterday,” Temelli said in a speech to a weekly parliamentary convention of his party in Ankara. Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Board (YSK) on Monday controversially ruled in favor of an objection by Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) on the grounds of irregularities in a tight race which the People’s Republic Party (CHP)-led opposition’s Ekrem Imamoglu won by a margin of 13,000 votes Turkey's pro-Kurdish opposition HDP Co-chair Sezai Temelli where 10,560,000 were eligible to vote. (left); CHP's Istanbul candidate who won the March 31 elections YSK ordered that Istanbul elections be held again on June 23 and revoked and Mayor of Istanbul until May 6 Ekrem Imamoglu. Imamoglu’s mayoral certificate prompting Erdogan’s Interior Ministry to (Photo: Kurdistan 24/Reuters) appoint the unelected governor run municipal affairs. The strategy Temelli referred to was summarized by him in the run-up to Despite his imprisonment for over two decades, the PKK continues to the March 31 nationwide local elections as “winning in Kurdistan and making revere Ocalan as an undisputed leader while a significant portion of HDP’s elec­ [AKP] lose in the West [Turkey].” toral base regards him in high regard as Ankara and its western allies label him As such, the HDP did not field candidates in cities west of Turkey with siza­ and the armed group he founded in 1974 as a “terror group.” ble Kurdish populations, namely Istanbul where the party has over one million Messages relayed by Ocalan, although unrelated to the elections, seemed votes, the capital Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Mersin, and Antalya, helping the CHP to have a conciliatory tone toward Ankara, urging the US-backed Syrian swing victory in all of them as part of an uneasy de facto alliance—given the Democratic Forces (SDF), that espouses self-rule in northern Syria after defea­ latter’s history with the Kurds. ting the Islamic State, “to take Turkey’s sensitivities into account.” In a bid to consolidate religious and nationalist voters during the elections Erdogan claims the SDF is a branch of the PKK and has threatened to campaign, Erdogan repeatedly urged Turkish voters to take notice of Temelli’s invade Syrian Kurdistan. use of the name “Kurdistan,” said there was no such place in Turkey, and that HDP’s Co-chair noted that the Turkish opposition - which he supported - anyone who wished to live in Kurdistan should leave for “Northern Iraq.” remained silent when Erdogan appointed unelected officials to run over 100 Rumors in media and political circles abounded immediately after the YSK Kurdish towns and cities by dismissing and imprisoning elected mayors or announced its decision that the HDP might have struck a secret deal to with­ when the YSK last month ordered AKP runners-up to become mayors instead draw its de facto backing of the CHP because only days before, the Turkish of winning HDP candidates in at least seven population centers. government allowed the jailed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader, “You should raise your voice against the mindset and continuing state of Abdullah Ocalan, to meet his lawyers for the first time since 2011. emergency,” Temelli said. “Let’s hit back on Fascism together.” ♦

U CNRC May 7, 2019 Turkish lira hits lowest point this year as new election jolts investors

Natasha Turak / May 7 2019 the commercial hub in municipal elections last Turkey's municipal elections saw opposition https://www.cnbc.com March. candidate Ekrem Imamoglu beat the mayoral The lira plummeted to as low as 6.1944 to the candidate from President Recep Erdogan's rul­ ing AK Party — which had held Istanbul for the • The lira plummeted to as low as 6.1944 to dollar during Tuesday morning trade as past 25 years — by 14,000 votes, according to the dollar during Tuesday morning trade. spooked investors fled what many have described as a market too vulnerable to political the nation's High Election Board. • The ruling AK Party, which narrowly lost in intervention and suffering from weak foreign The AK Party alleged irregularities in the vote Istanbul on March 31, won its appeal for a new currency reserves, a wide current account count for the city of more than 10 million voters, election on Monday. deficit and rising tensions with the U.S. A new ultimately winning its appeal for a new election. election is scheduled for June 23. Former Prime Minister Binali Yildirim will again • Former Prime Minister Binali Yildirim will run as the AK Party's candidate for mayor. again run as the AK Party's candidate for mayor "Foreign investors will be once again concerned about heightened political instability, triggering Ousted mayor Imamoglu of the Republican on June 23 against opposition candidate Ekrem capital flights to perceived safe havens. This People's Party (CHP), who took up the seat on Imamoglu. situation will also renew concerns regarding the April 17, will also re-run for the position. CHP The Turkish lira hit a seven-month low on independence and credibility of Turkey's institu­ leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu said he believed Tuesday after the country announced a fresh tions," Agathe Demarais, global forecasting Imamoglu would win again, accusing the elec­ election for the city of Istanbul on the demands director at the Economist Intelligence Unit, told tion board on Tuesday of "destroying laws, the of Turkey's ruling AK Party, which narrowly lost CNBC on Tuesday. judiciary and justice." «■

20 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti ns- “The market really was not expecting this — I as much as 40% of its value against the dollar MARKET WAS 'REALLY NOT EXPECTING THIS' think the view was surely Erdogan would not last year as Turkey fell into recession. want to take such a huge risk at a time when Rumors of renewed lira depreciation ahead of The elections being re-run delays plans to Turkish markets and the economy are so frag­ reform the economy by at least two months, the election board’s announcement has also ile," Timothy Ash, senior emerging markets prompted many in the country to buy foreign said Edward Parker, a managing director at Fitch strategist at Bluebay Asset Management said in Ratings who focuses on Turkey. currencies, putting further pressure on the lira, a research note Tuesday. Demarais said. The embattled currency has "We have another nearly two months of extra been hurt by government intervention into cen­ “Well, he proved that wrong." uncertainty," he was quoted as telling Reuters. tral bank policy, analysts say, which has largely The currency, which has been ranked the worst­ He added that Fitch's rating of BB for Turkey, held back on tightening interest rates despite performing in emerging markets for several which was downgraded last July amid the the official inflation rate at more than 19%. consecutive weeks, went from trading at 5.9642 country's economic turmoil, could fall further if Erdogan has blamed the fallout on "economic to the greenback at the close of last week to existing weaknesses and volatility intensify.* sabotage" by outside actors. 6.1414 at 12:30 p.m. London time. The lira lost

:REUTERS| Explainer: Why the war in Syria’s Idlih escalated again A general view of the refugee camp near Atimah village, Idlib May 9, 2019 / BEIRUT (Reuters) - province, Syria, September 11,2018. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi/File Photo/File Photo

A Russian-backed Syrian government offensive in the rebel-held Russia’s motives in the northwest include securing its Latakia air base from northwest has killed dozens of people and forced more than rebel attacks. 150,000 to flee, the biggest escalation in the war between President Bashar al-Assad and his enemies since last summer. WHAT IS THE CIVILIAN IMPACT? Government barrel-bombing and Russian air strikes have been accompa­ The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says nied by limited ground assaults, straining a Russian-Turkish deal that more than 152,000 people fled between April 29 and May 5, doubling the spared the region from an offensive in September and generating new con­ number of displaced in the northwest since February. cerns for its 3 million people. Air strikes have struck 12 health facilities, killed more than 80 civilians and WHO CONTROLS IDLIB? wounded more than 300, OCHA said. Shelling, air strikes and fighting in more than 50 villages have destroyed at least 10 schools and teaching is The northwest - Idlib province and a belt of territory around it - is mostly suspended. held by the jihadist Tahrir al-Sham, the latest incarnation of the former Nusra Front, which was part of al Qaeda until 2016. The U.N. regional humanitarian coordinator has said the barrel bombing is the worst for at least 15 months. Barrel bombs are containers filled with The group tightened its grip earlier this year in a campaign against other explosives dropped from helicopters. rebels. Some of these still have a presence as part of the “National Front for Liberation”, backed by Turkey. COULD TURKEY BE DRAWN IN? Foreign jihadists have a significant presence, many of them members of the Turkey’s response to the latest escalation has been muted, even when Huras al-Din group. shelling from government-held territory struck a Turkish military position on Saturday. The Turkish military has established about a dozen military positions in the area under its agreements with Russia. Turkey has recently focused on rolling back Kurdish militia in other parts of northern Syria, notably the area near Tel Rifaat north of Aleppo. Turkey WHY HAS THE CONFLICT ESCALATED AGAIN? and Russia are in talks over the status of this area. The Russian-Turkish deal created a demilitarized zone from which Turkey, Russia and Iran reaffirmed their commitment to the September jihadists were required to withdraw, effectively putting the onus on Turkey agreement on the eve of the latest escalation. to tackle the problem while leaving the northwest within a sphere of Turkish influence. In a joint statement after an April 25-26 meeting, they expressed concern about Tahrir al-Sham’s efforts to increase its control and “reaffirmed the But Russia’s patience has been wearing thin over what it views as Turkey’s determination to continue cooperation” to eliminate jihadists including the failure to curb Tahrir al-Sham. Damascus, determined to recover “every Nusra Front. inch” of Syria, has also publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the status quo. Turkey’s concerns would grow if the attack widened to the point of threat­ ening another major influx of Syrian refugees. It already hosts 3.6 million. The government accuses the Nusra Front of igniting the violence through attacks on its areas. The rebels accuse the government and “Russian occu­ HOW DO THE FORCES STACK UP? piers” of trying to invade. The Syrian army can draw on the overwhelming fire power provided by the WHERE IS THE ATTACK FOCUSED, WHAT ARE ITS AIMS? Russian air force and Iran-backed militias that have enabled it to defeat rebels across western Syria. The rebels do not have significant anti-aircraft Most of the bombardment has been in the southern part of the rebel terri­ defenses. tory including areas in the demilitarized zone. Tahrir al-Sham has said it will confront any ground assault by “the Russian The full scope of the attack is not yet clear, though Russian President occupiers” with “steel and fire”. The rebel arsenal includes guided anti- Vladimir Putin recently said a full-scale assault in Idlib was unpractical for armor missiles, ground-to-ground rockets and jihadist suicide bombers. now. In a video address this week, a Tahrir al-Sham spokesman said that rebels Rebel sources believe the government’s aim is to seize two highways to driven from other parts of Syria - Ghouta, Deraa and Homs - stood ready Aleppo that run to the south of Idlib city through rebel-held areas. Russia to defend the territory. • and Turkey had previously agreed these roads should be opened.

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

IAL-MONITSRI MAY 8, 2019 Intel: How new presidency will affect power dynamics in Iraqi Kurdistan

Al-Monitor Staff / May 8, 2019 www.al-monitor.com

awmakers in the Iraqi Kurdistan Parliament formally reactivated the Loffice of the presidency today in a session presided over by the body's first female speaker, Vala Farid. The position was frozen when Massoud Barzani stepped aside after the 2017 independence referendum. The ple­ biscite had been fiercely opposed by Baghdad, as well as by Iran, Turkey and the United States, setting the stage for Iraqi military action and the loss of Kurdish control of Kirkuk and other contested territories. Barzani’s nephew and son-in-law, Nechirvan Barzani, has since held the fort as prime minister. Why it matters: On a practical level, the move is critical for the long- delayed formation of a government in the wake of parliamentary elections held in September. The parliament agreed today that it — not the public — will elect the next president. Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani Barzani had been directly elected following a prior change via legislation. speaks during a news conference after casting his vote during par­ The main opposition Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and especially liamentary elections in the semi-autonomous region in Erbil, Iraq, Gorran had vehemently opposed the shift, saying it would give Barzani, the Sept. 30, 2018. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani presumptive winner, too much power. It remains unclear whether the president or the prime minister will now hold president is said to be fighting to retain influence over the dossier by keep­ the reins. Bilal Wahab, a Wagner Fellow at the Washington Institute for ing his long-time ally and energy minister Ashti Hawrami in place. His Near East Policy, spoke to Al-Monitor about the vacuum created by the lack cousin Masrour, however, is bent on bringing in fresh blood. A notable of a constitution in Iraqi Kurdistan. “[It] means that after each election, the exception is Safeen Dizayee, the British-educated government spokesman system has to be customized to properly reflect the power landscape,” who hails from the influential Dizayee clan and is widely seen as a shoo-in Wahab said. for foreign minister. Barzani or Barzani? It’s a foregone conclusion that Nechirvan will be The PUK and Gorran are angling for plum posts, including finance. Deputy elected president because his uncle's Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Prime Minister Qubad Talabany of the PUK will stay on. The new cabinet stitched that up in a deal with the PUK and Gorran whereby each party will is unlikely to be announced before the end of Ramadan, the month of fast­ fill a deputy president slot in exchange. Masrour Barzani, the current intel­ ing. ligence chief and Massoud's son, will get the premiership, all part of a suc­ What’s next? As spy chief, Masrour Barzani has mostly operated in the cession plan devised by the patriarch. The burning question is which of the shadows, surrounded by loyalists. Now he will need to master the art of cousins will ultimately prevail — Nechirvan or Masrour? dealmaking and consensus building, and for this he will need his cousin Oil and guns: The Parliament also decided that the president will retain Nechirvan's help. Survival of the Barzani family has always trumped per­ the powers enjoyed by Massoud Barzani. This suggests that the president sonal rivalries, so don't expect any Borgia-style backstabbing. More likely, will remain commander in chief of the peshmerga, a key pillar of influence. squabbles with the PUK and Gorran will continue to hinder Iraqi Kurdistan’s Energy is the main source of income and patronage in Iraqi Kurdistan. path to clean government and stability and maintaining a common front Nechirvan Barzani developed the sector from scratch, inking massive toward Baghdad. ♦ deals with global oil majors and more recently with Russia. The soon-to-be -Amberin Zaman

zILrKlUt May 8,2019 Arabs Protest Against Kurdish Rule In Oil-Rich Syrian Region By Tsvetana Paraskova - May 08, 2019, Deir Ezzor https://oilprice.com

Arab residents of the oil-rich Deir Ezzor area in Syria have been pro­ testing for weeks against the U.S.-backed Kurdish forces that control the region east of the Euphrates river, with protests becoming violent in recent days and angry protesters disrupting convoys of truckloads of oil from the nearby fields. The protests, which started at the end of April, call for the end of the Kurdish rule in the area—which the Arabs say is an “occupation”—and the Kurdish forces and militias to stop selling the oil from the area and stop rob­ bing the Arab population of its oil. have been in control of the oil-rich province since then. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the United States The Arab residents in the area, however, want the Kurdish forces to expelled Islamic State from the Deir Ezzor area at the end of 2017, and stop selling the oil pumped from Deir Ezzor to the Syrian government, among other things. Arabs in eastern Syria also want end of ■»

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

■* discrimination in leadership positions and the end of compulsory The Tanak field, which hosts around 150 wells and the capacity to pro­ conscription of young men from the area. duce up to 40,000 bpd, was captured from the Islamist militants by the SDF According to tribal leaders and residents who spoke to Reuters, the in November of 2017, following fierce clashes with ISIS on the eastern Arab resentment toward the Kurdish forces has grown in recent weeks. bank of the Euphrates river. Risks of a more violent confrontation are growing and SDF’s response Less than a month before recapturing the Tanak oil field, SDF had to the Arab demands could determine if the situation will escalate, analysts wrested control over the al-Omar oil field in eastern Syria from the Islamic tell Reuters. State. Al-Omar is Syria’s largest oil field, producing around 30,000 bpd before the civil war. After 2011, however, Al-Omar had fallen into the hands In August 2018, the second-largest oil field in Syria, the Tanak field in of Islamic State, which was at one point making US$5.1 million in monthly the Deir Ezzor region, resumed operations nearly a year after U.S.-backed oil sale revenues on the black market. • predominantly Kurdish forces recaptured the field from ISIS.

MAY 9, 2019 Anti-Kurdish protests in eastern Syria could endanger U.S. plans

Bassem Mroue / BEIRUT / May 9, 2019 vowed to reassert control over Kurdish-held The protests took a turn for the worse on April The Associated Press areas in northern Syria. And Turkey, which con­ 24, when according to Deir el-Zour activists, the https://beta.theglobeandmail.com siders the force to be a terrorist organization, has U.S.-led coalition and SDF fighters stormed a also set its sights on the region. house in the village of Daman and killed six people, including two women and a child. They he U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces The SDF controls nearly a third of Syria, but said the raid targeted a man called Farhan al- took credit for defeating the Islamic State unlike the provinces of Raqqa and Hassakeh in T Sarhan, whom the SDF says is linked to IS, a group in its last stronghold in eastern Syria, the north that have large Kurdish populations, charge that activists deny. celebrating the victory in front of throngs of Deir el-Zour in the east is almost purely Arab, journalists at a ceremony in March following a leading to ethnic tensions between the local A day later, protests spread quickly to nearby bloody four-year war. population and the Kurdish force. villages and towns including Tayyaneh, Haseen, Mheimda, Husan, Shannan and Shheil. But the Kurdish-led force now faces protests by Two years after entering the province in their local Arab tribesmen in Deir el-Zour province push against IS, the SDF appears to have failed "No to Kurdish occupation," read one banner demanding better services, jobs and a bigger to win the hearts and minds in the region, which carried by protesters, according to images post­ role in decision-making in the predominantly suffers from a lack of services, rising crime, fuel ed on social media. shortages and anger over what they see as grow­ Arab, oil-rich and fertile region. Though limited "The pace of rehabilitation, economic develop­ to about a dozen villages for now, the demon­ ing Kurdish influence. ment and provision of essential services has not strations are a growing challenge to the U.S. and Although the SDF is a mixed force consisting of been sufficient to meet the basic needs of the its local partners at a time when President Kurds, Arabs and Christian fighters, its back­ population," Bassam Barabandi, a former Syrian Donald Trump plans to reduce America's mili­ bone is the Kurdish People's Protection Units, or diplomat now based in Washington, said of the tary presence in Syria. YPG. Some SDF officials see what's happening protests. "As a result, people are feeling very On Thursday, the Kurdish-led fighters opened in eastern Syria as riots backed by Assad's gov­ hopeless about their current situation and the fire at protesters in the village of Shheil, killing ernment with the aim of hurting the SDF and its future. Theydo not see the regime as an accept­ one person - the first fatality since the protests American backers. able alternative, and they are looking for the U.S. to act." began last month, according to Syrian state TV Until Thursday's fatal shooting, the over two and the DeirEzzor24 activist collective, which weeks of protests by the residents in more than everal meetings have been held over the past monitors developments in the province. a dozen towns and villages in Deir el-Zour have Sweeks between SDF officials and Arab digni­ The protest came after an overnight raid in the been mostly peaceful as the protesters closed taries from Deir el-Zour to try to ease the tension village by the U.S.-led coalition and the Kurdish major roads and burned tires to prevent SDF without success, according to Barabandi and force killed six people, according to DeirEzzor24 tanker trucks from taking crude to Kurdish-held Observatory. areas in the country's north. and the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for An Arab man from Deir el-Zour who took part Human Rights, a war monitoring group. The reas liberated from IS suffer fuel shortages in the talks, said that "the Kurds have been Observatory said two people, one of them an IS Aand IS sleeper cells are launching a guer­ refusing to make any concessions." He spoke on member, were arrested. rilla campaign to avenge their defeat two condition of anonymity out of concern for his An SDF official, who spoke on condition of months ago when the SDF captured the village safety. of Baghouz, marking the end of the extremists' anonymity because he was not authorized to He said the SDF is taking away most of the oil it speak to the media, said the protesters so far are self-declared caliphate. pumps in Deir el-Zour - about 60,000 barrels a a small percentage of Deir el-Zour residents. But Some of the protesters believe that Kurdish day - and leaves hardly anything behind. the demonstration benefit the Syrian govern­ fighters sell oil to Assad's loyalists amid severe ment, its Iranian backers and Turkey, and under­ Arab officials demanded, among other things, fuel shortages in government-held parts of the mine "our victory against Daesh," he said, using the release of SDF-held detainees, stopping the country, aggravated by U.S. sanctions on Syria an Arabic acronym for IS. flow of oil from the province, giving Deir el- and its main backer, Iran. Zour fighters within the SDF a bigger role, end­ everal rounds of talks between the SDF and Since SDF began capturing parts of Deir el-Zour ing compulsory conscription into the SDF and Slocal officials have so far failed to make pro­ in 2017, residents have expressed anger at what improving electricity and fuel services. gress, leading to concerns the protests could they say has been forced recruitment of Arab Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the transform into an all-out uprising against the residents into the SDF, as well as the detention Observatory, said chaos in eastern Syria is not a predominantly Kurdish force, founded in 2015 of many on suspicion of links to IS. good omen for the SDF. to fight IS and armed by the U.S. "People are fed up with the SDF," said Omar "The regime could be the biggest winner from IS sleeper cells have intensified attacks in recent Abu Laila, a Europe-based activist from Deir el- what is happening," he said. ■ weeks. Syrian President Bashar Assad's troops, Zour who runs a group that monitors develop­ based along the west bank of the Euphrates ments in the province. "They are robbing the River that cuts through Deir el-Zour, have wealth of the people in the region."

23 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti IALMONITORI MAY 10, 2019 US condemnation of Muslim Brotherhood would cost Turkey dearly If the Donald Trump administration brands the Muslim Brotherhood a terror organization to please its Gulf allies and Egypt, it will create a major headache for Turkey.

Turkish President Fehim Tastekin Recep Tayyip May 10, 2019 Erdogan attends www.al-monitor.com a news conference at the Huber S President Donald Trump's threat to brand the Muslim Brotherhood a Mansion in Istanbul, Turkey, foreign terrorist organization could pound the final nail into the coffin of U March 31, 2019. Turkey's desire to form a Muslim Brotherhood belt from Middle East to REUTERS/Mura North Africa. d Sezer It could also herald a new problem for Ankara: what to do about thousands of Muslim Brotherhood members who have taken refuge in the country in years past. Turkey's traditional strategy of maintaining distance from such Islamist Trump's announcement that he is considering a terrorist label for the Sunni movements. Islamist organization came after his April 9 meeting with Egyptian President When the Muslim Brotherhood came to power in Tunisia and Egypt at the Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The issue adds strain to already beleaguered US- outset of the Arab Spring, the AKP began scheming to bring the movement Turkey ties and is pressuring Ankara to make a decision about its Muslim to power in Syria and Libya as well. The Syrian Muslim Brotherhood, rec­ Brotherhood policy. ognized by more than 100 counties as legal representatives of the Syrian Turkey has aimed since 2011 to have Muslim Brotherhood regimes replace opposition, has been the most important element of the Syrian National the dictators deposed in the Arab Spring uprisings. Turkey's ruling Justice Council and Syrian National Coalition of Opposition and Revolutionaries. and Development Party (AKP) signed on to several adventurist foreign pol­ These efforts caused no discord with the United States or Turkey's other icy projects that first lost in Egypt, following the coup that overthrew the Western allies — not until the Islamic State gained strength in Syria. country's Muslim Brotherhood-linked president, Mohammed Morsi. However, the Gulf bloc led by Saudi Arabia sees the Brotherhood as an Then Turkey suffered similar blows in Syria, Libya, Iraq and Tunisia. The existential threat to its monarchy. latest addition to the list of deposed autocrats is President Omar al-Bashir Saudi Arabia and the UAE held Turkey and Gatar responsible for the of Sudan. Muslim Brotherhood's emergence as the leading power in Syria. Saudi If the Muslim Brotherhood is declared a terror organization, Turkey would Arabia and the UAE financed the coup in Egypt. Turkey, in response, wel­ be much affected. The extent of the problems Turkey would face depends comed thousands of fleeing Brotherhood members. on the scope of the bill the Trump administration might draft. The critical Although exact figures are not available, some 5,000 Muslim Brotherhood question is, will only the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood be added to the members are estimated to have gone to Turkey. These people engaged in blacklist, or all the organizations affiliated with it? counterpropaganda efforts against Egypt and Gulf states, establishing four Although the organization's generic name in Egypt and Syria is the Muslim TV channels in Turkey. When Qatar, under pressure from its neighbors, Brotherhood, the movement operates under different labels in other foreign expelled seven of the movement's leaders in 2014, Turkey again opened countries: al-Nahda in Tunisia, Islamic Action Front in Jordan, Hamas in its doors. Palestine, Iraqi Islamic Party in Iraq, Social Action for Peace in Algeria and ne should also keep in mind that US ties with the Muslim Brotherhood National Islamic Front in Sudan. The movement is known as Reform in also date back decades. It's no longer a secret that the Muslim Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Yemen and Somalia. Brotherhood had promised to fully comply with international agreements In many countries, political extensions of the Muslim Brotherhood are that Cairo is a party to even before Egypt's strongman Mubarak stepped either partners of the rulers or represented in the parliaments. Even in down in 2011. Yet, Trump's foreign policy indicates a major divergence Egypt under President Hosni Mubarak, despite all the efforts to root out the from Washington's traditional stances. Supporting the Saudi-Egypt axis movement, the Brotherhood was engaged in politics through independently against Iran is an important aspect of this new strategy. elected lawmakers and representatives in several other chambers and labor unions. So what can Turkey do if the United States condemns the Muslim Brotherhood? Can Turkey continue to be the "hope of the entire Islamic hus, applying the terrorist brand to such an expansive movement with world,” as Brotherhood spokesman Youssef Neda once said? No doubt Textensive influence over political and social life in many countries would Turkey will raise loud objections, but it will become much more difficult for not only unsettle Turkey, but have global ramifications. One should keep in Ankara to use the movement as a means of soft power. The Turkish gov­ mind that then-US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had warned in 2017 that ernment could opt to be pragmatic on the matter, which has already inflict­ such a move would totally upend US foreign relations. ed many losses to the country's foreign policy. Turkey's partnership with the Brotherhood began decades ago. During the As it is, Turkey has already lost a significant amount of its clout over the Cold War, several books written by Egyptian and Syrian Muslim Middle Eastern and North African peoples because of its support of the Brotherhood members were translated into Turkish in the 1960s to fight Muslim Brotherhood. It has offended various groups, including the Iraqi communism. In the 1970s, Turkey's spy agency had cooperated with the people by providing refuge to that country's Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated CIA and Mossad to use Muslim Brotherhood ideology against the Baathist former Vice President Tariq Al-Hashimi, Fatah by openly favoring Hamas in regimes in the region. There was even speculation that some members of the intra-Palestinian conflict, secular segments of Tunisia by providing the movement had secretly received military training in Turkey against unconditional support to al-Nahda, those Libyans who support Gen. Khalifa then-Syrian President Hafez al-Assad. After his notorious 1982 massacre Hitter by backing Islamist forces in Tripoli and the Sudanese who wanted in Hama to end a Sunni uprising, some movement members took refuge in to see Bashir's demise. ♦ Turkey and established a solid relationship with Turkey's political Islamists, Fehim Tastekin is a Turkish journalist and a columnist for Turkey Pulse which were AKP’s predecessors. who previously wrote for Radikal and Hurriyet. However, unlike its predecessors, the AKP translated these contacts and relations into a soft power mechanism for foreign policy, shaking to its core

24 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti InternationalJfcUilbrkSîtmes saturday-sunday, may 11-12, 2019 Erdogans perfect opponent

gering the integrity of the system, there untouched, there was hope among the Selim Koru would be a military coup. opposition that someone might beat the A pattern developed. Politicians odds. This is why the decision to redo would push the boundaries ; judges and the election in Istanbul is critical in the generals would push back and eventu­ country’s history. The team with back­ ANKARA, TURKEY Ekrem Imamoglu, the ally wipe the slate with a coup. Turks packs actually scored, but the winners 48-year-old politician who defeated hoped that this form of democracy co-opted the referee’s powers and ruled President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s would eventually find its equilibrium. that the goal doesn’t count. party in Istanbul’s recent mayoral As an up-and-coming Islamist poli­ It may seem odd that Mr. Erdogan is election, is known for his gentle ways. tician, Mr. Erdogan distinguished him­ undermining the political system that But on Monday night, Mr. Imamoglu self with an especially vivid description carried him, a boy from the rough was furious. A large crowd gathered to of this pattern. Life, he said, was an epic streets of Istanbul, to the presidency of hear him in his home district, Beylik- contest between the “national will,” the Republic. duzu. His shirt sleeves rolled up, he embodied by Muslim conservative Mr. Erdogan probably thinks that jabbed his index finger into the air as he politicians, and the “so-called elites,” of beating the opposition parties in elec­ spoke. “There are those who want to business and the bureaucracy. As he tion after election will eventually break take the dignity of our Republic, this spread this narrative among the popula­ them and allow him to expand his sup­ country, this city, under their feet ! ” he tion while delivering on public services, port base beyond 50 percent of the shouted. “But we, 82 million people, will infrastructure and economic growth, his population. In this scenario, elections not let a handful of people extinguish popularity increased. are reduced to being merely a ritual these values!” He won 25 percent of votes in the 1994 reaffirmation of faith in the state rather That day, the Supreme Election Coun­ municipal elections, and was elected than a choice between viable alterna­ cil, Turkey's top electoral body, had mayor ; he received 34 percent of the tives. canceled the results of the election that national vote in 2002, which helped his Mr. Erdogan admires President Mr. Imamoglu had so momentously newly founded party form the govern­ Vladimir Putin of Russia, who won 77 won. In the weeks since the March 31 ment ; he took 47 percent in the 2007 percent of votes cast in an election last vote, Mr. Erdogan’s Justice and Devel­ national elections, year. If he is aspiring for similar results, opment Party, which lost control of Every misstep and was re-elected as it would also mean Putinesque levels of Istanbul for the first time in 25 years, prime minister; and repression and international pariah that Turkey’s had scrambled for recounts, hoping to he got 50 percent of status. close the narrow margin between Mr. government the vote, and a third Having broken the old pattern of Imamoglu and its candidate. suffers boosts term as prime min­ Turkish politics, Mr. Erdogan may have When that did not work, the party Ekrem ister, in 2011. created a new one. Politics is no longer sought a rerun, arguing that clandestine Imamoglu’s By the mid-2010s, about defending an ideology or a policy organizations had sabotaged the elec­ support. Mr. Erdogan had position, but about being the champion tion. For a month, the party’s media become so powerful of “the people” against the powers that juggernaut claimed that Turkey’s ene­ that he broke the old be. mies had plotted the fall of Istanbul. The pattern of contesta­ Mr. Erdogan started his political question on everyone’s mind was tion and negotiation between the bu­ journey as a pious Muslim from the whether Mr. Erdogan would “give up reaucratic oligarchy and elected poli­ wrong side of the tracks. Now he is the Istanbul.” He didn’t. ticians. The judges and the generals establishment, and as so he is bound to In a country where the institutions of could no longer curtail or depose him. become less popular over time. Mr. the state are intact, the opposition might Instead of transitioning the country to Imamoglu, the young opposition leader, curse under its breath and prepare for a system where these figures were loyal easily transcends the secular-religious another campaign. But TUrkey is not to the Constitution, Mr. Erdogan made divide of Mr. Erdogan’s generation, such a country. The election council’s them beholden to him and his party. earning shout-outs from pilgrims in decision puts in question the integrity of “The fate of TUrkey and the fate of the Mecca as well as the punk rock star the democratic process. A dangerous Justice and Development Party have Gokhan Ozoguz. new chapter has begun. become one,” Mr. Erdogan declared in And in Mr. Imamoglu voters have The history of the Turkish republic 2017. somewhere to go. Every misstep or can be seen as a struggle between two Mr. Erdogan is now designing the misfortune Mr. Erdogan’s government counteracting forces : the politicians rules of the game while being a player. suffers — from the economy to foreign versus the bureaucratic oligarchy, He campaigns on the government policy — increases Mr. Imamoglu’s composed of senior civil servants, budget, legislates against the opposition support. He is the perfect opponent, military generals and judges. The bu­ and presses media groups, both private created by Mr. Erdogan himself. reaucratic oligarchy drew the bound­ and government- owned, into his serv­ Mr. Erdogan has devoted his life to aries of acceptable politics ; the poli­ ice. He has turned electoral politics into the relentless expansion of the political ticians were to remain within them. a soccer game in which the winning sphere, subsuming the bureaucracy in If politicians of the wrong sort — team scores multiple goals — and then the process. But what if the political Islamists, Communists, Kurdish nation­ makes its opponents strap on heavy sphere turns against him? alists —rose beyond the “acceptable” backpacks. thresholds, they faced legal repercus­ Yet until now, Mr. Erdogan did not Selim koru is an analyst at the Eco­ sions like bans on their parties. If they interfere with elections. The ballot box nomic Policy Research Foundation in persisted, and were seen to be endan­ was sacred. As long as elections were Ankara.

25 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti The Arab Weekly 12MAY2019______Russian-Syrian forces pound Idlib, Turkey shifts attention to Kurdish positions Not only did Erdogan back out on his Idlib promise but he temporarily withdrew his best fighters from the province, saving them for a major attack against Kurdish separatists in Kobane, Ras al-Ayn and Tell Rifaat, north of Aleppo.

Sami Moubayed Kurdish fighters fled from Afrin last 12/05/2019 year. It has been on Erdogan’s hit thearabweekly.com list since December, along with Kobane and Ras al-Ayn. The last two were problematic, because of a EIRUT - Days after Syrian peace heavy concentration of US troops talks wrapped up in Kazakhstan, but Tell Rifaat was accessible, situ­ Ba major offensive was launched by ated within the Russian zone. Syrian and Russian forces, striking at the north-western Syrian pro­ The devil, however, lies in the vince of Idlib and the nearby coun­ details. For starters, how will the tryside of Hama, in pursuit of Hayat Kurds of Tell Rifaat respond to the Tahrir al-Sham, the al-Qaeda affi­ Turkish operation? After their defeat in Afrin, they regrouped and liate in the Syrian battlefield. rearmed, making Tell Rifaat far more difficult to overrun than Afrin. The timing of the operation was sur­ prising, coming after a statement by New escalation. Syrians, fleeing possible air strikes, drive along Second, will the Americans stand by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the main Damascus-Aleppo highway near the town of Saraqib in and watch their Kurdish allies being who, speaking April 27 in China, Syria's jihadist-held Idlib province, May 9. (AFP) exterminated in Tell Rifaat, as they said no full-fledge invasion of Idlib were defeated in Afrin? would happen because of the mas­ from the province, saving them for a happens, the Russians will bomb sive refugee crisis that it would trig­ major attack against Kurdish sepa­ HTS on Erdogan’s behalf, which is Third, what will be the fate of ger into Turkey and beyond. ratists in Kobane, Ras al-Ayn and what they have been doing since Turkey’s remaining forces in Idlib, Tell Rifaat, north of Aleppo. late April. known as the National Liberation “Right now, we and our Syrian Front, once through with their oper­ friends consider that to be inadvis­ The Turkish operation was to have The two leaders had worked togeth­ ation against HTS? A collective par­ able,” Putin said. Repeated attempts happened in April immediately after er in the past on similar agreement. don is impossible, the Syrians insist, at forcefully retaking the city had the supposed withdrawal of US In 2016, Erdogan looked the other saying that only those who join the been aborted by France and troops, who have been protecting way as the Russian Air Force pound­ Russian-led reconciliation process Germany, who feared a renewed and arming Syria’s Kurds for the ed his Syrian proxies in Aleppo. In will be allowed to stay in Idlib, after flow of refugees into Europe. past five years. exchange for letting them retake the surrendering their arms. What city in full, the Russians did nothing about those, especially from HTS, The operation in Idlib remains con­ By early this year, however, it to prevent the carving of a Turkish- who refuse? fined to aggressive aerial bombard­ became clear such a multilayered administered “safe zone” along the ment, aimed more at breaking moral operation would not occur, certainly borderline, free from any Kurdish In the past, armed groups who said of the opposition than ejecting it not after US President Donald presence. no to the Russians were shipped off from the Syrian city. That will be the Trump announced that he would be to Idlib but now, with Idlib poised to task of the Turkish Army, through keeping 400 troops in Syria, sta­ Three years ago, the Turks took con­ return to government control, an agreement between Putin and tioned mostly amid the Kurdish trol of Jarabulus, Azaz and al-Bab where will the militants go? There Turkish President Recep Tayyip communities. Instead Erdogan and, in mid-2018, marched on Afrin, are very few pockets left in Syria Erdogan reached last September. would have to go for something far west of the Euphrates, also within that are under control of the armed small, more strategic and “surgical.” Russia’s sphere of influence. In opposition and those that are will Erdogan promised to finish the job exchange for letting him take Afrin, refuse to welcome a contingent by mid-October but failed to meet The Turkish president reverted to Erdogan abandoned his proxies in from HTS and the Islamic State. the deadline, shifting his attention his earlier agreement with the the Damascus countryside, not lift­ to the Kurdish enclave in north­ Russians, seeking Putin’s support ing a finger to protect them in East Meaning either the Russians will eastern Syria, which he has been for a limited operation in the Ghouta. have to come up with another Idlib promising to raid since December. Kurdish territories in exchange for or defeat them fully in Idlib itself, cleansing Idlib on Russia’s behalf, A similar scenario is in the making, something that will probably take a That territory was far more danger­ both from the Islamic State (ISIS) amid Turkish silence over the very long time and is easier said ous — and urgent — for Erdogan and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). attacks on the Idlib-Hama axis. than done.* than Idlib, a city he knew could not Turkish troops at nearby positions remain indefinitely under control of In theory, once the city was “clean,” have looked the other way as Saini Moubayed is a Syrian historian the armed groups, given its pres­ Syrian government forces would be Russian bombs were dropped on and author of Under the Black Flag ence deep in Russia’s sphere of ushered back into Idlib, under the Idlib. (IB Tauris, 2015). influence. watchful eye of the Russian Air Force, with implicit approval of the Simultaneously, however, Turkish Not only did Erdogan back out on Turks. A Russian-led reconciliation troops advanced on Tell Rifaat in his Idlib promise but he temporarily process would follow, like those in the Aleppo countryside, where, withdrew his best fighters — Ahrar East Ghouta and Daraa. Until that Erdogan claims, thousands of al-Sham and the Zinki Brigade —

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

Sljc jNhv y ork cimes MAY12,2019 They Were ‘Comrades in Arms’ Against ISIS. Now the U.S. Is Eyeing the Exit.

By Ben Hubbard and Eric Schmitt May 12,2019 www.ny times .com

MEILAN, Syria — Dressed in camouflage and sipping tea, the RSyrian commander who emerged as America’s closest ally in the battle that defeated Islamic State looked to an unsett­ ling future. The commander, the Kurdish leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces, known by the nom de guerre Mazlum Kobani, praised his alliance with the United States in a rare interview recently and said he hoped American troops would stay in Syria. But if they do not, he said, he is still fully prepared to defend his militia’s hard- fought gains during years of fighting the terrorist group.

“We were comrades in arms — we are on The commander of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, who goes by the same front fighting ISIS,” he said of the nom de guerre Mazlum Kobani, at a military base in Kurdish-controlled the Americans, sitting in a furnished trail­ northeast Syria. Credit Ivor Prickett for The New York Times er in a compound that once belonged to the Syrian state oil company. analyst with the International Crisis Group In 2014, after seizing large parts of Syria Now he is worried about a swift with­ who has met with Mazlum in Syria. and Iraq, the Islamic State surrounded the drawal, pointing to the American depar­ Kurdish town of Kobani in northern Syria, Then there is the United States. ture from Iraq in 2011, which was fol­ along the Turkish border. To fend off the lowed by the rise of Islamic State. Mazlum owes most of his strength to the assault, the United States armed the “They must not make the same mistake,” American presence in eastern Syria. But region’s main Syrian Kurdish militia while he warned. Washington’s commitment is uncertain bombing heavily from the air. and its plans have changed so frequently As the commander of the American- The strategy worked, and the United that no one — including him — knows States found a new partner in Syria, the backed militia that fought the Islamic how long the American forces will stay State, Mazlum now oversees forces con­ Kurdish militia known as the People’s put. trolling one-third of Syria and sits at the Protection Units, or Y.P.G. The militia was nexus of clashing international interests in “They have gained in Syria what they are a Syrian offshoot of the Kurdistan the jihadists’ former lands. not going to be able to get anywhere else,” Workers’ Party, or P.K.K., which has long Ms. Khalifa said of the S.DP., “so they fought for Kurdish autonomy in Turkey. The Syrian government has threatened to want to preserve that,” Ms. Khalifa said. take the territory back — by force, if nec­ Unlike Syria’s Arab rebels, the Kurds essary. Thousands of Islamic State fighters Those gains include a greatly expanded were happy to fight the Islamic State have gone underground to launch new territory under their political control, instead of the Syrian government. And as attacks and plot their comeback. where the group hopes to maintain its own a secular movement, they raised no con­ administration. cerns that they might harbor sympathies And neighboring Turkey, which has with Islamist extremists. fought Kurdish separatists at home for So far, the United States has not used its decades, is openly hostile to the Syrian relationship with Mazlum to push for a With backing from the United States and Kurds along its border who have gained longer-term accommodation between its allies, the group pushed the jihadists territory, sophisticated weapons and pow­ Turkey and the Syrian Democratic Forces. from other parts of Syria and built ties with other militias. In 2015, under erful alliances as a result of Syria’s eight- “The U.S. has refused to acknowledge the prompting from the United States, it year civil war. problem and therefore has refused to act rebranded itself as the Syrian Democratic That puts Mazlum and the Kurdish forces on it,” Ms. Khalifa said. Forces — a mix of Kurdish, Arab and that form the backbone of the S.D.F. at a AN ESSENTIAL AMERICAN ALLY other fighters. crossroads. They have a historic militancy toward Turkey, but also an interest in pre­ The partnership between Mazlum’s forces In the process, Mazlum became essential serving the power they have gained in and the United States was bom of necessi­ to the United States. — Syria, said Dareen Khalifa, a senior Syria ty during a crisis.

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

■» “We tend to go to Mazlum for every­ thing,” said one American official who has worked with the militia leader. But the partnership suffered a blow in December when President Trump said he was with­ drawing the 2,000 American troops from eastern Syria. Since then, American plans have changed repeatedly, most recently calling for a drawdown to 1,000 troops followed by a reassessment. Mazlum said he hoped the United States would remain to help take on the Islamic State fighters who have gone underground and to oversee a restructuring of the S.D.F. into an internal security force. But he will have to reckon with his imme­ diate neighbors, especially if the United States leaves. Negotiations with the Syrian Soldiers attached to the Syrian Democratic Forces, checking IDs at a government about reuniting the northeast checkpoint on the outskirts of the northern city of Manbij. with the rest of the country have gone Credit Ivor Prickettfor The New York Time nowhere, he said, and the Trump adminis­ tration has discouraged further talks. And the more powerful Mazlum’s forces him subject to debate, including his real and a very effective front-line soldier,” get, the more they scare Turkey, which has name. When asked directly, he acknowl­ said another American official who has threatened to send troops across the border edged that he that he had been a longtime worked with Mazlum. “He is the head of a to get rid of what it considers a growing member of the P.K.K., which the United highly disciplined and, to some degree, security threat. Meanwhile, Kurdish fight­ States and Turkey consider a terrorist ideological movement that is centrally ers have dug extensive tunnels near the organization. controlled and has a long history of fight­ border to fight back in case the Turks ing.” attack. That is history, he said. Turkey focuses on that history. Officials in “The Turks are focused on the period Mazlum said that he needed more support the Turkish Foreign Ministry provided before 2011,” he said, “but we are looking from the United States-led coalition, not documents about his background, which ahead.” less, but that his forces would survive included overseeing an armed wing that regardless. He offered only snippets about his back­ launched deadly attacks on Turkish securi­ ground, saying he was arrested repeatedly “Of course it will be hard,” he said. “But ty forces. Officials in Iraq provided simi­ if we end up on our own, we’ll continue by the Syrian government and later went lar details. to Europe for “political work,” followed the war as we did in the time before the Can Acun, a researcher with SETA, a pro- by “military work” in Iraq. coalition.” government think tank in Turkey, said TWO RADICALLY DIFFERENT Officials from the United States and Mazlum’s history raised concerns that his VIEWS OF THE SAME PERSON Turkey speak about him as if describing forces could use Syria as a base for future two different people. attacks on Turkey. The fact that he was Mazlum Kobani, who is 52, remains a supported by the United States, Turkey’s “He is a very educated, savvy politician mysterious figure, with basic facts about NATO ally, only made it worse. “Turkey doesn’t want northeast Syria to become a safe zone for the P.K.K.,” Mr. Acun said. More than a half-dozen American officials who have worked with Mazlum acknowl­ edged his ties to the P.K.K. “Life is com­ plicated in the Middle East,” the second United States official said. He said joining forces with Mazlum had been necessary to fight the Islamic State, which was the overwhelming American interest in Syria. “We owe these guys a lot,” he said. “And they owe us a lot.”

Ben Hubbard reported from Rmeilan, and Eric Schmitt from Washington. Follow Ben Hubbard on Twitter: Photographs commemorate the men and women from Kobani, a @NYTBen. Kurdish Syrian town, who died in the fight against ISIS. Credit Ivor Prickett for The New York Times

28 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti aCroix lundi 13 mai 2019

ou avaient des membres de leur fa­ > Région autonome du Kurdistan A la rencontre mille qui soutenaient Daech. Mais il y a surtout des gars condamnés à tort », assure celui qui est devenu des enfants-soldats un jeune homme, le visage encore marqué par l’acné juvénile sous ses cheveux blonds. « C’est mon cas. » de Daeeh Un discours tenu par la majorité des adolescents rencontrés. Tous racontent être passés aux aveux sous la torture. « Ils auraient pu me faire dire n’importe quoi », confie Mohammed, s’assurant que per­ sonne d’autre ne peut l’entendre. Arrêté il y a deux ans et demi par Mais dès son arrivée dans le les peshmergas, les combattants camp djihadiste, le fantasme S *■ kurdes, en première ligne dans la s’évapore. Le jeune homme se fi œ 'Ak "Ai lutte contre Daech, le garçon qui souvient des insultes, des coups mesure à présent un mètre quatre- et des balles de kalachnikov frô­ vingt-dix, la barbe taillée, assure lant son visage lorsqu’il ne satis­ ■W' z ■ ■, \ avoir été maintenu à genoux pen- faisait pas les exigences de ses instructeurs. Il décide de s’enfuir. Des centaines « Que le suspect ait En vain. Ahmed est ranidement d’enfants, enrôlés ces été ou non membre rattrapé par les djihadistes, qui le dernières années, sont jettent en prison. ' en prison ou livrés à de Daech, ils le Libéré après plusieurs semaines, cux-mêmesé^s des torturerontjusqu’à il parvient à rejoindre le territoire contrôlé par les peshmergas. «J’ai ce qu’il avoue. » fui côté kurde, car je pensais qu’ils respectaient les droits de l’homme. » Nouvelle désillusion: l’adolescent est immédiatement arrêté. « Ils dant des jours dans une cellule, savaient que j’avais fait partie de entièrement nu, les poignets liés Daech, ils n’allaient pas me chatouil­ dans le dos, un bras tordu par­ ler! Évidemment, ils m’ont torturé, dessus son épaule. «Ils appellent mais j’aurais fait pareil à leur place. __ Plusieurs milliers À leur libération, ils demeurent ça la position du scorpion. Les Sans ça, personne n’aurait avoué de mineurs ont été surveillés par les services de ren­ gardes me frappaient avec une avoir été djihadiste », poursuit-il. incarcérés pour seignement, qui leur interdisent barre en plastique jusqu’à ce qu'elle Dans l’Irak post-Daech, une suspi­ appartenance à Daech, toute communication avec les se brise, puis ils me l’enfonçaient cion généralisée règne à l’encontre souvent après des aveux journalistes. Des enfants-soldats dans l’anus. » Des sévices confir­ des jeunes comme Ahmed en raison més par ses camarades, dont cer­ obtenus sous la torture. considérés comme victimes au re­ de leur identité sunnite, la branche tains ajoutent qu’ils ont été enfer­ __ A leur sortie de prison, gard du droit international, mais de l’islam dont se revendique l’or­ jugés coupables par leur gouver­ més dans de minuscules pièces, un ganisation. Condamné à deux ans ces jeunes restent coincés nement. Eux racontent être passés sac en plastique sur la tête. «A cet de prison par un système judiciaire dans des camps de déplacés aux aveux sous la torture. Après instant, vous n’avez plus d’air. Vous expéditif en quête de coupables, le sans perspective de retour des semaines d’enquête, La Croix a vous sentez comme un criminel. » jeune homme s’estime néanmoins dans leur région d’origine. finalement pu rencontrer certains Si la plupart nient tout lien avec chanceux d’avoir fini aux mains Nord de l'Irak d’entre eux. le groupe terroriste, Ahmed, li­ des Kurdes plutôt qu’ailleurs en De notre envoyé spécial béré cet hiver, admet avoir rejoint Dans le camp, où se mêlent des Irak. « Je connais des gars comme familles de déplacés et quelques di­ Daech il y a cinq ans. À voix basse, Ahmed, Saïd et Mohammed (1) moi qui ont pris quinze ans devant zaines de repris de justice condam­ le timbre usé par les cigarettes, il nous reçoivent dans une pe­ confie: «A l’époque, j’avais 13ans. des tribunaux irakiens. Et puis, le nés pour terrorisme, l’atmosphère centre de détention pour mineurs tite pièce aux murs gris où s’en­ Le califat venait tout juste d’être est délétère, nos interlocuteurs d’Erbil (la capitale du Kurdistan gouffrent les courants d’air. Une proclamé. Daech était devenu ••• méfiants. « Daech a encore une irakien, NDLR) était un vrai jardin théière siffle sur un poêle à ma­ • •• un gouvernement et même très forte emprise sur beaucoup de d’enfants. » zout. Depuis leur sortie de prison, s’ils étaient un peu extrémistes, ils jeunes ici, glisse un travailleur hu­ Par manque de preuve et pour cet hiver, les adolescents vivent avaient fait revenir le calme dans manitaire. Certains sont toujours en obtenir des aveux, les autorités ira­ dans ce petit baraquement en mon village. Nous vivions en sé­ lien avec l’organisation et exercent kiennes ont fréquemment recours bordure d’un camp de déplacés curité. Beaucoup de mes copains une pression sur les autres. » à la torture, selon Human Rights avec des dizaines d’autres garçons étaient membres de l’organisa­ Dans les ruelles boueuses qui Watch. «Dans les faits, les enquê­ condamnés, comme eux, pour ter­ tion, alors c’était excitant, je vou­ quadrillent les baraquements, par­ teurs n’ont pas d’autre moyen pour rorisme. Mille cinq cents mineurs lais m’amuser avec eux. » Un enga­ courues en silence, les regards sont instruire le dossier que d’obtenir des sont aujourd’hui retenus dans gement par défaut, motivé par la hostiles. « Tout nous traite confessions, explique Belkis Wille les geôles irakiennes et kurdes pauvreté, la frustration, l’ennui. de terroristes », soupire Saïd, 18 ans représentante de HRW en Irak. Que pour appartenance à Daech, se­ «Les salajistes nous promettaient à peine. « Bien sûr, certains d’entre une femme, un salaire, une voiture le suspect ait été ou non membre de lon l’ONG Human Rights Watch nous étaient djihadistes, d’autres et des armes. Tout ce dont je pou­ Daech, ils le tortureront jusqu’à ce (HRW). étaient proches de l’organisation vais rêver», sourit-il. qu’il avoue. »

29 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

Des accusations contestées par le ral, sans repasser par la case prison. gouvernement autonome du Kur­ Un vœu pieux: la justice irakienne distan. « Nos prisons sont ouvertes ne reconnaît pas les peines effec­ aux organisations humanitaires, tuées dans la région autonome du certifie Dindar Zebari, coordonna­ Kurdistan. teur de l’action internationale du «Même s’il a purgé sa peine, un gouvernement. Donnez-moi une Arabe condamné par les Kurdes pour seule instance internationale, hor­ appartenance à Daech ne peut ren­ mis HRW, qui nous accuse de torture. trer chez lui, souligne Belkis Wille. Il n’y en a aucune!» Ce dernier as­ S’il souhaite retourner en Irak fédé­ sure que les victimes n’ont déposé ral, il s’expose à une nouvelle arres­ aucune plainte. tation par l’armée irakienne ou une De leur côté, les mineurs affir­ milice qui contrôle sa région. » Ces ment que les juges ont délibérément jeunes, souvent élevés dans l’idéo­ ignoré leurs témoignages. «Lespro­ logie salafiste, restent donc cloî­ cès sont joués d’avance. Qu’on nie ou trés ensemble, sans perspective, qu’on avoue, l’issue est la même », juridiquement libres mais toujours conclut Mohammed. Des compa­ prisonniers. Une injustice qui fait rutions expéditives, le plus souvent obstacle à tout processus de récon­ Des mineurs, capturés par les forces kurdes en mars. sans avocat ni traducteur pour ces ciliation nationale et propice à de Ils sont suspectés d’avoir été des combattants de Daech. jeunes Arabes, alors que la procé­ nouvelles frustrations. «Mon ave­ Bulent Kilic/AFP dure se déroule en langue kurde. nir est foutu, soupire Ahmed qui a Malgré leurs condamnations, la quitté l’école il y a cinq ans. Rien Plus de 1500 mineurs sont détenus plupart des mineurs continuent ni personne ne pourra me le rendre. de clamer leur innocence. Tous C’est fini.» dans les prisons irakiennes et cultivent l’espoir de rentrer dans Noé Pigncdc kurdes pour appartenance à Daech. leur région d’origine, en Irak fédé­ (1) Les prénoms ont été changés. De nombreux autres, libérés, sont parqués dans des camps. entretien LACROIX lundi 13 mai 2019 « Les prisons irakiennes redeviennent une école des mouvements djihadistes »

Comment Daech corruption et des crises commu­ gislatives, il n’y a toujours pas de a-t-il réussi à les attirer ? nautaires et politiques. Pour com­ ministres de la défense, de l’inté­ Adel Bakawan A. B. : L’immense majorité d’entre prendre les conséquences de cette rieur, de la justice ! La France, en Directeur du Centre de eux vient des territoires sunnites, situation, il faut remonter à la pé­ réalité, ne voit pas d’autre interlo­ sociologie de l’Irak, auteur de marqués par de profonds pro­ riode 2006-2011. cuteur au Moyen-Orient, compte L’Impossible État irakien (1). blèmes économiques, sociaux et À l’époque, la victoire sur les dji­ tenu de la situation en Turquie, en politiques. Le taux de chômage hadistes a été proclamée en Irak, Syrie, en Arabie Saoudite... parmi les jeunes y varie de 55 % à et les États-Unis ont décidé de s’en Comment inverser la tendance _ Le sociologue revient sur 75 %, le système d’éducation est retirer. Selon eux, le pays ne réunis­ à la radicalisation ? les raisons qui ont poussé moyenâgeux, les services publics sait plus les conditions objectives A. B. : Il faut entrer dans un pro­ les jeunes générations à sont absents. Il y a un vide poli­ de la menace. Or, dans les prisons cessus de conciliation nationale. rejoindre Daech et sur les tique. Aussi, la « débaasification » irakiennes à ce moment-là, les dé­ Je ne parle pas de « réconcilia­ conséquences pour l’Irak de (censée éradiquer le parti Baas, tenus élaboraient des stratégies tion », car les élites n’ont jamais leur emprisonnement. tout-puissant sous Saddam Hus­ d’action, mises en œuvre après les réussi à créer une identité ira­ sein, qui avait favorisé les sunnites printemps arabes. Aujourd’hui, kienne : les chiites se définissent Quelle utilisation Daech -30 % de la population -, NDLR) les entretiens des sociologues le d’abord comme chiites, les sun­ a-t-il fait des enfants- s’est transformée en « dé-sunnifi- montrent: les prisons irakiennes nites d’abord comme sunnites... soldats irakiens et syriens ? cation ». Cela a participé à l’intégra­ redeviennent une école des mou­ Il faut construire une identité ira­ Adel Bakawan : L’organisation tion dans Daech de ces nouvelles vements djihadistes. On dénombre, kienne inclusive : qui ne supprime avait une stratégie de socialisation générations sans perspective. depuis février, près de 45 opéra­ pas l’identité kurde, sunnite, chré­ des enfants autour de son idéolo­ Les enfants-soldats ne sont tions de Daech en Irak: explosions, tienne... Cela passe par le dialogue gie, qu’elle a appliquée en prenant pas considérés comme prises d’otages, assassinats... intercommunautaire et la mise en charge leur éducation psycho­ une priorité par la justice Voulez-vous dire que en place de lieux de rencontre. À logique et physique. Aussi, cer­ irakienne. Quelles peuvent Daech n’est pas mort ? titre d’exemple, aujourd’hui, un tains de ces enfants ont participé en être les conséquences ? A. B. : Non, il n’est pas mort, sunnite ne peut pas aller étudier à à des opérations suicides, d’autres A. B. : L’avenir des enfants-sol­ contrairement à la vision de l’Oc­ Bassorah (à majorité chiite, NDLR), ont été utilisés au combat, d’autres dats de Daech et les enjeux qu’ils cident, de la France en particulier, ni un chiite à Mossoul (à majorité encore pour passer des messages représentent ne sont pas même selon laquelle l’Irak est redevenue sunnite, NDLR) l d’une ville à l’autre. Certains sont considérés comme des questions, le pivot du Moyen-Orient. Mais Recueilli par Marianne Meunier morts, mais la majorité sont en­ ce qui tient à la nature du système comment peut-on y parler de sta­ core vivants. judiciaire irakien, traversé par la bilité ? Un an après les élections lé­ (1) L'Harmattan, mars 2019,186pages.

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

ItTÏÏonde MARDI 14 MAI 2019 Les universitaires, cibles du gouvernement turc Enseignant à Lyon, le mathématicien Tuna Altinel a été arrêté pour avoir participé en France à une réuni m sur les Kurdes ISTANBUL - correspondante Installé en France depuis vingt- se rend à Balikesir, une ville de la trois ans, titulaire d’un passeport région de Marmara, où le passe­ aître de conférences à turc, Tuna Altinel ne s’est jamais port a été émis. l’université Claude- dérobé à la justice de son pays. MBernard Lyon-I en Poursuivi pour avoir signé la péti­ Activités scrutées France, le mathématicien turc tion, il est venu en Turquie le Vendredi 10 mai, il débarque à la Tuna Altinel a été arrêté et placé en 28 février pour déposer devant un préfecture en quête d’explica­ détention provisoire, samedi tribunal, après quoi il a pu rentrer tions... et en repart quelques U mai en Turquie, sous l’accusa­ à Lyon sans encombre, ne faisant heures plus tard avec les menot­ tion de «propagande en faveur l’objet d’aucune condamnation. tes. Le lendemain, il est placé en d'une organisation terroriste». Iné­ Les ennuis ont commencé au détention provisoire pour avoir dites, son arrestation et les char­ deuxième voyage, le 12 avril, dès participé à une conférence sur ges qui pèsent contre lui attestent, son arrivée à l’aéroport. Au con­ une fois de plus, du recul des droits trôle des passeports, il a été em­ les Kurdes de Turquie à Lyon. siers d’accusation, comme c’est le et des libertés en Turquie où les mené par un policier dans un bu­ L’événement, organisé par une cas pour Tuna Altinel, qui risque universitaires sont persécutés reau. Après un interrogatoire sur amicale kurde le 21 février, a eu plusieurs années de prison. pour leurs convictions. son engagement politique et ses lieu en présence d’un député en Mardi 7 mai, sa collègue Füsün Début 2016, il avait signé, avec liens avec des organisations exil du Parti démocratique des Üstel, 64 ans, signataire elle aussi près de 2 ooo collègues, une péti­ kurdes, son passeport lui est re­ peuples (HDP, pro-kurde, troi­ de la pétition pour la paix, est en­ tion réclamant la fin des opéra­ tiré, « invalidé », lui dit-on. La me­ sième formation au Parlement) trée à la prison pour femmes tions militaires qui faisaient rage sure étant illégale - il faut une pour la ville de Cizre, encerclée et d’Eskisehir (centre de la Turquie) dans les villes kurdes du sud-est décision de justice pour priver détruite par les combats de l’hi­ pour y purger une peine de du pays. Près de 700 universitai­ quelqu’un de son passeport -, le ver 2015-2016 au prix de nom­ 15 mois. Elle est la première uni­ res sont aujourd’hui poursuivis document est officiellement breux morts civils. versitaire écrouée, sur les en justice à cause de cette pétition déclaré « perdu ». Les participants à la conférence 191 condamnés. Cette ensei­ en faveur de la paix, assimilée dé­ Tuna Altinel quitte donc l'aéro­ semblent avoir été passés au cri­ gnante retraitée de l’université sormais à un acte de propagande port sans passeport. Il ne peut ble par les services turcs. Cette francophone Galatasaray à Is­ en faveur du Parti des travailleurs plus quitter le pays et doit renon­ pratique est devenue courante ces tanbul a refusé le marché qui lui du Kurdistan (PKK), la bête noire cer à rentrer à Lyon donner ses dernières années envers les intel­ était proposé par le juge : un sur­ d’Ankara. Parmi eux, 191 ont été cours. Commence alors un par­ lectuels et les opposants turcs à sis en échange de la reconnais­ condamnés à des peines allant de cours du combattant dans les l’étranger. Ces renseignements sance de sa culpabilité. ■ 15 mois à 3 ans de prison. méandres de l’administration. Il servent ensuite à bâtir des dos­ MARIE JÉGO

[Tb^feil JEUDI 16 MAI 2019 ENQUÊTE Triple meurtre à Paris: sur la piste des COOP DE THÉÂTRE dans une affaire aux forts relents de crime politique. La justice française s'apprête à relan­ commanditaires cer l’enquête sur l'assassinat de trois Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin), le 15 février2014. militantes kurdes, le 9 janvier 2013, à Des Kurdes manifestent pour demander Paris. Les corps de Sakine Cansiz. la vérité sur la mort des trois militantes. 54 ans. l’une des fondatrices du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan, de Fi- tent aussi à la justice française de dan Dogan, 28 ans. et de Leyla Sayle- nouveaux indices issus de la procé­ mez, 24 ans, sont retrouvés criblés de dure turque, comme ce « numéro at­ balles dans unappartementprès de la tribué par les télécommunications gare du Nord. Rapidement, les soup- g turques à la direction du MIT auprès çons s’orientent vers un jeune Tùrc, g du Premier ministre ». Orner Güney, qui s’était rendu indis- j Le parquet de Paris a donc décidé pensable à la communauté kurde. | de relancer l’affaire en désignant un Au terme de leurs investigations, | PROUVE VO'Kï nouveau juge d’instruction antiterro­ les juges français tiennent pour ï riste chargé d’enquêter sur les com­ acquis l’« accointance » de Güney plicités dont aurait bénéficié Güney. avec le MIT, « le service de rensei­ DE NOUVEAUX INDICES « Dans une affaire d’assassinat politi­ gnement turc avec lequel il était en Mis en examen pour assassinats, VENUS DE TURQUIE que, on admet pour la première fois contact ». Les policiers ont en effet l’intéressé a nié jusqu ’au bout toute C’est sans compter la détermination que tout n'a pas été fait pour retrouver découvert que le suspect avait pho­ implication. En décembre 2016, des parties civiles à faire rouvrir le les coupables. Ce faisant, on ouvre la tographié un fichier recensant les Güney meurt en prison en France dossier. En mars 2018, les familles porte à des poursuites contre les membres d’une association et qu'il d’une tumeur au cerveau, après avoir des victimes déposent une plainte commanditaires, se réjouit Me Antoi­ avait effectué de troublants allers- fomenté une tentative d’évasion et avec constitution de partie civile par­ ne Comte, l’une des chevilles ouvriè­ retours à Ankara. Sans compter, en alors que son procès va s’ouvrir. En ticulièrement détaillée. Elles mettent res de l’affaire. C’est le coup de pied janvier 2014, cette mystérieuse dif­ droit, cette disparition de l’auteur en avant des arguments de droit es­ dans la fourmilière. » Le MIT, de son fusion sur YouTùbe d’un enregistre­ présumé signe « l’extinction de Fac­ timant que si l’auteur présumé est côté, dément toute responsabilité dans le triple assassinat. Les investi­ ment où l’on entend un homme tion publique », c’est-à-dire la fin des mort, il reste à trouver les « tous - identifié comme Güney - discuter poursuites. Le rideau tombe sur l’une autres », c’est-à-dire les complices gations risquent de tendre un peu des détails de l’opération d’assassi­ des plus sombres affaires d’espion­ et/ou les commanditaires, visés plus les relations diplomatiques entre nat avec un agent nage de la période contemporaine. dans l’enquête initiale. Elles appor­ Ankara et Paris. mere liftier

31 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

VOICE of AMERICA! May 8, 2019 Speculation Grows in Turkey After Jailed Kurdish Leader Allowed to See Lawyers

Dorian Jones I May 08, 2019 www.voanews.com

STANBUL — Turkey's surprise move to allow IAbdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), to meet with his lawyers after an eight-year hiatus is spurring speculation of a shift in Ankara's hard-line policy following the 2015 collapse in peace talks with the rebel group. A nationwide hunger strike calling for an end to Ocalan's isolation spurred Turkish authorities to FILE - Turkish Kurd leader Abdullah FILE - A banner with a picture of imprisoned allow his lawyers a visit at Imrali Island prison Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan is seen Ocalan's lawyers, left to right, Faik Ozgur where the 70-year-old Kurdish leader is being during a protest in Qamishli, Syria, Jan. 30, held. Erol, Newroz Uysal and Rezan Sarica pre­ pare to read Ocalan's message during a press 2018. "The lawyers were informed they could meet conference in Istanbul, May 6, 2019. Ocalan on the day of the announcement of a engaged in peace talks with Ocalan, which death fast [hunger strike leading to death], logue between Ankara and [YPG leader] were accompanied by a PKK cease-fire and a which involves at least 2 or 3,000, which has Mazlum Kobane," Aktar added. partial withdrawal from Turkey. put the government in a difficult position," said OCALAN'S INFLUENCE Ertugrul Kurkcu, honorary president of the pro- The process collapsed in 2015 amid mutual Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP). Former senior Turkish diplomat Aydin Selcen, recrimination. The resulting fighting claimed who founded Turkey's consul in the Iraqi thousands of lives and the destruction of In a statement, Ocalan called on his supporters Kurdistan regional capital, Irbil, said the signifi­ numerous town and city centers across not to engage in activities that could harm cance of Ocalan's statement should not be Turkey's predominately Kurdish region. them. What drew the most attention, however, overestimated. was the rebel leader's call to Syrian Democratic Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is rul­ Forces (SDF) that "Turkish sensitivity should be "Will it change anything on the ground? I am ing out a return to peace talks. taken into consideration." not sure, because on the ground, even the rela­ tionship between Qandil [PKK Iraqi headquar­ "There is no question of such a thing as the peace process," he said Monday. TURKEY ON THE BORDER ters] and the YPG commanders is quite Turkish forces are currently amassed on the opaque, not clear, let alone Ocalan's influence," Erdogan's AKP is in a coalition with the Syrian border facing off against the SDF. he said. Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which is Ankara accuses the People Protection Units Selcen added, "What is the most interesting ardently opposed to any peace talks. (YPG), which makes up a large part of the SDF, point is whether now there is some sort of coor­ "It's [the AKP-MHP coalition] a problem, but it is of being a terrorist organization linked to the dination between the United States, the SDF, also an opportunity," Selcen said. "It might PKK. The PKK has waged a decades-long Ankara and Ocalan, and even perhaps between mean Erdogan can change his coalition. It insurgency inside Turkey. Qandil. That we shall see in the coming might mean he can opt for a new partner." "I think he is showing the YPG the limits they months." GROWING TENSIONS? should remain within in the Syrian context and Reports of tentative communications between not bother the Turkish government," said Ankara and the SDF, coupled with Ocalan's Turkish media have been awash with reports of Kurkcu. "He [Ocalan] seeks to finalize the situa­ lawyers' meeting, is spurring speculation of a growing tensions between the AKP and MHP, tion without any losses of Syrian Kurdish popu­ possible resumption of broader PKK peace which have been exacerbated by the political lation because Turkey is looking for an opportu­ talks. defeat in most of Turkey's main cities, including nity to intervene." Istanbul, during the local elections in March. Turkish government members previously Washington has been lobbying hard to prevent Kurkcu played down hopes of new peace talks. a Turkish intervention because the YPG is a "The present line of the PKK is devoted to crucial ally in its war against Islamic State. U.S. changing the interlocutor, changing the negoti­ Special Representative for Syria, James Jeffrey, ating partner, which they believe cannot be the visited Ankara earlier this month for high-level AKP," he said. "The credit the AKP had five to talks to broker a solution. six or seven years ago has vanished in tyranny. "We know James Jeffrey, the former U.S. The AKP doesn't have the promise for any posi­ ambassador to Ankara, is already the go- tive change in Turkey. It only offers dictator­ between to find the middle ground between the ship." Ankara regime and the Kurdish political move­ Kurkcu confirmed that the HDP would again ment, be it in Turkey or Syria," said political sci­ back Ekrem Imamoglu of the opposition CHP, entist Cengiz Aktar. who won the Istanbul mayoral election in March "So, the Ocalan lawyers' visit could be a pro­ FILE - A column of armored Turkish military but is re-runningafter the AKP succeeded in posal by him, because Ocalan is considered vehicles drives on a patrol along a road in the having the vote annulled over claims of voting the symbolic leader of the YPG. We know from de-militarized zone in Syria's northern Idlib irregularities. ♦ the Kurdish authorities in Syria that James province near the town Saraqib, March 8, Jeffrey was active to establish an indirect dia- 2019.

32 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

May 10, 2019 Former leader of short-lived Soviet Kurdish republic buried in Erbil

Sangar Ali / May 10-2019 http://www.kurdistan24.net/

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - The former president of a short-lived Kurdish republic known as Lachin was buried on Friday in the capital of the auto­ nomous Kurdistan Region. Born in 1934, Wekil Mustafayev passed away on April 19 in Brussels at the age of 85. His body was later received in the Kurdistan Region by seve­ ral Kurdish political leaders and was then laid to rest in a ceremony in Erbil, as he requested in his will. The little-known Kurdish republic was a Soviet administrative unit that first existed for six years from 1923 to 1929 and briefly re-emerged in ano­ ther form in the 1990s. It was also called Red Kurdistan or Kurdistansky Uyezd and was part of Soviet . Its administrative center was in Lachin. On April 8, 1929, the Uyezd was dissolved and on May 30, 1930, Kurdistan Okrug was founded in its place. The Okrug included the territory Photo of Wekil Mustafayev and map of the Kurdish Republic of of former Uyezd and also the Zangilansky District and a part of Lachin at a funeral ceremony in Erbil, May 10, 2019. (Photo: Dzhebrailsky District. Kurdistan 24) The Okrug was believed to have been created by Soviet authorities in order to attract the sympathies of Kurds in neighboring Iran and Turkey moved to other Azerbaijani areas, with Mustafayev fleeing to Italy. and take advantage of Kurdish movements in those countries. However, due to protests of the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was “He dedicated all his life for the freedom of the Kurdish people,” concerned that open support of a Kurdish movement could damage rela­ Mustafayev’s nephew Bahaddin told Kurdistan 24 while standing next to tions with Turkey and Iran, the Okrug was liquidated on July 23,1930. the grave in Erbil. In 1992, after the capture of Lachin by Armenian forces during the “He was very happy to see the Kurdistan independence referendum Nagorno-Karabakh War, Lachin was declared in by Kurds led by taking place in the region,” he added. ♦ Mustafayev. After the dissolution of the republic, most of the Kurds in Lachin

The Economist MAY 14th 2019 mayoral election Why Erdogan needs the Kurds if he hopes to win a repeat election A strongman is forced to woo his opponents FILE PHOTO: A man holds a flag with a May 14th 2019 | ISTANBUL picture of imprisoned Kurdish rebel leader https://www.economist.com Abdullah Ocalan during a gathering to cel­ ebrate Newroz, which marks the arrival of FOR EIGHT years, Turkey’s public enemy political drama. Only four days after the visit spring and the new year, in Istanbul, number one, Abdullah Ocalan, the impris­ Turkey’s election board voted to overturn the Turkey March 21, 2018. REUTERS/Murad oned leader of the outlawed Kurdistan outcome of a mayoral election in Istanbul, in Workers Party (PKK), had not been allowed which the opposition scored a remarkable voters who helped the opposition’s candidate to meet his lawyers. Hundreds of other upset, and ordered a repeat. for Istanbul mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, score a Kurdish inmates went on hunger strike in late narrow victory in late March. 2018 to demand an end to his isolation. At The two decisions, to reopen channels with least eight committed suicide. The blackout Mr Ocalan and to try to overturn the mayoral Displaced from villages and towns in Turkey’s ended on May 2nd, when a pair of lawyers vote, could not have happened without the south-east by decades of war between the visited Mr Ocalan in his island prison on the involvement of Turkey’s president, Recep PKK and the army, as well as poverty, mil­ Marmara Sea, where he has been held for Tayyip Erdogan, analysts say. Many of them lions of Kurds have settled in the west of the nearly two decades. see a connection. country. Istanbul’s population of 15m people The news was quickly overshadowed by More than any other group, it was Kurdish includes at least 2m Kurds, more than in

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

<*> any city in the mainly Kurdish south-east fellow at the European Council on Foreign framework of a united Syria.” of the country. Most of them support the Relations. “He might have to pivot to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), an Kurds simply to keep power.” To make any new inroads with Kurdish vot­ alliance of liberals and Kurdish nationalists, ers ahead of the repeat election in Istanbul, which did not field its own candidate in the The decision to allow Mr Ocalan to meet his scheduled for June 23rd, Mr Erdogan will Istanbul vote, and endorsed Mr Imamoglu lawyers appears to be part of the outreach, have to do much more than put out feelers instead. On election day over 80% of the says Ms Aydintasbas. The move comes to the PKK’s leader. During his first decade HDP’s voters backed Mr Imamoglu, accord­ amid rumours that Turkish spooks recently in power, Turkey’s strongman offered the ing to research by TEPAV, a think-tank. The met members of the PKK’s Syrian franchise, Kurds new cultural rights and launched remainder appear to have abstained. known as the YPG, to discuss a possible peace talks with the separatists. Over the “safe zone” in Syria’s north-east. Despite past four years, however, he has presided To win the repeat election, Mr Erdogan’s opposition from America, which teamed up over ruthless army operations against PKK Justice and Development (AK) party might with the YPG to crush Islamic State’s fighters in cities across the south-east, the have to reel in at least some of the abstain­ “caliphate”, Mr Erdogan’s government has arrests of thousands of Kurdish activists, an ers, as well as conservative Kurds, to repeatedly threatened to attack the YPG’s alliance with Turkish ultranationalists, plus secure the election of its candidate, a for­ strongholds in Syria. In a statement passed what many Kurds consider a land grab in mer prime minister, Binali Yildrim. on to his lawyers, Mr Ocalan called on Syria’s Afrin province. Mr Erdogan has just “Erdogan’s loss has entirely to do with Turkey and the Kurdish insurgents to shun over a month to chip away at that legacy. He Kurdish dissent,” says Asli Aydintasbas, a violence and pursue a settlement “within the may be too late. ♦

ALJAZEERA 14 May 2019 Erdogan tells Putin : Syrian gov't 'seeking to sabotage' Turkey-Russia relations Turkey's Erdogan says de-escalation deal signed with Russia at risk as Syrian government presses on with Idlib assault.

14 May 2019 https://www.aljazeera.com

urkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused the Syrian Tgovernment of "seeking to sabotage" Ankara's relationship with Moscow through its latest offensive in the northwest of the war-torn country. Clashes in Idlib province, the last rebel-held stronghold, have killed at least 42 fighters in 24 hours, a United Kingdom-based war monitor said on Monday, and the government bombardment on the region has devastated health services. On Monday, rebels said they mounted a counterattack against government forces in northwest Syria. Idlib's nearly three million residents are supposed to be protected by a so-called "de-militarised" buffer zone through a deal signed last September by Russia and Turkey that was meant to avert a fully-fled­ ged assault on Idlib. The latest government-led offensive has uprooted more than 150,000 people, the UN said [File: Muhammed During a phone call late on Monday, Erdogan told his Russian coun­ Abdullah/Anadolu] terpart, Vladimir Putin, that the offensive by Syrian President Bashar al- Assad's forces "sought to sabotage Turkish-Russian cooperation", according to a Twitter post by Fahrettin Altun, communications director the de-escalation agreement. at the Turkish presidency. The Turkish leader also warned that the attacks risked undermining Russia and Turkey are on opposing sides of the conflict, with the fate of the political process in Syria. Moscow strongly supporting Assad's militarily since 2015, while Ankara supported Syrian rebels in the war since it began in 2011. On Tuesday, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar also spoke by phone with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoygu to discuss "mea­ Both have worked closely, along with Iran - Assad's ally - to find a sures to de-escalate tensions" in Idlib, the state-run Anadolu news political solution to the conflict. agency reported. 'ALARMING DIMENSION' The latest government-led offensive that began on April 28 has Erdogan lamented that "the regime's ceasefire violations targeting displaced more than 150,000 people, the United Nations said, the big­ the Idlib de-escalation zone over the last two weeks have reached an gest escalation in the war since last summer. alarming dimension". Last week, Syrian government forces captured the town of Qalaat He said it was impossible to explain it as a counterterror effort al-Madiq in northwest Syria. They also launched ground operations given the number of casualties and damage to health services. against the southern flank of the rebel zone consisting of Idlib and Syria's war NGOs suspend aid to embattled Idlib province (2:46) parts of adjacent provinces. The biggest group in control of much of Idlib is Hay'et Tahrir al- The UNhas called for all sides to abide by the deal signed in Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate that is independent of the September 2018 with the objective of avoiding a humanitarian disaster Turkish-backed umbrella of opposition factions in the region. and preventing an influx of refugees from entering bordering Turkey. HTS has been designated a "terrorist" group by Russia, and its pre­ Since the start of the conflict in Syria, more than 400,000 people sence has been used as a justification for intensified attacks despite have been killed, and millions have been displaced.*

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

REUTERS U.S. pressures Baghdad over Iran-backed militias

(Reuters) -May 15,2019 Ahmed Rasheed, John Davison

BAGHDAD / Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s surprise visit to Baghdad this month came after U.S. intelligence showed Iran- backed Shi’ite militias positioning rockets near bases housing U.S. forces, according to two Iraqi security sources. He told Iraq’s top brass to keep the militias, which are expanding their power in Iraq and now form part of its security apparatus, in check, the sources said. If not, the U.S. would respond with force. As tensions between Washington and Tehran increase, Iraq finds itself caught between neighboring Iran, whose regional influence has grown in recent years, and the United States. “The message from the Americans was clear. They wanted guarantees that Iraq would stop those groups threatening U.S. interests,” a senior Iraqi mil­ itary source with knowledge of Pompeo’s trip said. “They said if the U.S. were attacked on Iraqi soil, it would take action to defend itself without coordinating with Baghdad.” FILE PHOTO: Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) fighters ride in The U.S. State Department declined to comment on the details of Pompeo’s a tank near the Iraqi-Syrian border in al-Qaim, Iraq. Iraq discussions. He had said after the trip: “We don’t want anyone interfering November 26, 2018. Picture taken November 26, 2018. in their country (Iraq), certainly not by attacking another nation inside of REUTERS/Alaa al-Marjani/File Photo Iraq.” The second Iraqi security source said: “Communications intercepted by the “American claims are baseless. It reminds us of the big lie of weapons of Americans showed some militia groups redeployed to take up suspicious mass destruction in Iraq,” said Laith al-Athari, a spokesman for the Iran- positions, which the Americans considered provocations.” backed Asaib Ahi al-Haq group, referring to the pretext for the U.S.-led He said the Iraqis were told that any threat from the groups “would be dealt invasion of Iraq in 2003. with directly by the Americans with force.” The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), the umbrella grouping of mostly Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Tuesday told reporters that the Shi’ite militias, numbers around 150,000 men. Iraqi side had not observed “movements that constitute a threat to any There are currently an estimated 5,200 U.S. troops in Iraq, having peaked side. We clarified that to the Americans - the government is doing its duty at 170,000 in the years following the invasion. to protect all parties.” Analysts say the positioning of missiles by militias backed by Iran is likely Tensions between Washington and Tehran intensified early this month as meant as a symbolic threat to the United States, rather than a real plan to U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration stepped up sanctions pres­ use them. sure by ending waivers for some countries to purchase Iranian oil - part of efforts to roll back the Islamic Republic’s expanding regional clout. Professor Toby Dodge of the London School of Economics said Iran has in the past moved such weapons “to slowly ratchet up the heat under America It also said last week it was sending additional military forces to the Middle in Iraq when it feels America is seeking to threaten Iran’s interests.” East. ECONOMIC POWER “PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE” Some observers say economic pressure on Iran will have more impact than Iraq would struggle to rein in the Iran-backed militias. military action. The paramilitaries are formally part of Iraq’s security forces but operate Pompeo said he discussed on his Baghdad visit “crude oil and natural gas semi-independently, backed by powerful Iran-allied politicians, and are ... (and) ways we could ... make those projects move forward very quickly,” expanding their economic power. a reference to efforts to wean Iraq off crucial Iranian energy imports. Spokesmen for two Iran-backed paramilitary groups said there were no He urged Iraq to sign oil and power deals being negotiated with American plans to target U.S. forces, saying talk of threats was “psychological war­ companies, two energy officials said. fare” by Washington. U.S. energy giant General Electric is seeking a share of a $14 billion scheme The United States says Iran is the biggest threat to peace in the region. It to develop electricity infrastructure, and Iraq is close to signing a $53 bil­ wants to weaken the paramilitaries which have expanded their sway over lion oil infrastructure contract which includes Exxon Mobil. land stretching to Syria and Lebanon, and for Iraq to decrease dependence on Iranian gas exports. This is another way in which the United States is seeking to pressure Iraq’s major electricity supplier Iran and force Iraq to choose between Iran sees Iraq as an important link to the world in the face of U.S. sanc­ Washington and Tehran as its chief ally, said Renad Mansour, a research tions, and analysts say the positioning of pro-Iran forces and rockets indi­ fellow at Chatham House. cates Tehran is prepared at least to threaten the United States with vio­ lence. “The U.S. is ... going to Iraqi leaders and saying you’re either with us or with them,” Mansour said. The Iraqi security source said U.S. officials discussed with Iraqi officials Iran-backed militia deployed along the Syrian border, where U.S. troops “Iraqis have been saying why can’t we be allies with both? But the have helped fight Islamic State. Americans aren’t interested in that and I think neither are the Iranians.” Pompeo said last week: “We’ve urged the Iraqi government... to get all of A Western diplomat said warned of the danger of a serious escalation. those forces under Iraqi central control.” “The atmosphere is no longer friendly ... (and) the White House does not The groups say they already follow the orders of the Iraqi state and are not seem to be concerned if Iraq is collateral damage,” the diplomat said. • planning to target U.S. interests.

35 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti ______-Hil^Hlllh «^,2019______Dans le golfe Persinue. la peur d’une

Après l’escalade des mots entre l’Iran et les Etats-Unis, Washington a rappelé mercredi des membres de son personnel diplomatique en Irak. Mais la justification Par PIERRE ALONSO américaine divise même ses alliés

our une fois, le Guide suprême iranien les plus proches. et le chef de la diplomatie américaine sont d’accord. Personne ne cherche Pla guerre, ont affirmé mardi soir les deux hauts responsables, Ali Khamenei dans un discours du Central Command, la branche du Penta­ confiance à Washington et qui s’opposaient reproduit sur son site, et Mike Pompeo depuis gone qui pilote les opérations dans cette ré­ à des discussions avec les administrations Sotchi, en Russie, lors d’une conférence de gion du monde: «Les récents commentaires du américaines et à l’accord sur le nucléaire, qui presse avec son homologue, Sergueï Lavrov. commandant adjoint contredisent les menaces expliquent aujourd’hui que l’administration Dès mercredi matin pourtant, une décision de crédibles reçues des services de renseignement Trump, malgré sa rhétorique, n’est pas encline Washington confirmait et alimentait l’extrême américains et alliés concernant lesforces pro­ à entrer en guerre, et que ses récents déploie­ tension qui règne depuis une semaine dans iraniennes dans la région.» Mercredi, l’Alle­ ments militaires, très largement commentés la région (lire ci-contre). Les Etats-Unis ont or­ magne et les Pays-Bas ont décidé de sus­ dans les médias, ne sont pas inhabituels», donné au personnel diplomatique non essen­ pendre leur activité de formation militaire écrit-elle dans le quotidien israélien Haaretz. tiel de quitter l’ambassade de Bagdad et le en Irak à cause des tensions, contrairement consulat d’Erbil. Le département d’Etat a pu­ à la France, qui maintient son engagement BOUCLIER blié le même jour une alerte de sécurité re­ actuel. Au contraire, les «réformateurs et modérés commandant aux voyageurs de ne pas se Ce débat à ciel ouvert entre hauts gradés de la [considèrent] que les menaces américaines rendre en Irak à cause des «nombreuxgroupes coalition est d’autant plus gênant pour l’admi­ doivent être prises au sérieux». Pour ces der­ terroristes et rebelles, [et] milices confession­ nistration américaine que ces nouvelles me­ niers, l’accord sur le nucléaire conclu à Vienne nelles antiaméricaines». Sans citer nommé­ naces lui permettaient de justifier sa posture en 2015 constituait un bouclier contre un pos­ ment l’Iran, donc, même si depuis plusieurs agressive (envoi de bombardiers B-52 sur leur sible conflit ouvert. Rohani avait même averti jours, les Etats-Unis assurent que l’Irak pour­ base au Qatar, déploiement d’un porte-avions qu’il aurait pu être aussi dévastateur que la rait devenir un terrain d’affrontement par pro­ dans le Golfe et d’une batterie antiaérienne). guerre contre l’Irak, qui avait fait environ un curation, Téhéran pouvant compter sur place Selon une enquête du New York Times, le mi­ million de morts entre 1980 et 1988. sur de puissantes milices chiites. nistre de la Défense par intérim, Patrick Sha­ «Le processus de prise de décision en matière nahan, a présenté la semaine dernière un plan de sécurité nationale repose sur la recherche RHÉTORIQUE prévoyant d’envoyer jusqu’à120000 hommes d’un consensus», ajoute Ariane Tabatabai. Cette affirmation a donné lieu à l’un des rares dans la région en cas d’attaque iranienne Pour donner des gages à la frange la plus incidents entre alliés réunis au sein de la coali­ contre des intérêts américains. Donald Trump conservatrice du régime, de plus en plus tion contre l’Etat islamique, l’opération «Inhe­ a démenti, invoquant une «fake news» tout en impatiente, et répondre à la réimposition uni­ rent Resolve». Son commandant adjoint, le se disant prêt à dépêcher «beaucoup plus latérale et progressive de sanctions améri­ général britannique Christopher Ghika, a d’hommes que ça» si nécessaire. caines depuis un an, Téhéran a annoncé qu’il affirmé mardi que «non, la menace desforces La «pression maximale», passée des sanctions ne respecterait plus certaines clauses de l’ac­ soutenues par l'Iran en Irak et en Syrie n’aug- économiques à des démonstrations de force cord présentées comme secondaires. Une ment[ait]pas»: «Nous n’avons vu aucun chan­ militaire, place l’Iran dans une position déli­ position médiane, et consensuelle, pour ne gement dans l’attitude de [Hachd al-Chaabi, cate. Si le régime fait bloc en surface, un débat pas faire que subir et encaisser l’asphyxie éco­ les milices pro-iraniennes en Irak] depuis le parcourt sur la meilleure façon d’y ré­ nomique du pays en mettant sous pression les l’échange récent entre les Etats-Unis et l’Iran, pondre, selon Ariane Tabatabai, politologue autres puissances signataires attachées à l’ac­ et nous espérons et nous attendons à ce que cela à la Rand Corporation. Des désaccords à iront cord. Mais sans aller jusqu’à le dénoncer, ce continue.» Sa déclaration a été suivie d’un renversé : «Ce sont les durs du régime, ceux qui qui pourrait constituer un casus belli dans le communiqué en forme de recadrage de la part ont longtemps averti qu’on ne pouvait pasfaire contexte actuel. ♦

36 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti felbnâe VENDREDI 17 MAI 2019 L’Irak, otage de la rivalité entre ses parrains américain et iranien Les Etats-Unis, qui ont rappelé leur personnel diplomatique non essentiel, sont soupçonnés d’exagérer la menace des milices chiites

igne de friction et terrain de çais en Irak n’a lieu actuellement ». rivalité entre les Etats-Unis La position de neutralité dans la­ et l’Iran, l’Irak pouvait diffi­ quelle M. Abdel Mahdi s’évertue à cilement s’extraire de la montée L maintenir l’Irak pour éviter qu’elle des tensions entre ses deux par­ ne devienne un terrain de con­ rains. Après une série d’incidents frontation entre les deux rivaux visant des intérêts pétroliers dans est un difficile équilibre. «Le pro­ le Golfe ces derniers jours, les blème est qu’il est considéré à Etats-Unis ont invoqué un «flux de Washington comme une excrois­ menaces accru » en Irak pour rap­ sance iranienne. Sa marge de peler leur personnel diplomatique manœuvre est limitée. Il n’est pas non essentiel de l’ambassade de en mesure d’imposer aux milices Bagdad et du consulat d’Erbil, au d’épargner le pays et de garder Kurdistan irakien, mercredi l’Irak neutre», estime Hosham 15 mai. Soupçonnée d’alimenter Dawood, chercheur à l’Ecole des l’escalade en exagérant le niveau hautes études en sciences sociales. de la menace, l’administration Les milices chiites proches de américaine a justifié « une menace Mike Pompeo (à d.), lors de sa visite surprise en Irak, l’Iran ont nié toute intention de imminente contre [son] person­ parle avec Joey Wood, le chargé d’affaire de l’ambassade s’en prendre aux intérêts améri­ nel». Cette menace «est réelle», a américaine de Bagdad, le 7 mai 2019. Mandel Ngan / AP cains et accusé Washington de se insisté un haut responsable à livrer à une «guerre psychologi­ Washington, évoquant la respon­ Les milices chiites rance» des autorités de Bagdad que». «Les accusations américai­ sabilité de « milices irakiennes sous qu’elles protégeaient «de manière nes sont sans fondement. Cela commandement et contrôle des proches de l’Iran adéquate les Américains dans leur nous rappelle le mensonge des gardiens de la révolution iraniens ». ont accusé pays». Cette assurance a été réité­ armes de destruction massive en Depuis la proclamation de la vic­ rée mardi par le premier ministre, Irak», a déclaré Laith al Athari, toire contre l’organisation Etat Washington Adel Abdel Mahdi, qui a indiqué porte-parole du groupe pro-ira- islamique (El) en décembre 2017, à de se livrer que Bagdad n’avait relevé aucune nien Asaïb Ahl Al-Haq, en rappe­ laquelle Washington et Téhéran activité menaçante des milices lant le prétexte utilisé par les Etats- ont indirectement coopéré, les à une «guerre chiites pro-iraniennes. Une ana­ Unis pour envahir l’Irak de Sad­ deux parrains se livrent une psychologique» lyse qu’a partagée le général Chris dam Hussein en 2003. guerre d’influence en Irak. La déci­ Ghika, un porte-parole britanni­ De leur côté, les responsables sion du président américain, que de la coalition internationale, américains ont assuré mercredi Donald Trump, de réinstaurer des Dans le contexte de «pression qui a démenti mardi toute « aggra­ que ce rappel de diplomates sanctions économiques contre maximale» exercée depuis dix vation de la menace posée par les n’était pas motivé par une action l’Iran, après son retrait de l’accord jours par Washington, présentée forces pro-iraniennes». militaire imminente des Etats- nucléaire en mai 2018, puis l’ins­ comme une réponse à des prépa­ Unis contre l’Iran ou ses groupes cription, en avril, des gardiens de ratifs iraniens d’attaques aux con­ Aucune activité menaçante alliés, tandis que le président la révolution sur la liste améri­ tours encore flous contre ses inté­ Le Pentagone et le département Trump a renouvelé ses appels au caine des «organisations terroris­ rêts dans la région, le secrétaire d’Etat se sont relayés pour mini­ dialogue. «Je suis sûr que l’Iran tes » ont avivé les tensions. d’Etat américain, Mike Pompeo, a miser et contredire ses propos. De voudra bientôt discuter», a-t-il Washington fait pression pour effectué une visite surprise à Bag­ leur côté, les armées allemande et lancé sur Twitter. ■ que Bagdad limite ses échanges dad le 5 mai, pour partager avec les néerlandaise, alliées des Etats- HÉLÈNE SALLON avec son voisin iranien, partenaire dirigeants irakiens «les informa­ Unis au sein de la coalition anti-EI, économique incontournable dans tions qui indiquent une escalade ont annoncé avoir suspendu jus­ des secteurs-clés, et réduise l’in­ des activités de l’Iran ». Selon plu­ qu’à nouvel ordre leurs opérations fluence des milices chiites pro-ira- sieurs responsables militaires de formation militaire en Irak. niennes au sein de l’appareil sécu­ américains, le renseignement a Berlin, qui déploie actuellement ritaire. Ces dernières, entrées en constaté des mouvements d’ar­ quelque 160 instructeurs sur force au Parlement en mai 2018, mes et de groupes pro-iraniens à place, a invoqué une «vigilance ont multiplié les provocations terre et en mer, et des instructions accrue», tandis quÀmsterdam, contre les Américains, sans toute­ pour attaquer des intérêts améri­ qui dispose de 50 instructeurs, a fois réussir à rallier une majorité cains comme des ambassades, des évoqué des «menaces». Le minis­ pour imposer le départ des trou­ consulats ou des soldats. tère français des armées a fait sa­ pes étrangères - dont 5200 sol­ Au terme de sa visite, Mike Pom­ voir à l’agence Reuters qu’« aucun dats américains. peo a déclaré avoir reçu l’« assu­ changement de l’engagementfran-

37 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti International iNhv Jlork Stmes may 16,2019 As U.S. warns of Iran threats, skeptics recall claims on Iraq

WASHINGTON -t BY HELENE COOPER EH'- AND EDWARD WONG B- Ik As the Trump administration draws up It war plans against Iran over what it says a iX are threats to American troops and in­ terests, a senior British military official told reporters at the Pentagon that he saw no increased risk from Iran or allied militias in Iraq or Syria. A few hours later, the United States Central Command issued an unusual re­ buke. The remarks from the British offi­ cial — Maj. Gen. Chris Ghika, who is also the deputy commander of the Ameri­ can-led coalition fighting the Islamic State — run “counter to the identified credible threats available to intelligence from U.S. and allies regarding Iranian- backed forces in the region,” a Central Command spokesman said in a state­ DOUG M1LLS/THE NEW YORK TIMES John R. Bolton, the national security adviser, has sought hard-line tactics against Iran. ment on Tuesday. Officials said President Trump was aware that Mr. Bolton’s approach could lead to war. The rare public dispute highlights a central problem for the Trump adminis­ tration as it seeks to rally allies and global opinion against Iran. lies choose between Iranian oil and do­ Pompeo presented last week on a sur­ Over the last year, Washington has ing business in the American market, prise trip to Baghdad. Mr. Pompeo said said Iran is threatening United States and declared the Islamic Revolutionary the threat was to American “facilities” interests in the Middle East, encourag­ Guards Corps a terrorist organization. and military personnel in Iraq. ing aggression by Shiite militias in Leb­ ' In the fall, Trump administration offi­ anon and Iraq, shipping missiles to cials blamed Shiite militias with ties to Houthi rebels in Yemen and allowing its One American official said Iran for firing rockets into the area near naval forces to behave belligerently in that the new intelligence the United States Embassy in Baghdad the Persian Gulf. and the American Consulate in Basra. All are concerns that have been lev­ of an increased Iranian threat was “small stuff.” There were no injuries, but Mr. Pompeo eled against Iranians for years. “We are ordered the Basra consulate closed. aware of their presence clearly and we Privately, several European officials monitor them along with a whole range On Wednesday, the State Department described Mr. Bolton and Mr. Pompeo as of others because of the environment we ordered a partial evacuation of the dragging an unsuspecting Mr. Trump up are in,” General Ghika said. American Embassy in Baghdad as a a series of escalatory steps that could But he said, “No, there has been no in­ heightened security measure. put the United States on a course to war creased threat from Iranian-backed It is all part of the Trump administra­ before the president realizes it. forces in Iraq or Syria.” tion’s drive to unite the world behind While Mr. Trump has made no secret Intelligence and military officials in American assertions that Iran is threat­ of his reluctance to engage in another Europe as well as in the United States ening’ the United States and its allies. military conflict in the Middle East, and said that over the past year, most ag­ The push has proved difficult even has ordered American troops home gressive moves have originated not in among the allies, which remember a from Syria, Mr. Pompeo and Mr. Bolton Tehran, but in Washington — where similar campaign against Iraq that was have pushed a maximalist hard-line ap­ John R. Bolton, the national security ad­ led in part by Mr. Bolton and was fueled proach on Iran. Mr. Bolton, in particular, viser, has prodded President Trump into by false claims that Saddam Hussein has repeatedly called for American mili­ backing Iran into a corner. One Ameri­ had Weapons of mass destruction. tary strikes against Tehran. can official said the new intelligence of The efforts this week by Mike Pom- Officials said Mr. Trump was aware an increased Iranian threat was “small peo, the secretary of state, to recruit Eu­ that Mr. Bolton’s instinctual approach to stuff” and did not merit the military ropean countries to back the adminis­ Iran could lead to war; aides suggested planning being driven by Mr. Bolton. tration’s steely posture on Iran are being that the president’s own aversion to The official said the ultimate goal of the received coolly. Federica Mogherini, the drawn-out overseas conflicts would be pressure campaign was to draw Iran European Union’s foreign affairs chief, the best hope of putting the brakes on into an armed conflict with America. called for “maximum restraint” after any military escalation. Since May 2018, the Trump adminis­ meeting on Monday in Brussels with Mr. A spokesman for Mr. Bolton declined tration has withdrawn from the major Pompeo, a ringleader of the “maximum to comment for this article. powers agreement that' curbed Iran’s pressure” campaign against Iran. The Trump administration is looking nuclear program, reimposed punishing Iraqi officials said they were skeptical at plans to potentially send as many as sanctions on Tehran, demanded that al­ of the American intelligence that Mr. 120,000 troops to the Middle East should

38 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti Iran attack American forces or acceler­ ate work on nuclear weapons, The New York Times reported. On Tuesday, Mr. Trump dismissed that as “fake news.” “We have not planned for that,” he told reporters. But he immediately added, “If we did that, we’d send a hell of a lot more troops than that.” At least some of the president’s critics accept that Iran continues to engage in what United States officials call “malign behavior,” be it in Yemen, Syria or the Palestinian territories. But they blamed the administration for aggravating the standoff. “This is a crisis that has entirely been manufactured by the Trump adminis­ tration,” said Vali R. Nasr, the dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced In­ ternational Studies, in Washington, D.C. He pointed to Mr. Trump’s decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal in May 2018, coupled with the administration’s OFFICE OF THE IRANIAN PRESIDENCY failure to get any other signatories to do President Hassan Rouhani of Iran. Many Arabs feel there is a need to counter the expan­ so. “None of the other signatories to the sionism of Iran, whose influence runs through Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza and Yemen. deal were persuaded by the case the U.S. was making,” Mr. Nasr said. “And that is One big worry is that the Trump ad­ the Trump administration labels the because this administration’s policy on ministration has issued the most expan­ rebels as Iranian proxies, and Mr. Iran, at a fundamental level, does not sive type of warning to Iran, without Bolton’s statement left open the possibil­ have credibility.” stating specific red lines for Tehran’s ac­ ity that a Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia That lack of trust has proved to be a tions. That has increased the chance of a or the U.A.E. — both United States allies major obstacle in convincing allies that military conflict starting over misinter­ — could set off an American military as­ Iranian behavior in the region warrants pretations and miscalculations. sault against Iran. military action. In a statement this month, Mr. Bolton The hard-line tactics against Iran And while the acting defense secre­ outlined terms of what appeared to be could backfire in two ways, said Ali tary, Patrick Shanahan, has carefully conditions for military engagement, re­ Vaez, the Iran project director at the In­ cultivated a more acquiescent stance to sponding to what he said were “trou­ ternational Crisis Group. If the sanc­ Mr. Bolton’s demands than did his pred­ bling and escalatory indications and tions crush its economy, then Iran could ecessor, Jim Mattis, many military offi­ warnings.” He said "any attack on act with less restraint, he added. And if cials and congressional representatives United States interests or on those of the sanctions do not work well, then worry about the escalating tensions. Mr. our allies will be met with unrelenting some American officials will advocate Mattis had balked at Mr. Bolton’s re­ force.” And he said the administration military action, a move that Israel, Saudi quest for military options against Iran was “fully prepared to respond to any at­ Arabia and the United Arab Emirates after the American Embassy grounds tack” by the Iranian military or a are likely to support. were shelled in Baghdad. “Bolton did “proxy” — one of the Middle East’s Shi­ In statements, Iranian leaders have the same with President George W. ite militias that are supported by Iran. reacted with both belligerence and dip­ Bush and Iraq,” Representative Seth Those militias often do not operate lomatic restraint to a series of American Moulton, Democrat of Massachusetts under direct command and control from actions that they see as provocative. In a and an Iraq war veteran, said in a state­ Iran, and they have varying levels of al­ tweet on Tuesday, the Iranian foreign ment last week. “As someone sent four legiance to the Iran military. minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, times to that misguided war, I have seen In Yemen’s civil war, the Houthis are ridiculed Mr. Bolton and three anti-Iran the costs of Bolton’s disastrous foreign Shiite rebels who oppose a government foreign leaders in the Middle East as a policy in a way he never will — first­ backed by Saudi Arabia, the United “#B_Team.” hand, and at the loss of thousands of Arab Emirates and other Sunni nations. American lives.” The Houthis’ ties to Iran are murky. But

U.S.-backed forces to send away 3,000 foreign fighters out of Syria DAMASCUS, May 12,2019 (Xinhua) -

The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) will discharge 3,000 foreign fighters from its ranks in three months, a war monitor reported on Sunday. Human Rights. The decision comes following the defeat of the Islamic State (IS) in eastern Syria as the SDF and the U.S. coalition will be training Syrian figh­ The Britain-based watchdog group said the decision also comes in light of the protests against the SDF in northern and northeastern Syria. ters in areas under the SDF control to replace the foreign ones. The foreign fighters, who are from Iranian and Turkish among other In March, the SDF announced defeating the IS in the eastern part of nationalities, will depart Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Syria near the Iraqi border.

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

International iNcïv Jlork tintes may 17,2019 Iraq wary of U.S. war plans

BAGHDAD ing the Islamic State, and all report to United States, it is more likely to take the prime minister’s office. place in the gulf rather than on Iraqi soil. The concern in Iraq is focused on the Unlike the Iraq of 2003, Iraq today is an handful of groups with strong ties to American ally. The country wants to avoid Iran. Several are close to Iran’s Revolu­ “Iam not afraid of a war between Iran being where America and tionary Guard Corps and have members and the United States,” said Ali Selim, who trained in Iran. 55, a barber who was drying his towels Iran settle their scores’ “Unfortunately, we have groups that outdoors. “Then the American target want to be more Iranian than Iran itself,” was Iraq. This time it’s Iran,” he said, BY ALISSA J. RUBIN said Salah al-Obaidi, the spokesman for adding that the militias would not risk the populist cleric and power broker their own survival by provoking Ameri­ In the Trump administration’s recent Moktada al-Sadr. “We have concerns can retaliation because at the end of the bellicose talk about Iran, Iraqis hear about the possibility that the govern­ day they are Iraqis. eerie echoes of the months just before ment cannot control the pro-Iranian Others dismissed the increased ten­ the American invasion of Iraq. groups, and this will be a big problem in sions as empty saber-rattling. Iraqi officials, wary of another war on Iraq.” “It’s just talk, just threats,” said Salim their land, say they have warned armed He said the government needed to Abu Hassan, 48, a worker who had just groups tied to Iran to refrain from taking take a stronger stand against those delivered a shipment of baby scales to a any action that could provoke American groups. medical supply store. He said he had retaliation. “There is still no plan on the ground fought in the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, "The last two days there have been about what the government will do,” he and was in Baghdad when the United continuous meetings with all the groups said. “In the military there has to be States attacked 16 years ago. “Iran and to convey the Iraqi government’s mes­ strict rules and if anyone breaks the America are each one trying to shout sage that if anyone does something, it is rules or does anything outside the plan, louder than the other.” their responsibility, not Iraq’s,” said they are punished, and the government It can be difficult to discern Iran’s in­ Sayed al-Jayashi, a senior member of has not done that.” tentions since its elected leadership and Iraq’s National Security Council. Iraq, he said, cannot “be the place government often sound reasonable, “The Iraqi government is responsible where America and Iran settle their but the Revolutionary Guards and the for protecting American interests in scores.” Quds Force, whose leader Qassem Iraq,” he added. “We will become the en­ The parallels to the Bush administra­ Soleimani is in regular touch with Iraqi emy of anyone who does something tion’s decision to go to war in 2003 based figures, take a far more antagonistic against American interests.” on false claims that Saddam Hussein stance toward the United States. In the past two weeks, the Trump ad­ had weapons of mass destruction do not However, Mr. al-Jayashi and other ministration has said, repeatedly and escape anyone, but then important senior Iraqi officials said Iran’s only re­ publicly, that Iran and Arab Shiite mili­ American allies like Canada, Britain and quest to Iraq has been to prevent the tias aligned with it were planning to Japan supported the Bush administra­ United States from using its soil to strike American troops in the region, tion; now the Trump administration’s launch an attack on Iranian territory. and that the threat had increased re­ hostility to Iran is a far lonelier stance. A senior Iraqi official who asked not to cently. Mr. Trump has long called the Iraq be identified said that the Americans In response, the administration dis­ war a mistake, and has said that Ameri­ had no plans to do that. The official said patched an aircraft carrier, long-range can forces should withdraw from the that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, bombers and an antimissile battery to Middle East and other parts of the who visited Iraq last week, told Iraqi the Persian Gulf and updated plans for a world. But his national security adviser, leaders that the United States respected war with Iran. On Wednesday, the State John R. Bolton, has advocated military Iraq’s sovereignty and that it would not Department ordered a number of its strikes against Iran and regime change launch attacks on Iran from Iraq. “nonemergency” personnel in Iraq to there. As a State Department official in The State Department did not imme­ leave the country. 2003, he was seen as one of the more diately respond to a request for com­ There are about 30 militias in Iraq hawkish voices on Iraq. ment on Mr. Pompeo’s message to the with at least 125,000 active-duty fighters On the streets of Baghdad, many Iraqis. Mr. Pompeo said that he had dis­ and varying loyalties. Many worked in Iraqis say that if there is an armed con­ cussed the “importance of Iraq ensuring tandem with the Iraqi military in fight­ flict between Iran or its proxies and the that it’s able to adequately protect Americans in their country.” According to the official, Mr. Pompeo did not address whether the United States would launch an attack on Iraqi soil against an armed group that struck the United States, a scenario now under discussion at the Pentagon. The prospect of escalating hostilities spilling into Iraq, which has been at war for most of the time Since the American invasion, is a horror that many Iraqis wish to believe could not happen again. “I remember the destruction and the looting and the burned and destroyed buildings,” said Emad Hassan, 45. “We In Baghdad, many Iraqis say they don’t fëar a war on their country’s soil; some dismiss thought they came only to liberate Iraq, the increased tensions between the United States and Iran as empty saber-rattling. but they occupied it.”

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

leMcmâe VENDREDI 17 MAI 2019 La faiblesse de l’économie, talon d’Achille du pouvoir en Turquie

ANALYSE UNE PARTIE n ordonnant d’annuler l’élection du maire d’Istanbul, remportée par DE LA POPULATION, l’opposition, la Haute Commission URBAINE, ACTIVE, électorale a comblé le souhait du président turc, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, qui ÉDUQUÉE, AISÉE, Es’est aussitôt réjoui du triomphe de «la vo­ lonté populaire». Il faut dire que le «Grand A PERDU CONFIANCE Turc» ne pouvait permettre la perte de la EN LA CAPACITÉ ville monde (16 millions d’habitants), son berceau politique et la principale source de DU PRÉSIDENT son système de patronage. Le président turque, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Décrite par l’opposition comme «un putsch ERDOGAN À PILOTER s’adresse à ses partisans, à Istanbul, contre les umes », réprouvée mollement par le L’ÉCONOMIE le 12 mai 2019. REUTERS Conseil de l’Europe, dont la Turquie est mem­ bre, la décision des juges dAnkara a rajouté de l’incertitude au climat politique interne. Cette incertitude est comme du sel jeté sur les des banques d’Etat qui, entre le 6 et le 7 mai, sesseurs présents dans les bureaux de vote à plaies du pays, confronté depuis le début de ont dépensé un milliard de dollars sur le mar­ Istanbul le 31 mars n’étaient pas légitimes. l’année à une récession économique - crois­ ché pour soutenir la monnaie défaillante. Un détail qui avait échappé aux 16 253 obser­ sance en berne, inflation à 20 %, hausse du La confiance s’étiole et les résidents turcs se vateurs de l’AKP présents dans les bureaux chômage, chez les jeunes surtout -, du ja- ruent sur les devises. D’après lÂgence de su­ de vote ce jour-là. mais-vu depuis 2009. pervision et de contrôle du secteur bancaire Pour cette raison, l’élection a été invalidée, Le gouvernement devrait avoir pour seule (BDDK), à la fin du mois de mars, les mon­ mais pas dans sa totalité. Le nouveau scrutin, priorité de retrouver la confiance des inves­ tants des dépôts bancaires en devises (dol­ fixé au 23 juin, portera uniquement sur le tisseurs, dont l’économie est dépendante lars, euros) ont dépassé ceux en livres tur­ maire de la «grande municipalité». Or, le pour combler le déficit des comptes courants ques. Les premiers atteignent désormais 31 mars, il y avait quatre bulletins dans cha­ et refinancer la dette, or c’est le contraire qui 175 milliards de dollars (156 milliards d’euros) que enveloppe. Un bulletin pour le maire de se produit. Le patronat turc laïque et pro-oc- contre 165 milliards de dollars pour la livre la grande municipalité, un autre pour le cidental, rassemblé sous la bannière de la Tü- turque (993 milliards de TL). maire d’arrondissement, un autre pour le siad (l’équivalent du Medef français), en est Il est clair qu’une partie de la population, conseil municipal et le dernier pour le chef conscient. Il a cru bon de le dire. Dans un urbaine, active, éduquée, aisée, a perdu d’administration du quartier (mukhtar). communiqué publié le 7 mai, au lendemain confiance en la capacité du président Erdo­ La commission a statué sur un bulletin de l’annulation, l’organisation patronale a gan à piloter l’économie. Ce verdict s’est re­ seulement, celui du maire d’Istanbul, qui a été invalidé. Les trois autres bulletins, acquis fait part de sa « préoccupation » et de son at­ trouvé dans les urnes lors des municipales à 1ÂKP, n’ont pas été remis en cause. Les tachement «à l’agenda des réformes démo­ du 31 mars, quand l’AKP, malgré un bon conseillers municipaux, les maires d’arron­ cratiques ». Ce qui lui a valu une volée de bois score au niveau national (44 %), a perdu An­ dissement et les mukhtars élus le 31 mars vert de M. Erdogan, lui enjoignant de «se te­ kara, Istanbul et toutes les villes de la côte conservent leur mandat. nir à carreaux». égéenne et méditerranéenne, soit 70 % du Selon ce raisonnement, l’élection était à un Le patronat était pourtant dans son rôle. PIB du pays. quart seulement entachée d’irrégularités. Qui dit nouvelles élections, dit nouvelles dé­ Inique, la décision des juges est un coup porté penses et remise à plus tard des réformes Un cap a été franchi à leur crédibilité, à leur indépendance. Plus promises. Actuellement, la baisse inexorable Apparemment, le message n’est pas passé. grave, pour la première fois depuis 1950, de la monnaie locale, la livre turque (TL), met Au lieu de mettre de l’eau dans son thé et quand le système du parti unique a pris fin en à rude épreuve les nerfs des entrepreneurs d’accepter la défaite de son parti à Istanbul, Turquie, la perspective d’un changement de turcs endettés en devises et qui peinent à res­ le président Erdogan a opté pour la manière pouvoir par les urnes apparaît compromise. tructurer leurs crédits. Après avoir perdu forte. La nécessité d’« enlever une ombre» Un cap a été franchi. Aykan Erdemir, maître 28 % de sa valeur par rapport au dollar est, selon lui. Tune des raisons ayant incité de recherches à la Fondation pour la défense en 2018, elle a baissé de 14 % pendant les cinq les juges électoraux, le 6 mai, à annuler des démocraties (FDD) à Washington, y voit premiers mois de 2019, ce qui fait d’elle la l’élection du maire d’Istanbul. L’ombre en «le passage d’un autoritarisme compétitif à plus faible des monnaies des pays émer­ question, une «irrégularité» constatée lors un autoritarisme total, sans la nécessité de gents, juste après le peso argentin. du vote du 31 mars dans la ville sur le Bos­ maintenir les apparences d’une démocratie phore, en jette une autre sur la Haute Com­ A peine les juges de la Haute Commission parles umes, d’un Etat de droit». Au risque de mission électorale dont la légitimité ressort électorale de Turquie avaient-ils annoncé ramener la Turquie au rang du Venezuela, amoindrie, tout comme la démocratie tur­ leur décision que la livre est repartie à la mais sans le pétrole. ■ que, ou ce qu’il en reste. baisse, jusqu’à atteindre son plus faible ni­ MARIE JÉGO (ISTANBUL, CORRESPONDANTE) veau en sept mois par rapport au dollar, soit En fait d’irrégularité, les juges, à l’unisson 6,19 TL, le 7 mai. Et ce, malgré l’intervention avec 1ÂKP, ont constaté que certains des as-

41 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti InternationaliNhv Jlork Sinus may 17,2019 Missile images set off fierce debate over Iran

WASHINGTON

White House sees peril at sea, but some officials warn against overreaction

BY JULIAN E. BARNES, ERIC SCHMITT, NICHOLAS FANDOS AND EDWARD WONG ■ The intelligence that caused the White House to escalate its warnings about a threat from Iran came from photo­ graphs of missiles on small boats in the Persian Gulf that were put on board by , Iranian paramilitary forces, three American officials said. «■tiiwruTTX™?? Overhead imagery showed fully as­ sembled missiles, stoking fears that the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, left, ordered a partial evacuation of Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps the United States Embassy in Baghdad. would fire them at United States naval ships. Additional intelligence picked up threats against commercial shipping Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, in and potential attacks by Iranian proxy Bolton to announce that the aircraft car­ a closed-door meeting of House Demo­ forces on American troops in Iraq. rier Abraham Lincoln would sail sooner crats, criticized the administration’s But just how alarmed the Trump ad­ than expected to the gulf. Choosing Mr. lack of transparency on the intelligence, ministration should be over the new in­ Bolton to deliver that message fueled according to a Democratic aide. She also telligence is a subject of fierce debate skepticism among allies and congres­ said that the administration must con­ among the White House, the Pentagon, sional Democrats. sult Congress before taking any action. the C.I.A. and America’s allies. As military officials struggled to show Ms. Pelosi spoke hours after the evac­ The photographs presented a differ­ that the threat from Iran was growing, uation of embassy personnel was or­ ent kind of threat than previously seen intelligence officials declassified a pho­ dered by Mr. Pompeo, who as a con­ from Iran, said the three officials, who tograph of one of the small boats, called gressman was one of the fiercest critics spoke on the condition of anonymity be­ dhows, carrying what was described as of the Obama administration’s handling cause they were not authorized to talk a functional Iranian missile. of the 2012 attacks on the American dip­ about it publicly. Taken with the other in­ The Pentagon has not released the telligence, they could indicate that Iran lomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. photograph. On its own, two American officials said, the photograph was not is preparing to attack. United States Intelligence officials were set to meet forces. That is the view of John R. on Thursday with senior congressional compelling enough to convince the Bolton, President Trump’s hard-line na­ leaders for a briefing on the new intelli­ American public and lawmakers, nor tional security adviser, and Secretary of gence about Iran. Nine American na­ foreign allies, of the new Iranian threat. State Mike Pompeo. tional security and congressional offi­ But releasing other supporting images But other officials — including Euro­ cials discussed the intelligence and the could compromise secret sources and peans, Iraqis, members of both parties closed-door talks about it on the condi­ methods of collecting intelligence, the in Congress and some senior officials tion of anonymity because they were not two officials said. within the Trump administration — said authorized to speak about it publicly. The other photographs, which remain Iran’s moves might mostly be defensive Until recently, American government classified, show the Islamic Revolution­ against what Tehran believes are pro­ officials had said that Iran was continu­ ary Guards Corps loading missiles onto vocative acts by Washington. ing its usual support to militant groups the boats in several different Iranian Either way, the questions about the and proxy forces in the region, but was ports, the two officials said. It is believed underlying intelligence, and complaints not seeking a fight. that the boats are under the control of by lawmakers that they had not been That changed on May 3 when what of­ the Revolutionary Guards. briefed on it, reflect the deep mistrust of ficials described as new intelligence sig­ CNN first reported that Iranian mis­ Mr. Trump’s national security team. nificantly shifted the Pentagon’s assess­ siles were being moved onto ships last ment of the immediacy of the threat. The week. But new details have emerged in The State Department ordered the military’s Central Command asked that recent days, and American officials partial evacuation of the United States an aircraft carrier and bombers be sent have concluded that Iran did not intend Embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday, a to transfer the weapons to proxy forces. move that one senior American official to the Persian Gulf, rebuilding a deter­ Combined with other intelligence, the said was an overreaction and could pos­ rent force that some officials believed had been eroded by troop drawdowns. boats signaled a troubling Iranian mobi­ sibly do more to endanger diplomats lization of forces that officials said put than to keep them safe. On May 5, the White House sent Mr.

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

American ships, bases and commercial who was briefed last week on the new Two American officials said Iran be­ vessels at risk. They were one of at least intelligence, said on Wednesday that gan mobilizing its forces after provoca­ three streams of intelligence that, to­ while he did not want a war with Iran, tions by Washington, including new eco­ gether, alarmed national security offi­ the United States must respond if at­ nomic sanctions on Tehran, an end to ex­ cials and convinced many that a more tacked. emptions to the eight governments it serious threat was emerging. “I’ve been here eight years. This is, by had allowed to buy Iranian oil and the The United States also recently far, the single most imminent potential designation of the Revolutionary learned of conversations between the Guards as a terrorist group. conflict of this significance that I have Representative Seth Moulton, Demo­ Revolutionary Guards and Iranian been around,” Mr. Rubio said. “This is proxy forces discussing attacks on crat of Massachusetts and a Marine vet­ real. This is not a fake thing. It’s not be­ American troops and diplomats in Iraq. eran who served in Iraq, has introduced ing made up by somebody. This presi­ Such conversations are nothing new, but legislation to require the Trump admin­ dent does not even want to have troops istration to get congressional approval the recent discussions were held with in the Middle East.” unusual frequency and included specif­ before “engaging in hostilities” with Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, Iran. In April, Senator Rand Paul, Re­ ics about strikes on American targets. the Democratic leader, said flaws in the American officials also collected intel­ publican of Kentucky, pressed Mr. Pom­ Trump administration’s approach were ligence about Iran targeting commercial peo during a hearing for the same com­ evidenced in an article by The New York shipping, prompting a warning to mari­ mitment, but the secretary of state de­ Times that reported on Pentagon plans flected the request. ners issued last Friday. That was one for sending as many as 120,000 troops to reason that led American officials to be­ Most Republicans signaled that they the Middle East if hostilities with Iran supported the administration’s tough lieve Iran was behind the sabotage of escalated. four tankers off the coast of the United line. “Iran seems to be more aggressive, “Did we learn the lessons of the last Arab Emirates. The officials, however, and we have to push back,” Senator decade?” Mr. Schumer said on the Sen­ Richard C. Shelby, Republican of Ala­ still do not have conclusive forensic ate floor. “There is an alarming lack of analysis that shows Iran was to blame. bama and the chairman of the Appropri­ clarity here, there’s a lack of strategy, ations Committee, said after meeting Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of and there’s a lack of consultation. The Florida, who sits on the Foreign Rela­ with intelligence officials. “We cannot president ought to come up with a strat­ give them a lot of space.” tions and Intelligence Committees and egy and make it clear to Congress.”

InternationaljNcto Jlork times may 17,2019 How to stop march to war with Iran

Wendy R. Sherman

OPINION

Either the Trump administration is trying to goad Iran into war or a war could come by accident because of the administration’s reckless policies, but the prospect of the current tensions in the Middle East escalating into a seri­ ous conflict is now dangerously high. This week, four commercial tankers were reportedly sabotaged off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, near the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping lane for about 40 percent of the world’s oil. Saudi Arabia also re­ ported that drones sent by Iranian- supported Houthis attacked Saudi oil

facilities. Both incidents ratcheted up MCSN JASON WATTE/US. NAVX tensions as anonymous American The USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier, has been deployed to officials in the press pointed to Iran as the perpetrator. Tehran has denied the Persian Gulf in response to unspecified threats from Iran. this. Additionally, during a meeting with unspecified Iranian threats. This came home, not sending tens of thousands European foreign ministers in Brus­ after increased American sanctions more to the Middle East. Such a de­ sels, Secretary of agaihst Iran and the movement of an ployment, although inadequate for a full-scale war, is more than foolish. War The U.S. State Mike Pompeo American aircraft carrier and B-52s to in the Middle East, as we should have Congress, reportedly shared the Persian Gulf. With Iran threatening reports of escalating to step back further from the Joint learned by now, is neither swift to end Europe and Iranian threats in the Comprehensive Plan of Action, better nor sure to achieve its purpose. business Middle East. On known as the Iran nuclear deal, the The best way to avoid war is to talk leaders can Wednesday, the State Trump administration leaked plans to with Iran, which President Trump has stand in John Department an­ send 120,000 troops to the Middle East said he wants to do. Prisoner-swap Bolton’s way. nounced that it was if war is to come. negotiations, to bring home Americans pulling nonessential But war is not inevitable. President imprisoned or missing in Iran, could staff from Iraq, citing Trump campaigned on bringing troops create an important channel of com-

43 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

munication, and the leadership in There are other, quieter ways to humanitarian assistance to Iran, real Tehran is open to this. But a leader-to- encourage peaceful outcomes in the and viable. The Trump administration leader meeting can happen only if the Middle East. Congress — along with has threatened sanctions against Eu­ United States rejoins the nuclear deal think tanks and private donors — rope if Instex comes into force. With — and at this point that unfortunately should support conversations between the possibility of a war that would be seems unlikely. scholars and opinion leaders in Iran, catastrophic for the entire world — The good news is that Congress, the United States, Europe and the including Europe — looming, that is a America’s allies and others can inter­ Middle East. Such dialogue, sometimes risk worth taking. American and Euro­ vene to avert a disastrous conflict. joined by government representatives, pean business leaders, members of Although bipartisanship is scarce, can help de-escalate the potential for Congress, and government and opinion caution in sending American troops conflict. The recent Op-Ed essay in this leaders worldwide should publicly abroad remains a common cause. Both newspaper by Hossein Mousavian, an stand with European countries in this houses of Congress should immedi­ Iranian scholar and former diplomat, effort. ately hold hearings on thé leaked war and Abdulaziz Sager, a Saudi re­ Finally, it is crucial that the news plans. searcher, is one courageous first step media in the United States and else­ If the adriiinistration won’t provide in such a process. where continue its crusade for the Patrick M. Shanahan, the acting secre­ Congress should also invite the facts about what is going on with Iran. tary of defense, as a witness, then foreign and defense ministers of We cannot repeat the days before.the Congress should agree to whoever the France, Germany and Britain — all of Iraq war when even many of our most administration sends and include in ------which are signato­ reliable news outlets repeated and the hearing the chairman of the Joint The best way ries to the Iran nu­ amplified what was, in fact, a flimsy case for war. Chiefs or his designee. This hearing to avoid clear deal — to tes­ should be public, but Congress should tify about why it is in It’s quite possible that none of these conflict is to also welcome a classified session to everyone’s interest actions will halt John Bolton, President discuss leaked intelligence alleging talk with to maintain the Trump’s national security adviser, in plots by Iran. Iran, which agreement and his long-held ambition for regime Congress should also use its powers President pursue diplomacy, change in Iran, by force of arms if to challenge the legal authority for a Trump wants not military action, necessary. And maybe even Mr. Trump war with Iran. The Senate is scheduled to do. in dealing with Iran. sees promise in a “wag the dog” strat­ to mark up the fiscal 2020 National European security egy in the run-up to the 2020 election, Defense Authorization Act next week. officials have already raâying his supporters around a This provides an opportunity to limit been contesting the “wartime” president. But a military the use of defense dollars for a new characterization of American intelli­ conflict with Iran would have historic war and gives Congress a chance to gence about Iranian threats. Hearing negative consequences for America’s develop a new Authorization for the from such officials in Congress will, at national security, economy and stand­ Use of Military Force that would limit the least, help Americans understand ing in the world. We cannot just let it the administration’s ability to wage that the Trump administration is iso­ happen. war on Iran. ' lated from the rest of the world. Those in Congress who wish to avoid Europe has already done heroic Wendy R. Sherman is the former under a war need to remind the country that work to keep the nuclear deal intact, secretary of state for political affairs, the debate over authorizing the use of but Paris, Berlin and London have a lead negotiator of the Iran nuclear deal, force against Saddam Hussein, which further role to piay in helping Iran step and the author of “Not for the Faint of was presented as a way to strengthen away a potential conflict with the Heart: Lessons in Courage, Power and the president’s hand for diplomacy, United States. Europe must make Persistence.” ended up giving George W. Bush the Instex, its financial mechanism de­ authority he used to invade Iraq. signed to provide some investment and

5 rudaw 19 May 2019 'IV______Erbil-Baghdad ties, unity of Kurdistan must top president’s agenda: panel

ByRudaw.net - 19/5/2019 Abdulsalam, Mohammed Hamasalih, Rebwar Aziz Mustafah, and Hiwa Khidir Abdullah. ERBIL, Kurdistan - Mending ties Nechirvan Barzani, nephew of between Erbil and Baghdad and preserving the unity of Kurdistan former president Masoud Barzani who resigned in October 2017, is must top the agenda of the Region’s next president, a panel organized by widely expected to secure the job with 90 votes in the 111-seat legisla­ Rudaw Research Center said Sunday. ture. Paul Landry, head of the French The panel, titled “The President of the Kurdistan Region in the next Cultural Institute, said the greatest four years,” took place in Erbil challenge facing the Region’s next president is “preserving” the territo­ shortly after the Kurdistan regional rial unity of the Region. parliament’s presidency board announced the nomination of five Mamand Rozha, head of Panel discussion organized by the Rudaw Research Center takes candidates for the top job. Rudaw’s Research Center, agreed place at the Saad Abdullah Conference Hall in Erbil, May 19, 2019. The five nominees include out­ that the primary challenge for the next president’s rule is the current Photo: Rudaw TV going KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, Omed division of the Region, mainly

44 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

caused by party control over of Kurdistan (PUK). Both command The “growth” of a nationalist Angered by the vote for inde­ armed forces. Peshmerga units, which champions Kurdish project towards indepen­ pendence, Baghdad imposed an of reform say undermines the dence both among the ruling elite embargo on the Region’s internatio­ “The first duty of Kurdistan Region’s democratic institutions. and the population is one side of the nal airports. Then in October 2017, Region’s president in these coming problem, while an urge for authorita­ Iraqi forces and Iran-backed parami­ four years is for the constitution to The two parties were locked in rianism in Baghdad is the other side litias seized control of the territories be passed through the parliament,” negotiations since the September of the problem, Jabiri said. disputed between the federal argued Rozha, who said this would 30 parliamentary election to strike a government and the Kurdistan help to further unify the Region. power-sharing deal. Failure to reach “That is the main problem in my a compromise could have seen the opinion ... Reassuring messages Region, including oil-rich Kirkuk. Dr. Mohammed Askar, a Saudi Region geographically break in two. need to be sent to Baghdad,” he Relations have since thawed political expert, agreed the next pre­ added. and improved dramatically since Adil sident faces “truly difficult tasks” in Dr. Nadim al-Jabiri, previously Abdul-Mahdi became Iraqi prime addressing Iraq’s unity, maintaining head of the Islamic Virtue Party Relations between Erbil and minister. the unity of the Region, and establi­ (Fadhila) of Iraq, argued that the Baghdad hit their lowest ebb in the shing connections with the Kurdish main task for the regional president immediate aftermath of the The Regional president is the populations in Iran, Syria, Turkey, is to mend relations with Baghdad. Kurdistan independence referen­ highest executive authority in the and the diaspora. He warned the condition of the dum in September 2017. Tensions Region and is the commander-in- had already been running high in a chief of armed forces. For the first The Kurdistan Region provinces relationship between the center and spat over the Region’s independent time in the Region’s history, the pre­ of Erbil and Duhok are dominated by the Region is still vague. The main oil sales, which had led Baghdad to sident will be elected by the parlia­ the Kurdistan Democratic Party issue is Baghdad’s urge for centrali­ scrap Erbil’s share of the federal ment and not by the electorate.» (KDP), while Sulaimani and Halabja zation and in the Region’s impulse budget. are dominated by the Patriotic Union for decentralization.

May 20, 2019 Iraq’s Iran-backed militias repudiate missile attack on Baghdad’s Green Zone

Kosar Nawzad / May 20-2019 “If war breaks out, everyone will burn.” www.kurdistan24.net Amiri then accused Israel of being the only country that “pushes” for war, a claim that has ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - Iran-backed Shia mili­ also been made by Iranian leaders, among them tia leaders on Monday distanced themselves Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. from a rocket attack a day earlier that was direc­ Zarif has said US President Donald Trump ted at the Iraqi capital’s fortified Green Zone, was being pushed into war by Israeli Prime landing near the US embassy complex. Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Saudi Arabia The attack, conducted using a Katyusha Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Abu rocket with no casualties reported, came amid Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, and escalating tensions between Washington and US National Security Adviser John Bolton. Tehran, as the former re-imposed and later com­ Qais al-Khazali, head of the Asaib Ahi al-Haq pounded economic and political sanctions on militia - another influential group - echoed Iran after it withdrew last year from the land­ Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Amiri’s statement: “We warn against [actions] mark nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Zone, that includes government offices intended to find pretexts of war and damage Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). and foreign embassies, including the Iraq’s political, economic, and security situa­ The US recently announced further military US embassy. (Photo: Reuters) tion.” deployments to the Persian Gulf to deter possi­ THE END OF IRAQ ble attacks by Iranian forces and its proxies ted to be of the launch pad that was used to fire A long-time critic of foreign intervention in across the Middle East. Washington also orde­ a ticket at Baghdad's Green Zone in May 19, Iraq’s internal affairs and the leader of a militia red on Wednesday the departure of nonessen­ 2019. group that once fought US troops in Iraq follo­ tial US staff in its mission offices across Iraq and Although the identity of the perpetrators is wing the fall of the Saddam Hussein-led regime the Kurdistan Region and suspended visa ser­ yet unclear, the launch site is close to areas in 2003, firebrand Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr vices. where various Shia militias are active and hold also stated his opposition to actions that could Concerns over potential attacks by Iran- sway. The model of the launcher, as seen in a increase tensions and possibly lead to war bet­ backed entities in Iraq have piled among other picture that is believed to have been used by the ween arch-foes Iran and the US. diplomatic offices. On Thursday, British paper attackers on Sunday, is one used by Iranian “I am not for fueling war between Iran and The Guardian reported, citing two intelligence forces, the American Washington Examiner clai­ America,” Sadr said in a Twitter statement. sources, that famed Iranian general Qasim med in a report. Sadr is an influential Iraqi political and reli­ Soleimani, head of the Quds force of the elite AVOIDING WAR Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), had gious figure who headed the Sairoon Alliance in earlier met with Iraqi militia leaders and told Distancing themselves from the attack, the last Iraqi parliamentary elections which them to “prepare for a proxy war.” senior leaders among the Shia militias linked came in first place, winning about one-sixth of with Iran voiced their opposition to it and esca­ the seats in the legislature. Striking the heart of the Green Zone, about lations that could potentially lead to a devasta­ “We need a serious stand by the senior [lea­ a kilometer away from the US embassy, the ting war. rocket was apparently fired from the eastern ders] of the nation to keep Iraq away from the “National, religious, and historical responsi­ part of Baghdad near the capital’s Technological start of a fierce war,” he added. If the country University, where the Iraqi security forces found bility requires everyone to remove the specter “does not have a united stand,” then a war the launch pad, a knowledgeable source told of war from Iraq first of all and the whole region “would be the end of Iraq.” ♦ Kurdistan 24. second,” Hadi al-Amiri, head of the Badr Organization militia group and the Fatah politi­ A photo circulated on social media purpor- cal alliance, said in a statement.

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

TheArabWeekly I May 19,2019 Iraqi Kurdistan edges towards new government

Manuel Langendorf Nechirvan Barzani, the KRG prime minister, is expected to win the presidency after the tripartite London agreement. “Whether or not there is another candidate, next week ore than seven months Nechirvan Barzani will be elect­ after elections in Iraqi ed president,” Hevidar Ahmed, a Kurdistan, the two larg­ member of the KDP parliamentary Mest parties announced bloc, said May 13. they reached an understanding to The KDP has nominated Masrour break the political impasse in form­ Barzani, the intelligence chief and ing the next Kurdistan Regional son of Masoud Barzani, to succeed Government. his cousin as prime minister of the Nechirvan Barzani, deputy leader semi-autonomous region. of the Kurdistan Democratic Party The presidency bill, which also (KDP), and the Patriotic Union of created a second vice-presidential Kurdistan’s (PUK) acting leader, post, faced criticism by opposition Kosrat Rasul, signed an agreement parties, which said the amend­ May 5. ments granted too much power to Rasul called the agreement his­ the president without sufficient toric and a KDP spokesman voiced parliamentary oversight. Objec­ hope that the cabinet formation tions also came from within Gor­ process could begin within days. ran. In a statement, party members Challenges ahead. Nechirvan Barzani, deputy leader of The Gorran (Change) Movement said the leadership had bowed “to the Kurdistan Democratic Party, casts his will join the government, having sultanism, absolutism and the ab­ vote at a polling station in Erbil, last September. (Reuters) signed an agreement with the KDP solute power of the presidency.” in February. The KDP, the party of Masoud Barzani, won 45 of 111 seats in the Nechirvan Barzani, the elections September 30, 2018. The KRG prime minister, is PUK and Gorran picked up 21 and 12 expected to win the are the Kurdistan region’s share Abubakir said it was “essential” seats, respectively. presidency after the of the federal budget, Article 140 for the government to overcome “This new agreement is a major tripartite agreement. (which refers to disputed territories the economic crisis and aim to cre­ development,” said Mohammed such as Kirkuk) and the salaries of ate more job and investment oppor­ Shareef, a lecturer at the University The new government, observ­ civil servants. tunities as well as provide services of Sulaymaniyah. ers said, will face many challenges. The future of Iraq’s disputed ter­ to the people. Sulaymaniyah Governor Haval Many of which hark back to the es­ ritories remains a sticking point in Shareef said the fact that the Abubakir, a member of Gorran, tablishment of the first Iraqi Kurd­ relations with Baghdad. Some me­ three main parties went through stressed the need to establish a ish government in the early 1990s, dia reports said the PUK and KDP individual crises before signing the “transparent government... on said Kamal Chomani, a Kurdish had agreed to appoint a joint candi­ agreement was having a positive the basis of accountability” af­ political analyst and non-resident date for the position of governor in effect, allowing elites to develop a ter what he described as cata­ fellow at the Tahrir Institute for Kirkuk. Peshmerga units took over better understanding of the diffi­ strophic developments that had Middle East Policy, including unifi­ large parts of the province when culties of governance and the dis­ affected the Kurdistan region over cation of the security forces. Islamic State militants stormed satisfaction of constituents. the last three years. “The forces are deeply politicised across northern Iraq. However, af­ Chomani warned that Masrour Abubakir said the agreement to an extent that some forces are ter the 2017 independence referen­ Barzani, expected to become prime “has become an obligation” not loyal not only to the political par­ dum caused heightened tensions minister, has his roots in the secu­ to let only one party participate in ties but to political figures,” he said. with Baghdad, security forces tied rity apparatus and has been known establishing the government “be­ Despite international support to to the federal government retook for his crackdown on dissent. The cause we are at a risky stage of gov­ create a national force, Chomani Kirkuk. Democracy and Human Rights De­ ernance in Kurdistan.” said he was pessimistic, arguing Apart from the disputed terri­ velopment Centre, a local human On May 8, the regional parlia­ that the KDP’s and PUK’s existence tories, the government will also rights organisation, said in a report ment passed a bill to reactivate the was “mainly connected to holding a have to deal with a financial crisis that human rights violations had Kurdistan Regional Government grip over their militias so as to deter and widespread youth unemploy­ increased over the last year. (KRG) presidency, which had been each other and crack down on any ment in the region, said Chomani. Observers said it is unlikely that a left vacant since Masoud Barzani dissent.” He estimated that unemployment new cabinet will be announced be­ stepped down in November after Shareef said he saw maintaining among young people was 40-50%. fore the end of Ramadan. a failed independence referendum and improving relations with Bagh­ This poses a risk for the new gov­ in 2017. The bill stipulates that the dad as “the main challenge for the ernment as youth unemployment Manuel Langendorf is a writer president would, for the first time, KRG,” stating that relations have “may be exploited by extremist focusing on the MENA region. be elected by parliament, a key de­ been “hugely strained” since 2014. groups” and could trigger demon­ mand by Gorran. Key issues in that regard, he said, strations.

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

j WASHINGTON INSTITUTE i If Syria Safe-Zone Talks Fail: How the SDF Might Respond to Turkish Intervention The Kurdish-led force cannot hold the northeast on its own, and withdrawing coalition support would bolster Assad and Moscow's interests.

John Holland-McCowan - May 17, 2019 patrols called for in the agreement took months https://www.washingtoninstitute.org to be initiated, SDF fighters remain in the city, and sporadic clashes between Turkish-backed s the United States, Turkey, and the Syrian militias and SDF units still occur. The situation illustrates that even if a deal over the northeast Democratic Forces accelerated their discus­ A is reached on paper, implementation could pose sions over a potential safe zone in northeast significant challenges. Syria in recent weeks, a surprise letter on May 6 added a new dimension to the talks. Following In a March 31 speech, Turkish president Recep his first meeting with lawyers in eight years, Tayyip Erdogan declared that "our target is Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader now eliminating the terror structures in Manbij Abdullah Ocalan issued a memo calling for and east of the Euphrates." He has repeatedly "democratic negotiations" between the warned that he will establish a unilateral buffer Kurdish-led SDF and Ankara in order to foster zone in those areas if U.S. talks fail. His words a "constitutionally enshrined local democracy should not be taken lightly given that Turkey within the framework of a united Syria." has intervened in north Syria twice in the past Kurdish officials are well aware that another three years: Operation Euphrates Shield in outburst of PKK violence could spark Turkish Sources close to the situation believe the timing August 2016 and Operation Olive Branch in action on both sides of the border. of his letter was intended to facilitate a deal January 2018. Although Erdogan claimed that over the northeast Syria border zone, where the the goal of those operations was to counter the If coalition support does in fact weaken, the SDF—led by the U.S.-backed PKK offshoot the Islamic State, the former campaign focused on SDF will most likely try to forge a deal with People's Defense Units (YPG)—are in control. the SDF as much as IS, while the latter was Bashar al-Assad and Russia in order to guard For months, Turkey and Washington have been entirely geared toward fighting the YPG and the northeast. Ever since they cemented their negotiating a plan to jointly patrol a safe zone SDF. hold over the region, the YPG/SDF have gener­ that would extend approximately twenty miles ally cooperated with the Assad regime. For into Syria, with the SDF withdrawing from all WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF TURKEY INTER­ instance, the regime has maintained pockets of buffer areas (the zone's potential length and VENES? control in YPG-held Qamishli and Hasaka since endpoints are still unclear). SDF representatives 2011 with little friction besides occasional skir­ report that U.S. officials have been pressuring Without the aid of the U.S.-led coalition, the mishes. them to allow a limited number of Turkish SDF cannot be expected to successfully defend forces in this proposed zone; Ocalan's state­ their territory against Turkey. Given the Yet the SDF know all too well what fickle allies ment may encourage the group to be more flex­ remarkable success that the YPG and, later, the Damascus and Moscow can be, as illustrated ible on these matters. SDF experienced in pushing back IS, outside during the Turkish seizure of Afrin. It was observers may overestimate how self-reliant Russia's withdrawal of troops from that pocket Yet while U.S. policymakers express confidence they can be against a conventional military foe. and the regime's ceding of airspace to Turkey that such a deal can be reached and implement­ that paved the way for that offensive. A month ed, recent history should give optimists pause. For example, absent coalition airpower, they after the operation began, the YPG desperately And if the talks fail, Turkish forces may decide would not have been able to defend Kobane or called on Assad to help them, but not even the to move into northeast Syria on their own seize Raqqa, Manbij, and much of Deir al-Zour limited presence of regime-affiliated militias accord. How might the SDF respond to unilat­ governorate. It was their partnership with could halt Turkish-backed forces. eral establishment of a buffer zone? Western special forces, intelligence assets, and close air support that made their ground forces In truth, Damascus has no desire to strengthen NONSTARTERS AND BAD PRECEDENTS so potent. Without such backing, they most the Kurds despite coming to their aid on occa­ likely could not withstand an offensive by sion. A now-emboldened Assad wants to bring SDF officials have long described the prospect proxy forces with Turkish support, let alone the more of Syria to heel, and the YPG's proclaimed of a Turkish military deployment in their north­ Turkish army itself. This is especially true on aspirations for a pluralistic, semiautonomous eastern stronghold as a nonstarter. They recog­ the unfavorably flat terrain of northeast Syria. entity in the northeast are simply out of tune nize that Ankara regards the YPG as a direct Even when the YPG attempted to defend their with the regime's mentality. outgrowth of the PKK, which has waged an mountainous western enclave in Afrin—terrain insurgency in Turkey since 1984 and been des­ far more suitable to irregular warfare—Turkish- Perhaps the gravest threat the SDF would face ignated a terrorist group by Turkish, U.S., and backed forces were able to capture it within a if Turkey unilaterally intervenes is maintaining EU authorities. Accordingly, the YPG and its matter of months. internal cohesion. Survey data suggests that the political wing worry that any Turkish inroads group's Arab components would defect if given in the northeast would existentially threaten the In light of these military realities, the SDF have the opportunity, whether the opposing forces in entire movement. no incentive to give Turkey extra pretext for question are Erdogan's or Assad's. Despite the further interventions, or to give Washington SDF's ethnically mixed nature, most Sunni Recent precedent does not bode well for the cause for withdrawing support. Thus, any Arabs in northeast Syria have acquiesced to the viability of Turkish involvement either. After notion that the PKK might reinvigorate its Kurdish-dominated local administration prima­ long negotiations, Washington and Ankara armed campaign in Turkey to deter aggression rily because it has secured American support agreed on a roadmap last June to clear the SDF against its Syrian offshoot was likely off the and a monopoly of force. If Turkish-backed from Manbij, which lies just west of the mark even before Ocalan's recent letter. From forces challenge this monopoly amid wavering Euphrates River section where the YPG's core the beginning of the Syria war, the YPG and coalition support, wide-scale Arab defections territory begins. The deal has yet to be fully SDF have made it a priority to distinguish their could render the SDF a primarily Kurdish realized, however. The joint U.S.-Turkish campaign from the PKK's fight in Turkey, and outfit. >

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

> > the Assad regime while severely curtailing their ally in Syria. To secure their protection, the SDF In that scenario, the overwhelmingly Kurdish utility to the United States and other coalition would be forced to seek a deal with the Assad remnants of the SDF would likely be forced to allies, who want to maintain a partner force in regime and Russia, critically weakening U.S. withdraw from mixed Arab-Kurdish or pre­ predominantly Arab areas that seem most vul­ influence in the region. ♦ dominantly Arab areas such as Manbij, Tai nerable to an IS resurgence. Abyad, Raqqa, and Deir al-Zour, retreating to John Holland-McCowan is a research fellow at the their isolated Kurdish enclaves in order to pre­ In short, a Turkish incursion could unravel the international Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, serve what limited autonomy and power they SDF at the seams. If current negotiations fail, a doctoral candidate at King's College London, and have left. In doing so, they would simultane­ U.S. policymakers must recognize that allowing an incoming postdoctoral fellow at Harvard's Belfer ously forfeit their best bargaining chips with Ankara to unilaterally establish a buffer zone Center for Science and International Affairs. may essentially eliminate the coalition's best

FINANCIAL TIMES May 21, 2019

humanitarian affairs co-ordinator, told the UN Security Council last Syria is braced for new week: “When I briefed you here on September 18, I said a full-scale military onslaught could result in spasms of violence the worst humanitarian tragedy of the 21st century. Despite our war­ The Idlib rebel stronghold faces an onslaught from nings, our worst fears are coming true”. Assad’s forces, aided by Russia and Turkey Turkey, not noted for rhetorical restraint under Recep Tayyip David Gardner Erdogan, its mercurial and pugna­ MAY 21, 2019 cious president, has been supine in https : //www.ft.com the face of Idlib’s unfolding tragedy. Mr Erdogan and much of Turkey, a Nato ally, is enraged that T A Thile concern is growing inter- the US and its allies came to rely on V V nationally at the dangerous Kurdish fighters in their campaign game of brinkmanship playing out against Isis. The Syrian Kurdish in the Gulf between the US and Iran, People’s Protection Units (YPG) — Syria, where both countries suppo­ which with US air cover controls sedly confront each other, is cat­ north-east Syria, about a quarter of ching fire again. the country below Turkey’s border — For a month now, Russia has is organically linked to the PKK figh­ used air strikes to blast a path ting inside its frontier. To Ankara, through for Bashar al-Assad’s Turkish soldiers in the Kurdish-majority city ofAfrin in north­ that is existential. regime into the south of Idlib pro­ western Syria after seizing control front Kurdish People's In late 2016, Turkey made a vince, the last rebel stronghold, in Protection Units (YPG) in March last year © AFP decision that helped change the north-west Syria. Turkey and its course of the Syrian war. It with­ local proxy forces this month started drew its Syrian Sunni rebel proxies captured in 2015 by an alliance of Hizbollah, the Lebanese paramilita­ moving eastwards from the two from the defence of Aleppo to launch Islamists. That was one of the events ries, on the ground and Russia’s north-western enclaves Ankara its first incursion against Syrian that convinced Russia that unless it warplanes in the sky. holds in Syria, continuing its cam­ committed its air force to supporting These offensives drove surviving Kurds in north-west Syria paign against Syrian Kurdish militia Iranian-backed militias and ground rebel fighters and civilian refugees, (Operation Euphrates Shield). The backed by the US air force in the forces the Assad regime would fall. from Deraa in the south, where the deal it made with Russia over Idlib successful fight against Isis — but Moscow and Tehran together rebellion began, to the eastern last year looked to be a quid pro quo which Washington now looks poised for Moscow’s assent to Operation turned the tide. Last year, Idlib pro­ Ghouta enclave threatening to abandon. Olive Branch — the Turkish invasion vince became one of four “de-escala­ Damascus, into Idlib. They were cor­ President Donald Trump has of Afrin, the Kurdish canton in tion zones” devised by Russia in co­ ralled into what Sergei Lavrov, said he will withdraw US forces from north-west Syria. ordination with Iran — and also with Russia’s foreign minister, called “the Syria, while his secretary of state, President Erdogan, in other a Turkey that switched its priorities last hotbed of terrorists in Syria”. Mike Pompeo, has pledged to “expel in Syria from trying to topple the words, needed the imprimatur of every last Iranian boot” from the Russia’s President Vladimir Putin Assads to stopping a new regional It was only a matter of time country. assertion of Kurdish rights, fearing before an onslaught against Idlib, for his new, anti-Kurd policy inside It is not just the Kurds who are Syria. In light of this, it looks as if it would link up with the reignited deferred in September, was resche­ confused. insurgency of the Kurdistan duled. Moscow and Damascus say Turkey is washing its hands of Idlib Syria, which has already suffe­ Workers’ party (PKK) in south-east Ankara did not hold up its end of the and its Sunni rebels in exchange for red 500,000 deaths and the uproo­ Turkey. deal. Turkey was supposed to rein in a free hand against the Kurds. As ting of half its population in eight Rebel resistance in these four Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebran­ Fabrice Balanche, a French scholar years of pitiless fratricidal war, is at the Washington Institute for Near zones was still strong and the mino­ ded Nusra front, which claims to bracing itself for new spasms of vio­ rity Assad regime, short of manpo­ have separated from al-Qaeda. East Policy puts it: “The Sunni lence that could be every bit as rebels and the Kurds are the main wer, needed a breathing space. De- HTS has at least 30,000 fighters dreadful. To begin with Idlib. escalation became a diplomatic in Idlib. But there are 3m civilians in currency of exchange between Idlib was one of the first cities to figleaf to cover regime offensives Idlib province, half of them already Turkey and Russia”. rise up against Assad rule in 2011. alongside pro-Iran militias such as displaced at least once. The UN esti­ Mr Trump’s US is a mere onloo­ Taken by the regime in 2012, it was mates 180,000 of them have had to ker. Europe, which could face a new run again. Russian and Syrian air “migrant” crisis if these two conflicts It was only a matter of time before an strikes, in a familiar pattern, are start pushing new waves of refugees onslaught against Idlib, deferred in already targeting hospitals and north, is nowhere to be seen. Syria schools. Mark Lowcock, the UN keeps burning ♦. September, was rescheduled [email protected]

48 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti International iNhv llork times may 21,2019 Erdogans efforts to shore up lira may backfire

ISTANBUL

Nation spends billions to prop up its currency, but it’s still losing value

BY CARLOTTA GALL AND JACK EWING Even before the Turkish authorities took the extraordinary step of undoing an op­ position victory and calling a new elec­ tion for mayor of Istanbul, the govern­ ment had spent billions to prop up the A poster with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, at right, hanging in a bazaar in Istanbul. : country’s flagging currency over the last year and bolster its candidates. Mr. Erdogan’s spending on the lira conies ahead of a mayoral election in Istanbul. But since May 6, as the political tur­ moil rattles investors, it is spending credit crunch, and even to pay for stands been declining since September as the sometimes a billion dollars a day, even selling subsidized vegetables in the government has sought to bolster the on the sly, to support the currency, the hopes of keeping voters on his side. lira. Foreign currency reserves were $74 lira, as well as the waning aura of invin­ But the economic duct tape that the billion at the end of March, a decline of 5 cibility around President Recep Tayyip government has used to maintain the percent from February, according to Erdogan. support of working-class voters is be­ central bank figures. Mr. Erdogan, 18 years in power, was ginning to come undone, economists “It seems questionable whether Tur­ re-elected last year for a new five-year say. It looks increasingly unlikely to hold key’s war chest of foreign reserves is term to a presidency with vastly ex­ until June 23. strong enough to withstand anything panded powers. He has already The decision to nullify the Istanbul that even vaguely resembles a currency trimmed civil liberties, purged and election — made by a body beholden to attack,” Bart Hordijk, a market analyst jailed political opponents after a failed Mr. Erdogan, which found that some at Monex Europe, a currency trading 2016 coup, and brought a free press to election officials had been appointed il­ firm, said in a note to clients this month. heel. legally — may ultimately backfire on the Since March, analysts say they have Increasingly, the president has also president by adding to the economic dis­ found discrepancies in the central taken over management — or misman­ tress that caused him to lose Istanbul in bank’s figures on the state of the na­ agement, critics say — of the economy the first place, analysts say. tional reserves, according to Selva to sustain the nearly unbroken growth “They voted because the economy Demiralp, an economics professor at that has brought him a loyal following. sucks,” said Atilla Yesilada, an Istanbul- Koc University in Istanbul. For many Turks and foreign invest­ based consultant at Global Source Part­ Some analysts suspect that the gov­ ors, the spending to prop up the lira is ners, referring to Turks who switched to ernment is discreetly transferring funds the latest example of Mr. Erdogan plac­ the opposition. “And now it sucks even to public banks, which are then selling ing his political and personal fortunes more.” dollars to prop up the lira. ahead of those of his country, this time to Among the small businesses that un­ In response to written questions last regain control of Istanbul, the most im­ derpin the economy, desperation is al­ week, the central bank showed no signs portant base of his power and prestige. ready palpable. of backing down from its spending to Even if the government can stave off Yasin Sahinoglu, who owns two shoe support the currency. an economic crisis before the new elec­ stores in Istanbul’s affluent Etiler and “The Central Bank will go on using all tion, scheduled for June 23, many fear Nisantasi neighborhoods, said that the means in its hands for the aim of that the profligate spending will in­ sales had shrunk by half in the days af­ price stability,” the statement said. crease the likelihood of a collapse that ter the election results were thrown out. It also promised that inflation would could ripple well beyond Turkey. Euro­ That was on top of a 60 percent de­ fall to 5.4 percent at the end of 2021 from pean banks own billions in Turkish debt. cline in the previous year, he added. “Ev­ almost 20 percent now. Last year, the lira lost 30 percent of its eryone is concerned about the future, so Yet some signs of economic collapse value, and it is down 14 percent so far they prefer to keep the money in their are already manifest, including rising this year. pockets,” Mr. Sahinoglu said. unemployment, a surge in bad loans and The loss of the March 31 mayoral elec­ Durmus Yilmaz, the former governor corporate bankruptcies. Perhaps most tion in Istanbul was the most significant of Turkey’s central bank and co-founder important is the collapsing confidence sign that support for Mr. Erdogan’s Jus­ of the opposition IYI Party, said it had of foreign investors, evident in the tice and Development Party, or A.K.P., been at least 20 years since officials had has become vulnerable as the economy made a similar attempt to prop up the plunge in the lira. The China-like growth rates that Mr. has weakened. lira — and it had backfired then. Erdogan has delivered until recently Even before the loss, Mr. Erdogan had “TUrkey has mortgaged its future,” would not have been possible without used the government budget, the cen­ said Mr. Yilmaz, who spent 32 years at the money from investors attracted by tral bank and government-controlled the central bank. Turkey’s high interest rates. banks to defend the currency, forestall a The central bank’s net reserves have

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

tes Angeles (Times May 20, 2019 Turkey may enlist its No. 1 enemy to broker a peace with Kurdish separatists

By Umar Farooq / May 20, 2019 | A youth holds a https://www.latimes.com flag with the image of Abdullah IYARBAKIR, Turkey / The Turkish Ocalan, the jailed government’s enemy No. 1 has spent the leader of the rebel last two decades in physical isolation on a prison Kurdistan Disland off the coast of Istanbul. But Abdullah Workers Party, or Ocalan’s influence extends to Kurds across the PKK, in Istanbul, Middle East. Turkey, in March Statements by the 71-year-old — carried out 2018. (Lefteris of Imrali island by sporadic visitors — have been Pitarakis I published in best-selling books, and inspired Associated Press) both war and peace. Now, there are signs Ankara may be turning to him to broker a new peace with Kurdish separatists, not just in Turkey, but also in neighboring Syria. On Wednesday, Turkish officials said they had lifted restrictions on visits to Ocalan. The Such steps are not surprising given Ocalan’s being punished for unspecified violations of pri­ announcement followed a visit to Ocalan by his influence in northern Syria, said Galip Dalay, a son rules. lawyers, the first such meeting Turkish authori­ visiting scholar at Oxford University. So the May 2 meeting, Sarica said, came out ties have allowed in eight years, and came amid “Ocalan is still the unrivaled, undisputed of the blue. the largest mass hunger strike in Turkey’s his­ leader of the Kurdish movement. There is no “From a legal perspective, nothing had tory. More than 3,000 people have participated other figure that can come close to his stature,” changed, so it must have been a political deci­ for months, and eight have committed suicide Dalay said. “That doesn’t mean whatever deci­ sion,” he said. sion he makes, the organizations follow it after calling for Ankara to allow Ocalan regular For many who support Ocalan, the ball is without question, but those organizations can­ visits. now in Ankara’s court. not take a public stance against his decision.” For the recent visit, Ocalan’s lawyers under­ “When you isolate [Ocalan], you are isola­ The fact that Ankara was now allowing such went three separate body searches before taking ting the problem itself, the political aspect of the statements to be released by Ocalan though, a 2 V2-hour boat ride to Imrali to meet Ocalan, problem, and the person that you should be appears to be a sign that Turkey is open to fresh who was dressed in a dark blue jacket, velvet speaking to regarding this problem,” said Tayip dialogue. “No decision has been made yet,” said pants and linen shirt. The meeting, said Rezan Temel, a lawmaker from the People’s Dalay, “but [Turkey and Ocalan] are saying, Sarica, one of two lawyers who attended the May Democratic Party, or HDP, a pro-Kurdish oppo­ ‘Let’s test the waters, see what is out there, and 2 session, was akin to what detainees at sition party whose leaders helped broker the if this proves to be positive, we can build on it.’” Guantanamo Bay have gone through — their 2013 cease-fire between the PKK and Ankara. lawyers sent to an isolate island lockup and not Ocalan has been behind bars since 1999, hat agreement, announced at Nowruz cele­ allowed to bring any paper or documents with when Turkish intelligence agents took him into brations in the city of Diyarbakir to a crowd them, or record what was discussed. custody in Kenya and brought him to Imrali. of hundreds of thousands, was borne out of There, he was tried and sentenced to death on “He did not waste time, he had already months of shuttle diplomacy by HDP leaders, charges of treason and sedition for his role as the thought about what to say and had a statement and secret meetings between Turkish intelli­ leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, to give us,” Sarica said. The statement, signed by gence officials and PKK leaders in Europe. which has waged a four-decade insurgency in Ocalan and the three other Kurdish militant lea­ The cease-fire, however, collapsed in 2015, which more than 40,000 people have died. ders held on the island, called on hunger strikers in part because of ongoing warfare in neighbo­ Turkey and its allies, including the U.S., consi­ not to risk their lives. They also stood by a 2013 ring Syria, where a new Kurdish militant group, der the PKK a terrorist group. statement calling for a transition to political also inspired by Ocalan, began seizing territory struggle, an announcement that led to a two- n 2002, Turkey commuted Ocalan’s sentence from Islamic State militants. Turkey, which says year cease-fire at the time. “The problems in to life in prison with no possibility of parole. the Kurdish groups in Syria are mere extensions Turkey and even the region, primarily the war, But Turkey has imposed a no-fly zone over of the PKK, was alarmed by their support from cannot be solved through physical violence, but Imrali since then, and no vessels have been allo­ the U.S.and their sudden rise to power across its with reason, and cultural and political force,” wed to approach within five miles. Ocalan was border. the statement read. the sole prisoner on Imrali until 2009, when Inspired by the events across the border, Ankara began rotating a handful of other top calan also extended the call to the Syrian Kurdish militants in Turkey renewed an armed PKK prisoners through, partly in hopes they Democratic Forces, the U.S.-backed struggle. In Diyarbakir, young Kurds barricaded O could persuade the Kurdish leader to call for a Kurdish militia in northern Syria that sees him themselves in the heart of the city, sparking a cease-fire to the insurgency. as the group’s ideological leader. Ankara has battle with the Turkish military that lasted for Legally, Ocalan has a right to see his lawyers threatened war against the forces, even if it months. At least 400 people were killed, and once a week, but his counsels’ requests — more meant fighting U.S. troops, and Ocalan instead much of the historic city center was left in ruins. than 800 of them — have been denied in often advised the group to refrain from a “culture of Similar battles took place across Turkey’s bizarre ways, said Sarica. Bad weather or conflict” and keep “Turkey’s sensibilities in Kurdish-majority southeast, and Kurdish mili­ mechanical problems with the boat that would mind.” tants carried out bombings in cities as far west bring them to the island were cited by authori­ That advice comes amid statements from as Istanbul. SDF leaders that they are engaged in a dialogue ties between 2011 to 2016, he said. Then a state with Ankara brokered by Washington. SDF lea­ of emergency was imposed after a failed coup At least 4,356 people have died in the ders have said they have met over the last few attempt. conflict since 2015, according to a tally by the International Crisis Group. The renewed conflict weeks with Turkish intelligence officials, who in This year, Sarica was told there was a new also has had political repercussions for Turkey. turn have been meeting with Ocalan. disciplinary board on the island, and Ocalan was At least 7,000 members of the HDP, the

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

rp third-largest political party in the country, In a nearby home in the winding narrow unfortunately for the last eight years he has have been sent to prison, including its top lea­ streets of Diyarbakir, Naime Celik’s mother been in isolation in prison. Kurdish youth watch dership and dozens of lawmakers. The group’s brings her daughter a glass of water and listens his statements closely. If Ocalan said to the calls for a political dialogue with the PKK have in silence as she explains why she has been on a youth in Turkey today to destroy the country, to been branded by authorities as support for ter­ hunger strike since March 1. Celik, 21, who says rise up, they would do it for him. But instead rorism. she has lost more than 40 pounds during the Ocalan says to go and educate ourselves, to Ankara’s conflict with the PKK has spilled protest, was detained in 2016 by police and learn to express ourselves better, and peace will charged with being a PKK member, but her trial come without conflict.” over into Syria and Iraq. Turkey invaded and took control of parts of northwestern Syria in has yet to begin. In April a judge ordered that Not everyone in Turkey is convinced allo­ she be released pending trial. 2016 and has threatened to push east all the way wing Ocalan to speak would prove a wise idea. to the Iraqi border, even if it means fighting U.S. “Ocalan initiated the 2013 peace process, Hilal Kaplan, a columnist with the Daily troops deployed alongside the SDF there. In which I think were the best days in this coun­ Sabah newspaper, said Ocalan has lost influence northern Iraq, where the PKK is based, Turkey try,” Celik said, “but some powers now want to with Kurdish militants over the years, evidenced has also stationed hundreds of troops and has destroy that process and put him in isolation by the fact that the PKK broke the 2013 cease­ carried out repeated airstrikes. again.” fire ordered by him. “I don’t think the state, at Ocalan spends 23 hours a day in solitary elik’s family, like many others in Diyarbakir, least people in the government, think that confinement, but has a television in his cell and was displaced in the 1990s, when the Ocalan has power over the people who are run­ can watch a handful of Turkish news channels CTurkish military used a scorched earth cam­ning the PKK at the moment,” said Kaplan. and read selected newspapers. paign to uproot support for the PKK in the sou­ Ibrahim Karatas, a columnist with Yeni Akit theast, razing about 4,000 villages. She grew up As a result, he most surely knows that Temel newspaper, questions whether Ocalan really hearing about that conflict, and when and two other HDP lawmakers have been on a wants peace at all. Giving him a platform to Diyarbakir saw urban fighting between Kurdish hunger strike since March 8. Holed up in the speak publicly, Karatas said, would just be a Diyarbakir HDP office, they are abstaining from militants and Turkish soldiers in 2015, she says, chance for Ocalan to reassert his influence. “No food, subsisting on tea, sugar and salt water, her instincts pushed her to join the fighters — one in Turkey is ready right now for a peace pro­ and a handful of essential vitamins. Temel, who but she didn’t because she had read Ocalan’s cess. They are hoping the government learned writings. has lost nearly 25 pounds, says Ankara must its lessons from the last time they tried peace, allow regular visits for Ocalan and would be res­ “Ocalan is not the killer he is made out to be and if they renew a peace process again, nothing in the media in Turkey,” she said. “He needs to ponsible for the deaths of any of the strikers. good is going to come from it.”* have a direct conversation with the public, but Farooq is a special correspondent.

YAI. OICE of AMERICA MAY 22, 2019 US Tells Syrian Kurds Only Future Is Part of Peaceful Syrian State

Jeff Seldin / May 22, 2019 Turkey. //www. voanews.com More than once, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to strike the The United States is reminding its Syrian group to protect Turkish interests. Kurdish allies not to get overly ambitious while at "Turkey has a very legitimate concern," the same time trying to allay concerns Jeffrey told lawmakers, though he assured them Washington will abandon them to Turkey or a U.S. President Donald Trump remained commit­ possibly resurgent Islamic State terror group. ted to honoring both alliances. Kurdish fighters, under the umbrella of the "We are concerned about the relationship U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, played a between Turkey and our SDF partners in the nor­ key role in the collapse of the IS caliphate in theast, which is why we're this discussion or FILE - James Jeffrey speaks during a Syria and continue to help administer large negotiation with the Turks on a safe zone," he House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing swaths of territory liberated form the terror on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 11, group. added. 2017. Jeffrey is now the U.S. special repre­ But Ambassador James Jeffrey, the U.S. The U.S., Turkey and Kurdish-led authorities have been discussing the possibility of setting up sentative for Syria engagement. special representative for Syria engagement and a safe zone along the Turkish-Syrian border for the special envoy to the global coalition to defeat Americans from being killed." IS, said Wednesday that there would not be an months. independent Kurdish state in Syria. Jeffrey said Turkish officials have requested U.S. officials have long said the primary goal a safe zone extending for 30 kilometers, though in Syria is to deal IS a lasting defeat, but "We don't have a political future that we offer he called that unlikely. Washington has also been pushing for all Iranian for them," Jeffrey told members of the House "We're going back and forth with them on forces to leave the country, as well as for a nego­ Foreign Affairs Committee when questioned tiated end to the Syrian civil war. about what comes next. how deep the safe zone will be," he said. "The idea would be that the YPG forces would with­ In recent days, the U.S. has also raised "The political future we offer for them is the concerns about the Syrian government's use of political future we offer for everybody in Syria ... draw and leave local forces and Turkey and the United States to figure out what we would do in chemical weapons. a democratic, peaceful government," Jeffrey the safe zone." added. The U.S. State Department said Tuesday DANGER FOR KURDS that it was investigating an alleged attack using AUTONOMOUS AREA Some lawmakers expressed concerns that chlorine gas on May 19 near the northwestern Following Syria's descent into civil war in Trump's plans to pull all or most of U.S. ground city of Idlib. 2011, Syrian Kurds quickly carved out an auto­ forces from Syria would put Washington's "So far we cannot confirm it, but we are wat­ nomous area covering much of the country's nor­ Kurdish allies at risk. ching it," Jeffrey said Wednesday. theast, initially sparking hopes among some that it could serve as a basis for an independent "One of the reasons that I think it's a terrible The U.S., Britain and France launched airs­ state. mistake is because we have had the Kurds figh­ trikes against Syrian government targets last ting side by side with us as our loyal and faithful April, citing "incontrovertible" evidence the Assad But even talks of such ambitions have upset allies and friends," said House Foreign Affairs government had used chemical weapons Turkey, also a key U.S. ally, which views the Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y. against its own citizens. • main Syrian Kurdish YPG militia as a terrorist "They've absorbed lots of casualties, prevented organization with links to Kurdish terrorists in

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

; RUDAW 22 May 2019 'IV'______ments between them are not in the interests of the Iranian nations,” she PJAK chief: ‘We won’t sit idly said. “Their problems are not over a solution to the question of the by’ if US goes to war with Iran Kurdish nation, oppressed nations, human, women, or youth rights.” “We think Iran and the US are By Rudaw.net / 22 MAY 2019 fighting for their own interests.” Washington has been turning up ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - the heat on Tehran since May 2018 Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) when it withdrew from the 2015 fighters will not “sit idly by” if the US nuclear deal and reimposed crippling goes to war with Iran, and could form sanctions targeting Iran’s economy a democratic front against the regime and oil sector. in Tehran, militia chief Zilan Vejin said It then designated the IRGC as a in comments published Wednesday. terrorist organization and deployed Established in 2004, PJAK is an aircraft carrier group and B-52 one of several armed Kurdish militias bombers to the Persian Gulf. active along the Kurdistan Region Far from reining in its abuses, border with Iran. It is affiliated with US moves against Iran have only the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), made the regime more repressive, a leftwing guerrilla movement which Zîlan Vejîn, co-chair of Iran's Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), Vejin said. fights for great political and cultural addresses the party's fifth congress, October 16, 2016. Photo: PJAK “Army pressures on the society rights for Kurds. increased after [the IRGC] was put PJAK’s fighters regularly attack If a war does break out, “we as a society and provide for the rights of on the terror list,” she said. Iranian border guards and Islamic political party can form a democratic all people from all the different natio­ “Iran will not give up its pressure Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) front,” she added. nal and ethnic backgrounds,” she on society. Poverty and unemploy­ personnel. Iranian forces often res­ Vejin said any foreign interven­ said. ment levels in Iran and east pond with cross-border rockets. tion in Iran must consider the rights The PJAK co-chair said the US Kurdistan are higher than ever.” “We will not sit idly by if war of its ethnic minorities, including the is squaring up to Iran in order to fur­ “Through militarizing and terri­ breaks out between Iran and the Kurds, who occupy Iran’s mountai­ ther its own interests - not to redress fying the society, the Iranian regime US,” Vejin told Rojnews, a PKK affi­ nous northwestern provinces. Iran’s human rights record or resolve is showing it is not abandoning its fla­ liated outlet. “We also have our own “The agenda should take into the Kurdish question. wed policies,” she added. ■ agenda and policy.” account the characteristics of Iranian “We think war and disagree­

LACROIX 23 mai 2019 En Syrie, soupçon d’attaque au chlore et recrudescence d’embuscades djihadistes n’avait jamais été vraiment appli­ de la région frontalière avec l’Irak __ Les États-Unis □ qué sur le terrain », écarte Fabrice par les Forces démocratiques ont fait état mardi 21 mai Balanche, spécialiste de la Syrie syriennes (FDS) épaulées par d’« indications » selon et maître de conférences à l’uni­ Washington, ne cessent de mul­ lesquelles Damas aurait °Alep oRakka versité Lyon 2. Ces trois dernières tiplier leurs attaques de guérilla. mené une nouvelle □Lattaquié semaines, 180 civils auraient péri « attaque » chimique dans le dans les affrontements, selon « Quand le régime syrien o Palmy re Nord-Ouest syrien, le 19 mai. l’OSDH. Et plus de 200 000 autres est occupé à l’Ouest, Liban SYRIE __ De retour à une stratégie auraient fui, d’après l'ONU. Daech semble en profiter insurrectionnelle depuis Damas À plusieurs centaines de kilo­ pour agir dans le centre. » plusieurs mois, Daech Israël oDeraa mètres de là, le régime demeure multiplie de son côté aussi aux prises avec les résidus de Jordanie Daech retranchés dans la Badiya, « Ces quelques centaines, ou les attaques contre les forces 100 km VISCTIIHiaCroix du régime et de son allié vaste zone désertique du Sud-Est quelques milliers, de combattants russe dans la Badiya, mer cette attaque vers Lattaquié, syrien. Le 16 mai, le groupe djiha- étrangers et syriens ne sont pas si dans le sud-est du pays. les États-Unis poursuivent leur diste a ainsi revendiqué l’attaque isolés dans la Badiya, où ils ont enquête. d’un convoi des forces loyalistes noué des relations avec les popu­ Deux fronts, deux stratégies, la Faisant resurgir la crainte d'une au sud-ouest de Palmyre, dans le lations locales, souligne Fabrice crainte du franchissement d’une offensive de grande ampleur sur centre du pays. Fomentée avec des Balanche. Leur proximité avec le nouvelle « ligne rouge ». En me­ cette dernière enclave tenue par missiles anti-chars guidés, leur camp de réfugiés de Roqban, près naçant le régime syrien de re­ des groupes djihadistes, dont embuscade aurait coûté la vie à de la Jordanie, leur permet notam­ présailles, Washington a fait état Hayat Tahrir Al-Cham (HTS) - plusieurs soldats syriens. ment de se ravitailler, en éloignant d’« indications » selon lesquelles considéré comme l’ex-branche « Quand le régime syrien est oc­ la menace de frappes aériennes. » Damas aurait mené une nouvelle syrienne d’Al-Qaida -, les forces cupé à l’Ouest, Daech semble en « Malgré leur faible nombre, ilsont « attaque présumée au chlore », syriennes et russes ont intensi­ profiter pour agir dans le centre, gardé une réelle capacité de nui­ le matin du 19 mai, dans la pro­ fié, depuis fin avril, leurs attaques analyse Thomas Pierret, chercheur sance, renchérit Thomas Pierret. vince insurgée de Idlib, dans le dans la région, une zone pourtant au Centre national de la recherche En face, les opérations de ratissage nord-ouest de la Syrie. Alors que dite « de désescalade » en vertu de scientifique (CNRS). Cela montre du régime se déroulent en terrain l’Observatoire syrien des droits l’accord de Sotchi conclu fin sep­ que l’organisation est encore suffi­ extrêmement hostile, alors que les de l’homme (OSDH) a déclaré, tembre entre Moscou et Ankara. samment équipée pour tirer parti hommes de Daech sont très mo­ à ce stade, ne pas détenir de « Ce dernier est remis en cause de la situation. » Depuis le mois biles... » « preuves » suffisantes pour confir- par ces affrontements, mais il de mars, ces djihadistes, chassés Malo Trcsca

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

LEXPRESS M 16 mai 2019 Turquie: levée de l’interdiction imposée au chef kurde Ôcalan de voir ses avocats

Par AFP, Ankara -16 mai 2019 du pays, au grand dam d'Ankara qui craint la www.lexpress.fr création d'une entité kurde à ses frontières. Un de ses avocats. Ibrahim Bilmez, a 'interdiction de rencontrer ses avocats déclaré jeudi à l'AFP que "le plus important est imposée depuis huit ans au chef historique d'obtenir une réponse positive à nos demandes Ldétenu de la rébellion kurde Abdullah Ôcalan, d'entretien", après l'annonce de la levée de l'in­ détenu en Turquie, a été levée jeudi, deux terdiction. semaines après l'autorisation d'une première "Nous avons fait une demande pour un visite. entretien demain (vendredi) et nous atten­ Malgré un isolement quasi total depuis sa dons" une réponse, a-t-il ajouté. capture et son incarcération sur l'île-prison Dans un communiqué, le cabinet d'avocats d'Imrali près d'Istanbul en 1999, M. Ôcalan Asrin Hukuk Bürosu, qui représente le détenu, Des portraits d'Abdullah ôcalan, chef his­ reste une figure de référence pour la rébellion souligne que depuis la visite du 2 mai, aucune torique de la rébellion kurde, lors d'une kurde en Turquie, où le conflit entre l'Etat et le autre n'a été autorisée malgré des demandes manifestation de soutien le 15 février Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK),dont répétées. 2019 à Beyrouth, au Liban, à l'occasion de il fut l'un des fondateurs, a fait plus de 40.000 sa 20e année de détention en Turquie morts depuis 1984. Le texte insiste également sur l'importance d'autoriser les visites régulières des avocats à afp.com/JOSEPH EID "Les décisions interdisant des rencontres leur client, mais aussi les lettres et échanges ont été levées et il est désormais possible pour téléphoniques de M. Ocalan avec eux et sa lui d'en avoir", a déclaré le ministre turc de la famille. dées en prison depuis le début du mouvement, Justice Abdülhamit Gül à la presse à Ankara. - PEINE DE MORT COMMUÉE - selon le HDP. Il a toutefois souligné que les rencontres Depuis la rupture en 2015 d'un fragile ces­ d'un détenu avec ses avocats étaient un droit Le frère de M. Ocalan, Mehmet, a pu lui ren­ dre visite à la mi-janvier pour la première fois sez-le-feu dans le sud-est de la Turquie, le dis­ qui peut être limité pour des questions de sécu­ cours du président Recep Tayyip Erdogan au rité. depuis 2016, à la faveur d'un geste d'apaise­ ment consenti par les autorités après le lance­ sujet des rebelles kurdes s'est nettement durci, Cette décision survient après l'autorisation ment du mouvement de grève de la faim. faisant s'éloigner la perspective d'une solution le 2 mai d'une première visite en prison de politique négociée au conflit. deux des avocats du chef historique du PKK, un Le leader kurde avait été condamné à mort le 29 juin 1999 pour trahison et tentative de La décision annoncée jeudi survient égale­ groupe classé "terroriste" par Ankara et ses ment au moment où le parti au pouvoir, l'AKP, alliés occidentaux. diviser la Turquie mais sa peine a été commuée en 2002 en réclusion à perpétuité, après l'abo­ s'efforce de séduire les électeurs à Istanbul en Ils avaient relayé, la semaine dernière, un lition de la peine de mort en Turquie. vue de l'élection municipale prévue le 23 juin, message dans lequel M. Ocalan appelait les cen­ après l'annulation du scrutin remporté par taines de personnes actuellement en grève de Selon le parti prokurde HDP, quelque 3.000 l'opposition fin mars. la faim dans les prisons turques pour protester prisonniers sont actuellement en grève de la faim pour réclamer l'assouplissement des Or de nombreux observateurs avaient contre ses conditions de détention à ne pas estimé que le vote des Kurdes y avait été déter­ mettre leur vie en danger. conditions de sa détention, la plupart ayant rejoint le mouvement par solidarité avec la minant, le parti HDP ayant préféré soutenir le Il avait également appelé à "prendre en députée prokurde Leyla Güven, qui refuse de principal candidat de l'opposition, Ekrem considération" les "sensibilités" de la Turquie s'alimenter depuis novembre dernier. Imamoglu, plutôt que de présenter son propre en Syrie, où une milice kurde syrienne liée au candidat. PKK contrôle de vastes territoires dans le nord Huit personnes se sont par ailleurs suici-

REUTERS Jailed PKK leader visit ban lifted, Turkish minister says

May 16,2019 / ISTANBUL (Reuters) - However Ocalan’s lawyers said in a statement that despite repeated requests, they have not been granted a meeting with him since they saw TURKEY has lifted a ban on lawyers visiting jailed Kurdish militant him in jail on May 2. He has also not been allowed to see his family, they leader Abdullah Ocalan, Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul said on added. Thursday, two weeks after the first such visit was allowed since 2011. The PKK launched a separatist insurgency in southeast Turkey in 1984 Ocalan is the founder and leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict. Turkey, militant group and has been imprisoned on an island near Istanbul the United States and European Union designate the PKK as a terrorist since he was captured in 1999. group. A formal lifting the ban on access by Ocalan’s lawyers, just a month The pro-Kurdish Democratic Peoples’ Party (HDP) say some 3,000 peo­ ahead of a re-run election in Istanbul, could lead to some of his support­ ple, mostly prison inmates, are on the hunger strike, which was ers halting hunger strikes that they launched to protest his isolation. launched by HDP lawmaker Leyla Guven and is to demand regular access to Ocalan by his lawyers and family. “The decisions regarding a ban on visits has been lifted, providing for the possibility of visits,” Gul told reporters in comments broadcast on It was not immediately clear whether the latest move would lead to an Turkish television. end of the hunger strike.

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

=» The minister’s comments came amid preparations for a re-run of the health or lives. The hunger strikers are consuming water, vitamins and Istanbul mayoral election next month. In a stinging upset, the opposi­ sugar. tion narrowly beat the candidate of President Tayyip Erdogan’s AK Ocalan, jailed on the island of Imrali, played a significant role in a peace Party in the March 31 vote, but the result was annulled by the country’s process between Turkish authorities and the PKK. Those talks and a high election board. ceasefire broke down in 2015, unleashing some of the worst violence KURDISH SUPPORT? since the insurgency began. Some Turkish commentators have suggested the decision to allow the Ocalan’s statement also called on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic visit by Ocalan’s lawyers was an attempt to win over Kurdish voters. The Forces (SDF) to resolve problems in Syria without conflict. The PKK HDP supported the opposition in the March election and has indicated leader is revered by the Kurdish YPG militia, which forms the core of the it will do the same on June 23. U.S.-backed SDF. Several days after the lawyers’ visit on May 2, Ocalan issued a rare state­ Turkey says the YPG and PKK are one and the same and has waged two ment, in which he said those on hunger strike should not risk their military incursions in northern Syria against the YPG. •

relllonât.fr 16 MAI 2019 Les services secrets turcs visés par la justice française pour trois assassinats

Une information elles aussi confrontées à des assas­ sinats ou à des tentatives à l’encon­ judiciaire a été tre de responsables kurdes dans ouverte, mardi 14 leur pays. mai, sur le meurtre Les soupçons formels contre les de trois militantes services secrets turcs remontent à kurdes, à Paris, en 2014. Lors d’une demande de déclassification de documents, la janvier 2013. juge d’instruction française saisie du dossier Güney indiquait : « Par Jacques Follorou, L’enquête judiciaire a mis en évi­ 16 mai 2019 dence que l’un des mobiles les plus www.lemonde.fr plausibles de ce triple assassinat pouvait être mis en relation avec les Dans le monde de l’espionnage, il activités supposées d’Omer Güney [le tireur présumé] en France au est une règle non dite : tout est Un poster accroché le 9 janvier 2014 sur la façade de la Mairie du toeme arrondisse­ accepté sauf lorsque des services sein des services secrets turcs étrangers viennent tuer des gens [MIT]. » ment avec les portraits de Sakine Cansiz, figure historique du mouvement rebelle du sur votre sol. C’est sans doute ce qui Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK) et proche de son fondateur Abdullah Ocalan LIENS ÉTROITS AVEC LE MIT a poussé la justice a rouvrir, mardi et les deux autres militantes kurdes Fidan Dogan et Leyla Saylemez tuées par balles le 14 mai, une enquête que l’on croyait 9 janvier 2013, dans les locaux du Centre d'information kurde (CIK) qui se trouvent close, celle de l’assassinat, le 9 jan­ Ses liens avec la communauté kurde vier 2013, à Paris, de trois cadres du apparaissaient comme très récents dans le toeme arrondissement - Arnaud GUILLAUME/SIPA Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan au moment des faits, laissant la (PKK), Sakine Cansiz, Fidan Dogan place à l’hypothèse d’une infiltra­ authentifié par les services secrets lui, à Argenteuil (Val-d’Oise). Deux et Leyla Sôylemez. L’unique sus­ tion préméditée. Les investigations allemands. Cette pièce attestait la jours plus tard, selon la justice pect, le Turc Orner Güney, avait été avaient, de plus, permis d’établir présence en France d’un diplomate belge, ces deux hommes rencon­ renvoyé devant la cour d’assises qu’il avait multiplié les allers et pouvant jouer le rôle de coordina­ traient quatre autres Turcs à Paris. spéciale de Paris, mais, décédé d’un retours avec la Turquie dans l’année tion des actions menées contre les Parmi eux se trouvaient un policier cancer du cerveau en décembre qui a précédé le meurtre. chefs du PKK réfugiés en Europe. turc de haut rang et « un tireur 2016, la veille de son procès, l’ac­ d’élite ». tion publique s’était éteinte. Par ailleurs, la sonorisation de ses parloirs, lors de son incarcération à Ces accusations étaient renforcées par des informations transmises Les soupçons visant la Turquie et le L’affaire, rouverte pour des faits de Fresnes (Val-de-Marne), avait par la justice belge, saisie, en 2016, MIT ont été démentis par les complicité d’assassinats en relation montré les liens étroits existant d’une plainte pour menaces de mort autorités d’Ankara dès 2014. Aucun avec une entreprise terroriste et entre le suspect et des agents du contre un responsable kurde, responsable des services secrets d’association de malfaiteurs terror­ MIT en Allemagne et en Belgique. Remzi Kartal. Le 14 juin 2017, les turcs n’a été, à ce jour, interrogé par iste criminelle, et confiée à un juge Des perquisitions menées par la policiers belges contrôlaient trois la justice et donc susceptible de antiterroriste, vise la possible police allemande avaient confirmé suspects, à Bruxelles, dans un répondre aux accusations. Sollicité responsabilité des services secrets le projet d’évasion de Güney monté véhicule immatriculé en France. par Le Monde, mercredi, l’ambas­ turcs, le MIT. Son rôle éventuel est avec l’appui logistique du MIT, Deux d’entre eux, qui communi­ sadeur de Turquie, en France, souligné dans plusieurs pièces ver­ prévue lors d’un séjour à l’hôpital quaient avec des numéros de télé­ Ismail Hakki Musa, n’a pas sées par les familles des victimes parisien de la Salpêtrière. Enfin, un phone français, montrèrent leur souhaité s’exprimer sur cette dans une nouvelle plainte qui avait « ordre de mission » du MIT men­ carte de police turque en guise de affaire. été déposée en mars 2018. D’autres tionnant le projet d’assassinat con­ papier d’identité. Le chauffeur et éléments à charge ont été transmis fié à l’accusé était versé à la procé­ propriétaire de la voiture résidait, par les justices belge et allemande, dure française après avoir été

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

J FOle portail R juif U francophone Lfr lïldl 120 g mai 2019 Le Kurdistan inquiet des tensions Amérique-Iran Les Etats-Unis exfiltrent du personnel du consulat d'Erbil et des pays européens mettent fin à la formation des Peshmergas kurdes

Adaptation par Marc Brzustowski nel américain au consulat d'Erbil était donné -Mai 20, 2019 de partir, le marché immobilier était en pleine www.jforum.fr tourmente, craignant que la crise américano- iranienne ne porte atteinte à l'économie de la Les Etats-Unis ont ordonné à leurs employés région. La région du Kurdistan en Irak est DES MEMBRES KURDES du Parti sans mission urgente de quitter l'ambassade depuis longtemps la région la plus sûre du démocratique du Kurdistan iranien tra­ de Bagdad et le consulat à Erbil mercredi. pays, à l'abri des menaces terroristes et au versent les montagnes d'Irak à Iran. Erbil est la capitale du gouvernement région­ cœur d'une économie en plein essor. Ses prin­ (Crédit photo: COURTOISIE ZACH al autonome du Kurdistan (KRG) et les habi­ cipaux liens commerciaux se font par la HUEE) tants craignent que les tensions américano- Turquie, mais également vers l'Iran. Il a ses iraniennes ne submergent désormais la propres réseaux d'exportations de pétrole et PDK est généralement plus proche des Etats- région kurde à un moment sensible. La région deux aéroports internationaux. Unis. Cependant, après que les Etats-Unis ont du Kurdistan revêt une importance refusé de prêter assistance au référendum sur stratégique et constitue un centre de sécurité La région n'est pas seulement un centre l'indépendance de 2017, la région du entre le gouvernement central irakien, la touristique, mais de nombreux Irakiens y ont Kurdistan est plus distante vis-à-vis des pro­ Turquie et l'Iran. élu domicile pour fuir les tensions confession­ jets des Etats-Unis. nelles et sectaires ailleurs. Les chrétiens Au cours des deux dernières semaines, les minoritaires et les yézidis ont également fui Diliman Abdulkader a tweeté que la région Etats-Unis ont mis en garde contre les men­ l'Etat islamique dans la région du Kurdistan. du Kurdistan serait probablement neutre face aces iraniennes, dans toute la région et que En outre, les pays du Golfe et la Turquie aux tensions à venir, à la lumière des sou­ toute attaque de l'Iran ou de ses supplétifs investissent massivement dans l'économie du venirs du référendum sur l'indépendance. entraînera des représailles. Selon certaines KRG. Le journaliste local Adam Lucente a Lucente a tweeté qu'il était d'accord. informations, les Etats-Unis auraient égale­ déclaré avoir été témoin d'un «peu d'inquié­ ment partagé des informations avec Bagdad tude parmi ses amis» à Erbil au milieu des Après que le secrétaire d'Etat américain Mike et des alliés européens (NDLR JForum : mal­ tensions. Pompeo se soit rendu à Bagdad le 8 mai, une gré leur scepticisme fondé sur leur intérêt à la délégation américaine de haut niveau s'est poursuite des relations avec Téhéran) indi­ Mais les tensions américano-iraniennes rap­ également rendue à Erbil. David Satterfield, quant des menaces directes iraniennes en pellent maintenant les crises d'août 2014 et secrétaire d'Etat adjoint par intérim aux Irak. Par exemple, un rapport arabe de la BBC d'octobre 2017. Plus tard, l'armée irakienne a Affaires du Proche-Orient, s'est rendu à Erbil a déclaré que Pompeo avait présenté aux pris le contrôle de Kirkouk et a poussé les pour rencontrer le dirigeant du PDK, Masoud Irakiens des preuves des projets iraniens, tan­ Peshmergas kurdes hors de la ville, menaçant Barzani, et le président du Conseil de sécurité dis que d'autres ont indiqué que des milices d'agir contre Erbil en représailles contre le régionale, Masrour Barzani. Le consul général chiites soutenues par l'Iran avaient déployé référendum. Les Peshmerga sont les forces des Etats-Unis, Steven Fagin, et le lieutenant des missiles en Irak. armées du KRG. De plus, l'Irak a fermé les général Paul LaCamera, de la coalition aéroports d'Erbil et de Sulaimaniyah pour dirigée par les Etats-Unis, est également venu La région du Kurdistan connaît bien les étrangler l'économie kurde. Aujourd'hui, les aux réunions. Les médias iraniens n'ont pas capacités de l'Iran. En septembre dernier, le choses sont revenues à la normale, mais Erbil été pris au dépourvu, soulignant la réunion corps des gardiens de la révolution islamique craint les répercussions des tensions irani­ de Satterfield comme une «pression» améri­ iraniens a lancé des missiles balistiques sur ennes. Bagdad, par exemple, paie de nom­ caine sur Erbil pour mettre fin à ses relations des groupes dissidents kurdes iraniens dans breux salaires de la fonction publique au sein avec Téhéran". En fait, Washington tente de le nord de l'Irak, à Koya. Pendant des années, du KRG. Une crise à Bagdad nuira à la région. faire pression sur Erbil en ce qui concerne le certains groupes kurdes opposés au régime commerce du pétrole et d'autres types de de Téhéran se sont installés dans le nord de Alors que de nombreux habitants de la région commerce avec l'Iran. l'Irak. L'Iran a averti que toute action de ces du Kurdistan ne pensent pas que les Etats- groupes sera combattue par la force. Unis soient sérieux au sujet d'une guerre, ils Le KRG tente d'améliorer ses relations sont toujours inquiets. «Si la situation per­ extérieures par d'autres réunions de haut En outre, l'Iran a exercé d'autres pressions sur dure encore deux semaines, certaines person­ niveau avec l'ONU et le Royaume-Uni. Mais la région du Kurdistan. Comme Bagdad et la nes pourraient envisager de partir», a déclaré l'ancien envoyé américain anti-Daesh, Brett Turquie, il s'est opposé au référendum sur le un homme d'affaires. Les investisseurs for­ McGurk, s'est dit préoccupé par le fait que les Kurdistan en septembre 2017, au cours tunés qui investissent habituellement dans la Etats-Unis aient ordonné à leur personnel non duquel des millions de membres du KRG ont région peuvent transférer leur argent à l'é­ essentiel de quitter l'Irak. En outre, voté pour l'indépendance. Mais l'Iran tra­ tranger. l'Allemagne et les Pays-Bas ont tous deux vaille de manière plus complexe pour influ­ suspendu l'entraînement de Peshmerga kur­ encer la politique kurde dans le nord de Entre temps, la région du Kurdistan est tou­ des en raison des tensions. Les pays l'Irak. Il est parfois perçu à la fois comme une jours dans un processus de nomination d'un européens ont investi dans la formation des menace et comme un allié historique. Par président. Nechirvan Barzani, qui était Peshmerga pour les aider à combattre Daesh exemple, lors de l'offensive menée par l'Etat Premier ministre, est le favori. Le Parti et à renforcer leurs capacités. La décision des islamique en août 2014, lorsque l'Etat démocratique du Kurdistan (PDK) et l'Union Pays-Bas et de l'Allemagne a déplu au PDK, islamique était aux portes d'Erbil, l'Iran était patriotique du Kurdistan (UPK), les deux qui a déclaré qu'ils reprendraient leurs mis­ l'un des rares pays qui a cherché à contribuer plus grands partis, doivent parvenir à un sions dès que possible. à la lutte contre les extrémistes. accord sur la composition du prochain gou­ vernement. La crise avec l'Iran arrive à un La région irakienne du Kurdistan est une AUJOURD'HUI, ERBIL fait face à une nou­ moment difficile car l'UPK est considérée zone stratégique importante reliant »♦ velle crise. Au moment où l'ordre du person­ comme plus proche de l'Iran, alors que le

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

la Turquie, l'Iran et l'Irak. C'est égale­ jours les routes à proximité et a récemment Mais c'est aussi un canal et un pont central ment important pour les Etats-Unis, qui le brûlé des champs d'agriculteurs qui refusent entre l'Iran et d'autres régions du Moyen- voient comme une zone fiable et sécurisée. de payer des "taxes" au groupe. Orient. L'Amérique a acheminé des équipements pour soutenir la mission anti-Daesh via Toute instabilité avec l'Iran entraînera une By Seth J. Frantzman May 17, 2019 Erbil, et l'ensemble de la région constitue un résurgence de Daesh. En outre, l'Iran utilis­ www.jpost.com pivot de la sécurité pour enrayer la propaga­ era l'instabilité pour accroître son influence. tion des insurgés et des extrémistes basés Le Kurdistan est coincé entre les Iraniens et entre Mossoul et Bagdad. Daesh menace tou­ les Etats-Unis, ainsi que d'autres groupes.

francetvinfo 23 mai 2019 Tarn : des familles yézidies victimes de Daech accueillies sur 3 sites

28 femmes yézidies accompagnées de leurs enfants sont arrivées hier dans la soirée à l'aéroport de Toulouse-Blagnac. Une partie d'entre elles sont accueillies ce jeudi dans le Tarn.

Par Christine Ravier le 23/05/2019 france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/

Des familles yézidies sont arrivées ce mercredi 22 mai dans la soirée à Toulouse, à l'aéroport de Blagnac. Une partie a été conduite dans le Tarn. Douze femmes accompagnées de leurs enfants, y seront accueillies : sept à Carmaux, douze à Blaye-les-Mines et trois à Saint-Benoît-de- Carmaux. Plus de 130 membres de la communauté yézidie ont quitté l'aéro­ port international d'Erbil pour Toulouse / © IOM Press Les familles sont logées par Tarn Habitat dans des logements vacants du bailleur. L'association "Habitat et Humanisme" va prendre en charge leur suivi. Des bénévoles les ont accueillis hier soir après que la Croix- 19 décembre dernier. Il répond à l’engagement de la France auprès de Rouge les ait acheminés vers leurs logements, en présence d'interprètes Nadia Murad, leur porte-parole, esclave sexuelle de l'Etat islamique et kurdes. prix Nobel de la paix 2018, à accueillir une centaine de familles yézidies. Toutes les familles ont rejoint leurs nouveaux domiciles entre 23h et "Ces femmes, particulièrement éprouvées par les exactions de l’orga­ 23h30 dans le calme. Très fatigués, les réfugiés se sont dits pressés d'aller nisation terroriste, sont prises en charge dans différents départements se reposer. français" a indiqué le ministère des Affaires étrangères. Sur les 550.000 Au total, 132 yézidis ont quitté Erbil, la capitale du Kurdistan irakien, yézidis présents en Irak avant la percée jihadiste, près de 100.000 ont a indiqué le Quai d'Orsay. Les maris de ces femmes ont été tués ou ont été quitté le pays. D'autres sont déplacés au Kurdistan. portés disparus. La communauté yézidie constitue une minorité religieuse. Le yézi- VICTIMES DE CRIMES disme est une religion monothéiste. Elle plonge ses racines dans l'Iran antique 10.000 ans avant Jésus-Christ. L’arrivée de ce nouveau groupe fait suite à l'accueil de 16 familles le

LE FIGARO /r 22 MAI 2019

Plusieurs journalistes et écrivains turcs ont été Turquie : prison pour sept journalistes condamnés à la prison ferme, ou sont poursuivis en justice, pour avoir par­ condamnés pour «propagande terroriste» ticipé à une campagne de solidarité avec Ozgur Par Le Figaro avec AFP le 22/05/2019 Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), en Gundem. La Turquie est régulièrement poin­ lutte armée contre l'Etat turc. Au total 24 tée du doigt par les organisations de défense ept journalistes d'un journal pro-kurde journalistes d'Ozgur Gundem étaient jugés de la liberté de la presse, qui dénoncent la fermé par les autorités ont été condamnés dans le cadre d'un procès pour «propagande multiplication depuis un coup d'Etat manqué à des peines de prison pour «propagande ter­ terroriste» et sept d'entre eux, dont les rédac­ en 2016 des arrestations de journalistes et roriste», ont rapporté mercredi les médias. teurs en chef Eren Keskin et Huseyin Aykol, des fermetures de médias. La Turquie occupe Les sept journalistes travaillaient pour le ont été condamnés à des peines de prison la 157ème place sur 180 au classement 2018 journal Ozgur Gundem, fermé par décret-loi allant de 15 à 45 mois lors d'une audience de la liberté de la presse établi par l'ONG en 2016 sous l'accusation de propagande du qui s'est tenue mardi. Reporters sans frontières (RSF).

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

The Economist MAY 23rd 2019

ably low bar. “It’s just another totalitarian regime,” says a Kurdish journalist who fled Who will rule the north? abroad.

Rojava’s demography makes ruling hard. The Kurds are creating There are thought to be between 500,000 and 1m Kurds in the region, compared with at least 1.5m Arabs. So Kurdish officials a state of their own in have tried to broaden their appeal. In September they replaced the name Rojava with the more inclusive, but wordy, northern Syria “autonomous administration of north and east Syria” (NES). They also moved the But the would-be nation of Rojava faces many enemies administrative capital from Qamishli, a Kurdish city, to Ain Issa, a drab Arab town. May 23rd 2019 Arabs have been appointed to many senior | KOBANE AND RAQQA positions in government. “We’re seeking a www.economist.com geographic federation, not an ethnic federa­ tion,” says Polat Can, a commander in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the local army. Half of Mr Can’s soldiers are Arab.

Still, the Arabs in Rojava feel increasingly alienated. Kurdish forces known as the People’s Protection Units, or YPG, lead the SDF. “Kurd or Arab?” ask guards of visitors at a military base. Arab sheikhs claim the Kurds have seized their land and are impos­ ing their own customs. “They want us to bring our wives to tribal gatherings,” fumes one who considers such mingling of the sexes improper. Some speak of the Kurdish “occupation”. Protesters near Deir al-Zour’s oil wells have blocked access with burning tyres. “The Kurds”, they chant, “have stolen our oil.”

Turkey in the north and Mr Assad’s govern­ ment in the south prey on the differences. They have each held tribal gatherings in an THE KURDS have their own name for north­ Damascus. Western-funded aid agencies attempt to win over the Arabs of Rojava. ern Syria: Rojava, which means where the repair infrastructure, hospitals and schools in Turkey wants to carve out a buffer zone on sun sets. For decades that seemed fitting. the region. The parliament, formed in its southern border, which might contain Arab nationalists pushed them off their land September, still meets in a high school. But Kurdish cities. Rojava, it says, offers the and suppressed their language. Then came that also means that politicians are accessi­ PKK a rear base to continue its 40-year war ble. Your correspondent got a meeting with the jihadists of Islamic State (IS). War with against the Turkish government. West of them levelled cities. But with IS defeated the two heads of government simply by Manbij, Turkish tanks train their turrets on those cities are rising again. One of the knocking on their office door. Kurdish positions. The Kurds have no air largest, Kobane, is bigger and taller than force and little heavy weaponry. They are no before. It sports a towering war memorial On social issues Rojava’s leaders are rather match for the Turkish army. and is hosting its second art fair. “We’ve had progressive compared with those in much of enough of the pain,” says Brivan the Middle East. Polygamy is outlawed. A Nor can they challenge the army of Mr Hammoush, a landscape artist. man and a woman co-lead every office in Assad, who says he wants to reclaim all of government. A woman runs Raqqa, which IS Syria. He is currently focused on Idlib, the Over the course of Syria’s multi-sided civil once declared its capital. Few, if any, senior last rebel stronghold. At the height of the war war, which began in 2011, the Kurds cap­ female officials wear a veil. The Kurds, Mr Assad pulled his troops from the north to tured a third of the country (see map). In though Muslim, are distinctly relaxed about defend Damascus; the Kurds did not fight 2016 they declared their own autonomous it—they openly drink and smoke during the them. But the regime still holds some sway region in Rojava, which contains most of Ramadan fast. Faith is considered a private in Rojava. It runs the mobile-phone network Syria’s oilfields, its highest dams and its matter. To the delight of America’s evangeli­ and oversees many courts and schools. In bread basket. Trade routes as old as the Silk cals, a new church has opened in Kobane the region’s only civilian airport, controlled by Road run through the territory. Such valuable for the growing number of Christian con­ the regime, portraits of the dictator are ubiq­ land is a boon to Rojava’s Kurdish-led verts. uitous and travellers who work for the NES administration. But it also attracts enemies. risk arrest. A proposal by Russia, which As they rebuild their region, the Kurds face But Rojava’s new rulers owe their power to backs Mr Assad, would have the Syrian army gun-toting revolutionary committees, not the threats, at home and from abroad. And many return to Rojava and turn Kurdish forces into fear their strongest ally, America, will aban­ ballot box. They emerged from the Kurdish local police. don them at the drop of a tweet. Workers’ Party (PKK), which is based in northern Iraq and considered a terrorist Meanwhile, the threat of IS lingers. The For now things are looking up. Fighting, group by many countries. Rojava has the jihadists set up impromptu checkpoints on sanctions and a lack of funds stymie recon­ trappings of a repressive one-party state. highways. A ban on motorbikes in war-shat­ struction in most of Syria, but juggernauts Protests are censured and opposition parties tered Raqqa has only partially succeeded in loaded with diggers and cement queue for harassed. Officials say they are better than curbing attacks on infrastructure. Officials miles at Rojava’s border with Iraq. Convoys the regime of Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s dicta­ describe camps crammed with displaced of petrol tankers ply the highways to tor, or the rebels who fought him—a miser­ and disgruntled Arabs as potential F>

57 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

> incubators of jihadism. Many women in the region, still fearful of IS, continue to TURKEY wear niqabs. Turkish troops/rebels Qamishli Kobane The Kurds are reassured by the presence of America. Some 2,000 of its troops are spread across the territory. Its warplanes buzz overhead and its forces deter the Jihadists Turks. President Donald Trump appears to • Raqqa have backtracked from his tweet in IRAQ December ordering a pullout from Syria. But Rebels uncertainty over America’s intentions com­ plicates life for the Kurds. The local admin­ istration has found it harder to recruit and Med. SYRIA retain Arabs. Even the Kurds are hedging Sea « their bets. Rojava’s leaders recently went to Government Damascus for talks with Mr Assad’s intelli­ gence chief. The founder of the PKK, LEBANON Euphrates Abdullah Ocalan, has urged them to “take account of Turkish sensitivities”. 100 km Kurdish leaders in Syria aspire to be " Damascus i------1 America’s permanent ally, like the Kurds next door in Iraq. But Rojava, unlike the ISRAEL^ Areas of control Kurdish autonomous region in Iraq, lacks May 20th 2019 UN recognition. “You don’t know how long JORDAN it’s going to last,” says a teacher in Source: IHS Conflict Monitor Qamishli. “You feel it’s built on sand.”* The Economist

5 rûdaw 23 May 2019 'll*'______French-Peshmerga op kills 3 extremists in Tuz Khurmatu

ByRudaw.net 23/5/2019 Kifri and Tuz Khurmatu in the security gaps have been exposed Garmiyan administration — areas of after federal forces ousted the the Kurdistan Region which border Peshmerga in the aftermath of the RBIL, Kurdistan Region — At Iran. least three Islamic State (ISIS) Kurdistan Region's independence Tuz Khurmatu is a disputed city referendum of September 2017. militantsE were killed on Thursday in a joint operation launched by claimed by Erbil and Baghdad is to To the west in the disputed Arabs, Kurds, and Turkmen. Iraqi areas, notably Makhmour some 60 Peshmerga and French military forces on the fringes of the forces have managed the security kilometers southwest of Erbil, extre­ portfolio of the city, including after Kurdistan Region and Iraq, outside mists continue to maintain a pre­ sence instilling fear among locals as disputed Tuz Khurmatu, according the events of October 16, 2017. A member of the Pershmerga, The media office for Combined to local and Peshmerga sources. they kill, torch farmlands and force­ stands guard near Tuz "Today a French force together Joint Taks Force - Operation fully take taxes from them. Kluirmatu, 70 kilometres Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) confir­ Sirwan Barzani, a Peshmerga with [a special Peshmerga force] south of Kirkuk on June 24, carried out an operation using air­ med by email on Friday that the commander on the Makhmour-Gwer 2014. File photo: Marwan Front, told Rudaw on Thursday that craft in Shoraw, Palkana and Gharra coalition did participate in operations Ibrahim AFP villages," Jamal Salih, the mayor of in the area on Thursday. However "the security situation of the Qaraj is they did not elaborate on what in danger." Naujul town, told Rudaw. The Kurdistan Region’s armed forces participated. Qarachogh Mountain, the Qaraj before they were quickly routed in a "Coalition Forces did support forces, the Peshmerga, have a num­ , and the Zab area near combined operation led by the Makhmour are areas connecting ber of forces inside and outside of clearance operations targeting Peshmerga — supported by the Daesh south of the Polkana Erbil, Nineveh, Kirkuk and Saladin the official ministry. Specialty units coalition and fighters from the provinces. are sometimes trained by internatio­ Mountains on May 23," wrote CJTF- Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). OIR Media Operations in an email to nals in counterterrorism, mine clea­ Barzani said to remove the Although the jihadist group was rance, urban fighting, and other Rudaw English. threats they have "called on the declared defeated in Iraq in French diplomats in Iraq were coalition and Iraqi Army for a joint areas of warfare. December 2017, its remnants have A senior Peshmerga official, not able to comment. operation in the region." retreated into Iraq's deserts and Mayor Salih said in addition to who spoke on condition of anony­ "The Peshmerga's demand is to mountains, where they have resu­ mity, confirmed that a French force the killing of three ISIS militants, station on the heights to prevent any med earlier strategies of hit-and-run several weapons depots belonging possible reemergence of ISIS. The accompanied the Peshmerga in the tactics of kidnap, ambush, bombing, operation near the Palkana village to the group were destroyed. He Iraqi Army has so far failed to take and execution. ■ added that visible ISIS fighters have control of the area," he said. close to Tuz Khurmatu — not to be confused with Palkana in western emptied 13 of 42 local villages. "They have not yet responded to our call," Barzani claimed. Kirkuk, close to Erbil province. The militants are essentially free The three villages are located to operate in the vacuum between ISIS militants seized Makhmour are in Naujul town which is between Iraqi and Peshmerga forces where and surrounding villages in 2014

58 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

5 RÜDAW 28 May 2019 '»r'______

KRG from 2013 to 2018 Nechirvan Barzani elected - Elected deputy president of the KDP during the party’s 13th con­ gress Kurdistan Region president - Nominated by KDP for the presi­ dency on December 3, 2018 - Married father of five ByRudaw.net 28/5/2019 THE PRESIDENT-ELECT'S REACTION ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Barzani issued a statement follow­ Nechirvan Barzani has been elect­ ing his election thanking the par­ ed president of the Kurdistan liament for placing confidence in Region. him as president. Eighty-one MPs were present in “I reassure the beloved people of the Region’s 111-seat parliament Kurdistan that the Presidency of to cast their vote in Tuesday’s the Region will be an umbrella for session. Nechirvan, the Kurdistan unity, bringing together all the Democratic Party (KDP) candi­ political parties of Kurdistan and date, secured 68 votes. its various ethnic and religious His four rivals secured zero votes. communities for the sake of a peaceful coexistence of the Nechirvan, nephew of former Kurdistani nation," Barzani said. president Masoud Barzani, will Parliament on Tuesday elected Nechirvan Barzani as the new step down as prime minister to President of the autonomous Kurdistan Region. With issues still unresolved assume the role. between Baghdad such as the disputed areas, oil, and In mid-June, the president-elect is Peshmerga-lraqi forces coopera­ expected to ask his cousin, and the will of the nation," he Omed Khoshnaw, head of the tion, the president-elect said the Masrour Barzani, to form the new wrote on his Facebook page on KDP parliamentary bloc, told a Iraqi constitution will guide his cabinet. Tuesday. press conference immediately fol­ lowing the vote that the PUK boy­ work. The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan This is while “we need a strong cott would have “negative conse­ “Social peace, guaranteeing social (PUK), which holds 21 seats in the government and unity in quences”. and individual rights, will be our legislature against the KDP's 45, Kurdistan," Mohammed implored. main aim, through resolving all the issued a statement ahead of the “The process will not stop. We “In light of the PUK reneging on problems between the Region and session saying the KDP has not elected the president and we will the agreements and its efforts to the federal government by dia­ adhered to their prior agreements. form the government,” he said. waste time in the past several logue within the framework of the They would therefore not partici­ months, one can unfortunately Later in the day, officials and constitution," he added. pate in the vote. suspect that they had right from diplomats wished Barzani well in Barzani wants to continue in his “We haven’t seen the smallest the beginning aimed the political his future role. endeavors to strengthen Erbil’s step from our KDP brothers. We process to be delayed, paralyzed WHO IS NECHIRVAN IDRIS ties regionally and internationally. haven’t seen even good intent and not reach a result,” he added. MUSTAFA BARZANI? towards one section of both our Kirkuk and the KDP’s failure to Our main objective will also be to - Born on September 21, 1966 in agreements from our KDP broth­ agree to the appointment of a “protect friendly and strong rela­ Haji Omaran ers,’’ PUK spokesperson Latif PUK governor to the disputed tions with neighboring countries Shiekh Omer told reporters in province remains a key stumbling - Displaced to Iran along with his and the region, and continuing to Sulaimani ahead of the vote on block. family in 1975 strengthen the position and weight Tuesday. of the Kurdistan Region in the This didn’t stop the PUK’s Qubad - Student of political science at region and globally,” he said. “Unilateralism in Kurdistan will not Talabani, the Region’s deputy Tehran University Although predominately home to succeed, and it shouldn’t succeed, prime minister, congratulating - Elected member of the Kurdistan ethnic Kurds who are Sunni and it should be prevented,” Omer Nechirvan on his election. Democratic Party (KDP) politburo added. Muslim, the Kurdistan Region is “I am proud to have worked along­ in 1989 one of the most diverse areas of KDP spokesperson Mahmud side him for five difficult years. I - Elected deputy prime minister of the Middle East home to Arabs, Mohammed expressed regret over am confident that his competence the Kurdistan Regional Turkmen, Yezidis, Christians, and the PUK not participating in the and vision will guarantee success Government (KRG) in 1996 other ethno-religious groups. session. in this challenging responsibility, - Elected prime minister of the “The Kurdistan Region is home to “Unfortunately, PUK friends part of which would include putting KRG’s fourth cabinet in 1999 all the different communities of reneged on the agreements and the Kurdish house in order,” he Kurdistan. And the Presidency of didn’t take part in the parliament tweeted. - Elected prime minister of the the Region will strive to respond to meeting to elect a president for KRG in 2006 (unified cabinet) New Generation, meanwhile, boy­ their will and rights without any the Region without taking into cotted the whole process, arguing - Elected prime minister of the discrimination,” Barzani said. ■ account the sensitive situation of the presidency law does not serve KRG from 2011 to 2013 the Region, ignoring the expecta­ democracy or the parliamentary - Elected prime minister of the tions of the people of Kurdistan system.

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

28 mai 2019 Netchirvan Barzani élu président du Kurdistan irakien par le Parlement

Par RFI, avec agences le 28-05-2019 http://www.rfi.fr Nechirvan Barzani, nou­ Le Premier ministre sortant Netchirvan Barzani, neveu et gen­ veau président dre du leader historique kurde Massoud Barzani, a été choisi du Kurdistan par 68 députés dans un Parlement boycotté par le principal irakien, ici lors parti d'opposition de la région autonome. des élections législatives du Avec Netchirvan Barzani, 52 ans, le Kurdistan irakien reste aux 12 mai 2018, à mains du clan Bardani. 68 des 81 députés présents (sur 111) ce Erbil (photo mardi 28 mai ont voté pour lui, mais la séance était boycottée par d'illustr tion). une partie de l'opposition, à l'appel de l’Union patriotique du REUTERS/Aza Kurdistan (UPK), grand rival du Parti démocratique du Kurdistan d Lashkari/File (PDK). Photo Fort de ce succès, Netchirvan Barzani devient le deuxième prési­ dent de la région autonome après son oncle Massoud Barzani, qui a occupé le poste de sa création en 2005 jusqu'à fin 2017. II pour­ rait nommer son cousin Masrour Barzani pour lui succéder comme Premier ministre. économique comme politique. Région divisée Netchirvan Barzani, 22 ans à la gouvernance du Kurdistan irakien L'UPK du défunt président irakien Jalal Talabani, qui réclame un Kurde né dans le nord de l’Irak, Netchirvan Barzani a passé une partage clair du pouvoir, ne reconnaît pas ni cette élection ni les partie de sa vie en exil en Iran et parle couramment kurde, farsi et résultats des législatives de septembre 2018. « Le Parti démocra­ anglais et l'arabe. Il accède une première fois aux responsabilités tique du Kurdistan ne doit pas mettre sur la touche ou marginaliser en 1996, à 30 ans, en devenant vice-Premier ministre du Kurdistan d'autres partenaires politiques et [...] prendre des décisions uni­ irakien - qui a obtenu l'autonomie en 1991. Puis, trois ans plus latérales », a mis en garde ce mardi le porte-parole de l’UPK, Cheikh tard, il est nommé chef du gouvernement, qui n'a alors le pouvoir Omar. que sur le nord et l'ouest de la région. Le Kurdistan irakien, qui a gagné son autonomie en 1991, est Lors de la réunification du pouvoir en 2006, Netchirvan Barzani se depuis miné par des divisions internes. En 2017 encore, la région retrouve à la tête du premier gouvernement d’union. Remplacé par s’est attiré les foudres du pouvoir central de Bagdad, en raison de Barham Saleh, alors haut dirigeant de l’UPK et aujourd’hui prési­ l'organisation par le président Massoud Barzani d'un référendum dent de l’Irak, il retrouve le poste en 2012 et le conserve jusqu'à son d’indépendance, remporté par le « oui ». élection comme président. Il est marié à la fille de Massoud Barzani, avec laquelle il a eu deux filles et trois garçons. • En représailles, Bagdad a notamment repris la région de Kirkouk, riche en pétrole. Depuis, le Kurdistan est fragilisé sur le plan

Irak: des explosions font au moins 7 morts et des dizaines de blessés à Kirkouk

Par RFI avec agences le 31-05-2019 http://www.rfi.fr explosions de ce jeudi. Autorités divisées Six explosions ont retenti dans la nuit du 30 au 31 mai dans cette ville Les membres des partis politiques kurdes, qui ont contrôlé la ville de pétrolière du nord de l'Irak. Le commandement militaire de la région a 2014 à 2017 avant d'en être chassés par le gouvernement national, désigné l'organisation État islamique comme responsable, dans un appellent ainsi au retour de leurs forces armées kurdes pour sécuriser contexte de tensions. la ville. Alors que le leader chiite irakien, Moqtada al-Sadr, a, de son Depuis début mai, les affrontements autour de la ville de Kirkouk se côté, menacé d'envoyer les milices chiites sécuriser la ville si l'armée multiplient entre groupes jihadistes et membres des forces armées irakienne ne le faisait pas. irakiennes. Si le califat du groupe El a été officiellement défait en Irak il Ces derniers jours, les autorités irakiennes accusent l'organisation État y a deux ans, des groupes de combattants se sont en effet reconsti­ islamique d'avoir incendié des champs de paysans kurdes dans la tués, en particulier dans les montagnes de la région de Kirkouk. région. Mais des rumeurs font porter la responsabilité aux milices chi­ Les jihadistes bénéficient également des divisions qui régnent entre les ites. D'autres habitants, arabes cette fois, accusent les kurdes d'avoir acteurs politiques régionaux autour de la ville pétrolière, capitale de la volé leurs terrains lorsque Kirkouk était encore sous contrôle de la région. Des clivages d'ailleurs mis en évidence par les réactions aux région autonome. •

60 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti ■AL-MONIT ~Rl MAY 28, 2019 Intel: How Iraq’s Kurds are failing to come together over their new president

Al-Monitor Staff / May 28, 2019 www.al-monitor.com

echirvan Barzani, the prime minister of Iraq’s Kurdistan NRegional Government (KRG), was elected president by the semi-autonomous region’s parliament today in a ses­ sion that was boycotted by the second largest party. Barzani, who is the nephew and son-in-law of the enclave’s veteran leader and former President Massoud Barzani, won 68 votes from 81 members present in the 111-member chamber. Members of the opposition Gorran (Change) Movement as well as Turkmens and Assyrians joined Barzani's Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) to push through the nomination despite the unexpected defection of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). In explaining its abstention, the PUK cited differences with the KDP over whom to back as the new governor of the oil-rich province of Kirkuk. New Generation, a fledgling opposition party, also boycotted the vote, saying it disagreed with how the new president was being elected. where the KDP holds sway. The PUK is the dominant force in The KDP says it had a deal with the PUK's deputy sec­ WHY IT MATTERS: Sulaimaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan's second largest city. One point in the new retary-general, Kosrat Rasool, to nominate a joint candidate, Faraidoun president's favor is that his mother was from Sulaimaniyah, which allows Abdulqadir, as governor of Kirkuk. “Everything was in place until 10 p.m. him to reach out to local residents in a way that none of the other clan last night when the PUK politburo sent three other names for Kirkuk members in power can. instead,’’ KDP lawmaker Hemin Hawrami told Al-Monitor. WHAT’S NEXT: Barzani is expected to be sworn in as president by June Turkey electionsVoters' economic confidence dips ahead of key Istanbul 10 and then ask his cousin and brother-in-law, Masrour Barzani, to form a vote new Cabinet. The younger Barzani is currently in charge of the KRG's intel­ The sides had already decided on the PUK’s share of Cabinet posts in the ligence services. KRG. Gorran and the PUK were each to be given a vice presidential post A new round of horse trading over which party gets which Cabinet posts will as part of the deal. The KDP said in a statement that the PUK had blatantly likely ensue. Hawrami said the new government would be formed “with or violated the agreement, indicating that the opposition party's role in the without the PUK.” new government is now up in the air. The PUK's Oubad Talabani will likely stay on as deputy prime minister. The Another sticking point concerns which candidate to tap for justice minister urbane younger son of the late PUK founder Jalal Talabani gets on well in the central government in Baghdad, a post that is usually reserved for with the Barzanis and has helped keep relations civil between the rival par­ Kurds. Hawrami said the sides had agreed on nominating a nonpartisan ties. figure, but this has also fallen through. “This situation clearly stems from internal divisions within the PUK,’’ Hawrami said. Ashti Hawrami, the powerful energy minister and a protege of the presi­ dent-elect, had been expected to retain his much-coveted post in the now Bilal Wahab, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, con­ lapsed deal with the PUK. However, it remains unclear whether he will be curred. Wahab said intra-party squabbles would likely further weaken the able to do so in a reshuffled deck. What seems certain is that Massoud faction-riven PUK, but that the KRG as a whole also stands to lose. Barzani will continue to have a say. ♦ “A new government with a diminished PUK role will be formed for sure, but - Amberin Zaman it won't be stable or strong because its power will be limited to Erbil,” Wahab told Al-Monitor. He was referring to the capital of the Kurdish region

REUTERS Turkey launches military operation against Kurdish fighters in northern Iraq

Daren Butler/ May 28, 2019 / ISTANBUL (Reuters) -

Turkey’s military dropped commandos on mountain ridges in a new operation against Kurdish militants based over the border in northern Iraq, the defence ministry said on Tuesday. The push began with artillery and air strikes on Monday afternoon, and the operation by commando brigades began that evening, according to a ministry statement. It said the operation targeted Iraq’s Hakurk region, just across the border from Turkey’s southeastern tip, which also borders Iran. The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group is based in northern Iraq, notably in the Qandil region to the south of Hakurk. the ministry said. “With this operation, the aim is to destroy the caves and shelters used by Video published by the ministry showed helicopters landing commandos the terrorist organisation and neutralise terrorists in the Hakurk region,” on mountainous terrain. It also shared photos showing shells fired --

61 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

by howitzers and soldiers perched on ridges, surveying hillsides with It added that shelters and ammunition depots were also struck in air strikes their rifles. in Qandil and Zap, another nearby region. “The operation, with the support of our attack helicopters, is continuing as The PKK launched an insurgency in mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey in planned,” the statement said. The military frequently launches air strikes 1984 and more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict. It is against PKK targets in northern Iraq but ground operations are less com­ designated a terrorist group by Ankara, the European Union and United mon. States. Nine militants were “neutralised” so far in the operation, the ministry said There was no comment from the PKK on the operation. • later in the day, using a term to refer to deaths, injuries or captures.

Reuters] Kurdish MPs, prisoners end hunger strike in Turkey

Daren Butler / May 26,2019 / ISTANBUL (Reuters) -

SEVERAL KURDISH lawmakers and thousands of prison inmates in Turkey have ended their hunger strike, heeding a call from jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan, MPs said on Sunday, 200 days after the protest was launched The decision removed a source of tension in mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey after Ankara let Ocalan meet his lawyers this month for the first time since 2011, triggering speculation about possible fresh efforts to end conflict in the region. Pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) lawmaker Leyla Guven began a hunger strike in November in a bid to end Ocalan’s years of iso­ lation by securing him regular access to his family and lawyers. “Comrades who have committed themselves to hunger strikes and death fasts, I expect you to end your protest,” Ocalan said in a statement read Pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) lawmaker Leyla out by one of his lawyers at a news conference in Istanbul on Sunday Guven, who ends her hunger strike after a call from jailed mili­ morning. tant leader Abdullah Ocalan, flashes a V-victory sign as she leaves Ocalan has been held in an island prison since Turkish special forces her home to go to hospital in Diyarbakir, Turkey, May 26, 2019. captured him in Kenya in 1999 and is revered among Kurdish HDP sup­ REUTERS/Sertac Kayar porters who see him as key to any peace process. On Wednesday, the lawyers visited him for the second time this month. Authorities had repeatedly rejected earlier requests to visit him, citing she said in a written statement. reasons including ship repairs and poor weather. Ocalan is the founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), designated In Diyarbakir, the southeast’s largest city, a hunger-striking MP a terrorist group by Turkey, the European Union and United States. announced the end of the protest at a news conference. Hunger strikers’ mothers, wearing white headscarves, applauded and chanted in Kurdish His lawyer Newroz Uysal cited him as saying Ankara’s permission for “long live the prison resistance.” lawyers to meet him did not mean there was a negotiation process. But Ocalan said he was ready to play a positive role on issues concerning The lawyers’ visits resumed a month before a re-run of the Istanbul may- Syria. oral election and prompted speculation of steps towards a new peace process four years after Ankara’s talks with Ocalan on ending conflict in Earlier in May, Ocalan called on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic southeast Turkey fell apart. Forces (SDF) to resolve disputes in Syria without conflict. Ankara views the YPG militia, which forms the core of the U.S.-backed SDF, as part of However, Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul has denied there is any con­ the PKK. nection. Guven was joined on hunger strike by three more MPs, around 3,000 Some commentators have suggested the decision to allow lawyers to visit inmates in prisons across Turkey and activists abroad, according to her Ocalan could be an attempt to win over Kurdish voters by the AK Party. party, the third largest in parliament. In March’s Istanbul mayoral election, the HDP supported the opposition The HDP said seven people, six in Turkish prisons and one in Germany, candidate who narrowly beat President Tayyip Erdogan’s AK Party can­ had killed themselves in March in protest against Ocalan’s isolation. didate. Guven had been consuming water, vitamins and sugar during the hunger Election authorities annulled the vote, citing irregularities. The HDP has strike. indicated it will again support the opposition in the June 23 election re­ The PKK launched a separatist insurgency in southeast Turkey in 1984. run. More than 40,000 people have been killed in fighting since, mostly Kurds make up around 15 percent of Istanbul’s population of more than Kurds. 15 million and mostly vote for either the pro-Kurdish HDP or the AK In November 2012, Ocalan made a similar call to end a hunger strike by Party. prisoners. A month later it emerged that he was in talks with Ankara on OCALAN OFFERS ROLE ON SYRIA a peace process. Before being transported to hospital by ambulance, Guven said the Those talks and a ceasefire broke down in 2015, unleashing some of the hunger strike had achieved its goal. worst violence since the insurgency began. Erdogan’s AK Party has since “But our struggle against isolation and our struggle for social peace will formed an alliance with nationalists who revile Ocalan and who fiercely continue in all areas. This struggle must lead to an honourable peace,” opposed the peace process. •

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

26 mai 2019 En Turquie, des détenus cessent leur grève de la faim en soutien à Abdullah Ôcalan

Ankara, 26 mai 2019 (AFP) www.france24.com

À l'appel du leader kurde emprisonné Abdullah Ôcalan, des milliers de prisonniers kurdes ont mis fin, dimanche, à la grève de la faim qu'ils menaient pour protester contre les conditions de détention du cofondateur du PKK. Des prisonniers en Turquie ont annoncé dimanche avoir mis un terme à une grève de la faim suivie par plusieurs milliers d'entre eux Deux des avocats du chef historique de Leyla Güven refusait de s'alimenter depuis pour protester contre les conditions de détention la rébellion kurde Abdullah Ocalan, novembre dernier pour protester contre du leader kurde Abdullah Ôcalan, après un appel Nevroz Uysal (d) et Ibrahim Bilmez, l'isolement imposé à Abdullah Ocalan. de ce dernier en ce sens. lors d'une conférence de presse le 26 mai Des avocats d'Abdullah Ôcalan, l'un des fon­ 2019 à Istanbul / AFP dateurs du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan Deux de ses avocats ont pu rendre visite à (PKK), une organisation classée "terroriste" par Abdullah Ôcalan une première fois le 2 mai sur dans un communiqué la fin de leur mouvement l'île-prison d'Imrali où il est détenu dans la mer Ankara et ses alliés occidentaux, avaient trans­ "à l'appel" d'Abdullah Ôcalan. Leyla Güven a mis un peu plus tôt dimanche un message de de Marmara, puis une nouvelle fois mercredi suivi peu après. leur client appelant à la fin du mouvement, dont après la levée formelle de l'interdiction la "l'objectif (...) a été atteint". "Si seulement on avait gagné sans subir de semaine dernière. pertes", a-t-elle toutefois déploré, faisant allu­ L'interdiction faite à Abdullah Ôcalan de Selon Me Uysal, le leader kurde a souligné sion aux huit prisonniers qui se sont suicidés que la levée de l'interdiction de voir ses avocats voir ses avocats depuis 2011 a en effet été levée la depuis le début du mouvement. semaine dernière, et il a pu s'entretenir avec eux ne signifiait pas pour autant le lancement d'un deux fois ce mois-ci. Parlant à des journalistes à Diyarbakir (sud- "processus de négociations" avec le gouverne­ est), avant d'être amenée à l'hôpital pour un ment, comme celui entamé en 2013 mais qui "Votre objectif en ce qui me concerne a été contrôle, elle a salué "une victoire de la démocra­ s'est effondré en 2015. atteint et je voudrais vous présenter toute mon tie turque", jugeant "très important pour la affection et ma gratitude", a déclaré le leader Estimant que "la Turquie a fondamentale­ démocratisation de la Turquie et la paix au ment besoin (...) de négociations démocratiques kurde selon un texte lu à Istanbul par son avo­ Moyen-Orient que la voix de M. Ôcalan" puisse cate, Nevroz Uysal. et d'une paix honorable", Abdullah Ôcalan a dit être entendue. que la réaction des autorités serait claire "dans Selon le parti prokurde HDP, quelque 3 000 Malgré son isolement, Abdullah Ôcalan reste 30 ou 40 jours", a poursuivi son avocate, sans prisonniers ont rejoint ces derniers mois le mou­ en effet une figure essentielle pour la rébellion plus de détails. vement initié par la députée prokurde Leyla kurde en Turquie, où le conflit entre l'État et le Güven, qui refusait de s'alimenter depuis Lors de la visite de ses avocats le 2 mai, M. PKK a fait plus de 40 000 morts depuis 1984, novembre dernier pour protester contre l'isole­ Ôcalan avait également appelé à "prendre en mais aussi dans la région. ment imposé à Abdullah Ôcalan. considération" les "sensibilités" de la Turquie en "RÔLE POSITIF" EN SYRIE Syrie, où une milice kurde syrienne liée au PKK Leur représetant, Deniz Kaya, a annoncé contrôle de vastes territoires dans le nord du pays, au grand dam d'Ankara qui se dit déter­ miné à l'en chasser pour éviter la création d'une entité kurde à ses frontières. Me Uysal a affirmé que lors de leur rencon­ tre cette semaine, M. Ôcalan a réitéré sa position sur le sujet et déclaré que "si l'opportunité lui est donnée, il jouerait un rôle positif' en Syrie. L'autorisation accordée aux avocats de ren­ dre visite à M. Ôcalan survient également au moment où le parti au pouvoir, l'AKP, s'efforce de séduire les électeurs à Istanbul en vue de l'élection municipale prévue le 23 juin, après l'annulation du scrutin remporté par l'opposi­ tion fin mars. Or de nombreux observateurs avaient estimé que le vote des Kurdes y avait été déterminant, le HDP ayant préféré soutenir le principal candidat Les députés de l'HDP Dersim Dag, Tayyip Temel et Murat Sarisac annonçaient hier de l'opposition, Ekrem Imamoglu, plutôt que de l'arrêt de leur grève de la faim. Ilyas Akengin/AFP présenter son propre candidat.

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

May 23, 2019 Kurdish city returns to original name ’Dersim/ attracts Turkish ire Rawa Barwari I May 23-2019 I www.kurdistan24.net

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - With a majority vote on Wednesday, the muni­ cipal council of the Kurdish city of Dersim decided to start using the ori­ ginal name “Dersim” on its signboards instead of the Turkish state-given A general view of the Kurdish city of Dersim in Turkey. (Photo: name of “Tunceli.” Kurdistan 24 Turkish) The decision given under Dersim’s new administration of Mayor Fatih Mehmet Macogiu from the Communist Party of Turkey led to an uproar from Turkish social media users and sharp criticism from far-right Turkish politicians, journalists, and even a famed punk rock vocalist. In a press release on its website, the municipality justified its use of the name “Dersim” on the grounds of “preserving our city’s culture and history.” In the same council meeting, Dersim’s elected officials also decided to carry out municipal affairs in the Kurdish languages of Zazaki and Kurmanji alongside Turkish. What’s in a name? Tunceli, which means “the Iron Hand” in Turkish, is the name Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk gave Dersim after his administration’s 1938 military conquest to bring the then largely self-ruling region under its control, a campaign that subjected the local Alevi Kurdish population to massacres now referred mainly by the Kurds as a genocide and later Turkification. “The Iron Hand” was initially the name of Ataturk’s military campaign targeting the region’s Kurds led by Seyiz Riza, a then 78-year-oid political The city council of the Kurdish city of Dersim seen during a meet­ leader who Turkey executed by hanging. The operation claimed some ing, May 2019. (Photo: Dersim Municipality) 15,000 civilian lives and the forcible relocation of over 10,000 others deep into Turkish-speaking western regions of Turkey. Party, said there was “no way we can tolerate such whims and defiance to The “Commie” Mayor the state.” Macogiu rose to national attention in Turkey in the past several years He threatened on Twitter that “the sympathy for [Macoglu’s munici­ when he, as the mayor of Dersim’s Pulur district (Ovacik in Turkish), laun­ pal successes] can turn into rage.” ched and successfully managed what he dubbed a socialist system of local governance with a particular emphasis on economic growth and agricultu­ The Munzur mountains of Dersim which local Kurds of Alevi faith ral development. consider sacred, June 2015. (Photo: New York Times) Devlet Bahceli, an ally to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the lea­ Gokhan Ozoguz, a punk rock singer and TV singing contest judge, who der of the government’s de facto partner Nationalist Movement Party recently became politically vocal in support of the Republican Peoples’ (MHP), said in a press release that the use of the name Dersim was “void.” Party-led (CHP) opposition’s bid for Istanbul’s local administration, slam­ med the Kurdish city’s decision. “This decision is under our feet. The necessary response has to be given. There is no such province as Dersim in Turkey, and there will never “Personal, emotional decisions create chaos,” Ozoguz wrote. “Tunceli ever be,” Bahceli said. was approved in the law in 1935.” Fatih Portakal, a top TV news presenter who has invited Macogiu mul­ The name Dersim was put on the municipal building in the previous tiple times on his show on one of the few left not pro-government televi­ administration of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) until a sions, the American-owned FOX TV’s Turkish franchise, was quick to Turkish bureaucrat Erdogan’s government appointed by dismissing the denounce Macoglu’s initiative in reversing the name to Dersim. elected officials in 2016 changed it back to “Tunceli.” “Is that it? What is the difference between Dersim and Tunceli? Silence on Erdogan’s side Another unnecessary issue to debate. Was that appropriate, Fatih As for Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Macogiu, amid all these problems? What a waste!!!” Portakal wrote on there was largely silence about Dersim, with their focus fixated on the re­ Twitter. do of Istanbul elections next month in which nearly a million HDP votes Turkish far-right’s fury swung a victory for the also IYI-backed CHP candidate Ekrem Imamoglu in the canceled March elections. At the same time, thousands of Turkish social media users from across the country began using a hashtag “DersimDegilTunceli” which means Earlier this month, Turkish authorities revoked the certificate of four “not Dersim but Tunceli,” condemning the 50,000 city’s council, sharing members of Dersim’s city council who were elected in the recent March 31 Ataturk’s pictures, Turkish flags, and pictures from the 1930’s campaign, local elections, on the grounds a decree by Erdogan’s office had dismissed or calling on the government to replace the elected mayor with a bureau­ them from their jobs at different public institutions, such as schools or uni­ crat. versities. ♦ Yavuz Agiralioglu, a deputy for the opposition far-right nationalist IYI

64 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti International yctujjorkeimcs may 24,2019______A deal for Iran: normalization for normalization

It would also be unlikely to win over The Iran’s leaders. Death to America — and to Israel — aren’t propagandistic theocratic slogans for the regime. They are its regime could reason for being and its motive for not survive action. The regime’s objections to the United States don’t date to 1953 and long if Bret Stephens U.S. connivance in the ouster of Mo­ the Islamic hammad Mosaddegh as prime min­ republic ister of Iran (a coup the clerics sup­ acted like ported at the time). They date to 1776 and the birth of political liberalism, the There has always been a fair and most nations. enemy of all theocratic and virtue­ symmetrical formula for the United centric politics. States and Iran to resolve the full nologies for its missile programs. An American bombing campaign in range of their differences: full normal­ A normal country is one that would Iran could hurt the regime. Complete ization for full normalization. Donald not perpetrate terrorist massacres in and genuine normalization would, over TYump, who may — but probably Argentina. It wouldn’t seek to murder time, be fatal to it. It would mean, as doesn’t — want a war with the Islamic (via a Mexican drug cartel) the Saudi Trump put it the other day, Iran’s ambassador at a Washington, D.C., republic, should propose it, publicly “official end” — not as a nation, but as and in detail, and see what happens. restaurant. It wouldn’t attempt an assassination plot in Denmark, or a the regime that has tyrannized that It will be clarifying for everyone. nation for 40 years. What is normalization? From the bombing attack in France. A normal country would not furnish Last week’s saber-rattling is unlikely U.S. side, it would mean the immediate to lead to a confrontation neither side suspension of every economic and military, financial and logistical sup­ port for Syria’s Bashar al-Assad, who wants. Trump thinks that avoiding war diplomatic sanction imposed by this or is crucial to his re-election. Tehran previous administrations. It would seems to have resumed using chemical weapons against his enemies. thinks Trump is more likely to be a mean an American Embassy in Tehran one-termer if it can wait him out with­ and an Iranian one in Washington. It It wouldn’t supply the Taliban with weapons, training and new recruits. It out a war. These are incompatible would mean direct flights between analyses, but they should induce mutu­ Iranian and American cities. It would wouldn’t provide its proxies in Yemen mean two-way trade, direct invest­ with ballistic missiles, especially now al caution. ment, and the end of secondary sanc­ that those proxies are firing missiles at All the more reason for TYump to tions that punish non-U.S. companies Mecca. It wouldn’t be a principal spon­ seize the initiative. Normalization for for doing business in Iran. It would sor for militias and terrorist groups normalization is a concept this and mean tens of thousands of Iranian throughout the Middle East. future U.S. administrations could students once again enrolled in U.S. It wouldn’t constantly avow and embrace. It’s one ordinary Americans universities, and tens of thousands of seek, at considerable cost to itself, the and Iranians alike could understand. American tourists once again explor­ destruction of another state with And it’s one Iran’s leaders would fear. ing the grand bazaars of Iranian cities. which it has neither a historical nor Let them be the ones to explain why Iran’s people could surely use that territorial conflict. Iranian children should go hungry so deal. Since TYump reimposed U.S. A normal country wouldn’t hang gay Hamas can aim its fire at Jews. sanctions last year, Iran’s oil exports people. It wouldn’t imprison women in have fallen by more than half, inflation their own clothes. It wouldn’t con­ has spiked to close to 40 percent and stantly arrest foreign nationals, includ­ the rial has lost about 60 percent of its ing American journalists, on trumped- value against the dollar. Iran’s econ­ up charges as a means of gaining omy is expected to contract by 6 per­ diplomatic or financial leverage. cent this year. By some estimates, a In short, under the terms of a nor- third of all Iranians live in absolute, malization-for-normalization deal, Iran not relative, poverty, unable to afford could relieve itself of all U.S. pressure the most basic staples of life. by permanently abandoning its nucle­ As for the Iranian side, normaliza­ ar ambitions, its human rights out­ tion would mean behaving like a nor­ rages and its reckless international mal country. behavior. That’s not a big ask. A normal country, with the world’s Or at least it shouldn’t be, which is fourth-largest proven oil reserves, is why Trump ought to deliver it in a one that wouldn’t need to embark on carefully written speech — the. kind multiple underground programs to normal presidents make about vital enrich uranium and produce pluto­ international and domestic topics. nium. It wouldn’t have engaged in Mike Pompeo laid out roughly similar extensive experimental work to figure terms in his own speech on Iran a year out how to detonate a fissile nuclear ago, but his tone was more bellicose core. It wouldn’t have retained an illicit than beguiling. TYump prefers the network to circumvent Western re­ combination of brash moves with A mural of the Iranian revolutionary leader strictions on the sale of dual-use tech- simple messages. This would be it. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran.

65 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti International yctujjorkeimcs may 24,2019______Iran stiffens its resolve

BEIRUT, LEBANON

The U.S. has increased its pressure, but Tehran’s behavior is unchanged

BY VIVIAN YEE In its campaign to throttle Iran into sub­ mission, the TYump administration has in the last several weeks applied smoth­ ering force — blocking the country’s last avenues for selling oil, classifying the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps as a terrorist organization and de­ ploying ships and bombers to the Persian Gulf. But if the goal of increased pressure was to force Iran to change its behavior AMBER SMALLEY/U.S. NAVY or to send angry Iranians into the The United States sent an aircraft carrier, bombers and missile defense systems to the streets to ultimately sweep the nation’s Persian Gulf region this month. One analyst said Iran believes it is under attack. clerical leadership from power, neither has so far been achieved. accumulating nuclear material. military head to head. Instead, the pressure appears to have Iran, its proxies or other allied groups Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali only stiffened Iran’s resolve, pushing it are suspected of carrying out two recent Khamenei, has three decades of experi­ from wary patience to calibrated con­ attacks on Saudi oil tankers and pump­ ence goading the United States with frontation against an enemy it has long ing stations in the Persian Gulf and of a asymmetric tactics and, matador-like, mistrusted. Its leaders, analysts say, are rocket attack hear the American Em­ narrowly escaping injury, as when Irani­ determined not to capitulate to what an-linked Shiite militias in Iraq waged they view as economic and psychologi­ bassy in Baghdad. There is no hard evidence linking Iran guerrilla warfare on American troops in cal warfare, or to negotiate under du­ to the attacks, which caused no casu­ the mid-2000s. ress. alties and only minor damage but may “I think his dilemma is always that, if “Try respect,” Foreign Minister Mo­ have been intended to send a message. he does nothing to counter U.S. pres­ hammad Javad Zarif shot back at Presi­ sure, he risks losing face, and if he ex­ “They believe they’re under attack, dent Trump in a tweet on Monday. “It cessively counters U.S. pressure, he and their response is not to escalate to a works!” risks losing his head,” said Karim Sad- conflict, but certainly not to back down,” TYump administration officials de­ jadpour, tin Iran analyst at the Carnegie said Ariane Tabatabai, a political scien­ fended their Iran strategy to Congress Endowment for International Peace. tist at the RAND Corporation and an “He’s comfortable operating in the on Tuesday, laying out intelligence Iran researcher at Columbia University. about Iranian threats that they said jus­ space between those two.” “What they want to do is continue this Calibrated provocations also give tified sending an aircraft carrier, bomb­ current trend of doing everything they ers and missile defense systems to the Iran’s leaders a means of showing the can to poke the U.S. in the eye, without public that they are standing up to the region this month. getting to the threshold of an all-out In the short term, at least, the admin­ United States, Ms. Tabatabai said. war.” istration’s pressure tactics are leaving Targeting a crucial oil shipping route Both sides appeared to swerve away bite marks. With inflation running high would serve as a pointed reminder that from conflict last week when both Mr. and medicine, food and other basics run­ Iran is capable of striking American al­ Trump and Ayatollah Khamenei made ning short, Iran’s economy is tanking lies and disrupting the world’s economy, statements saying they did not want a under the combined force of the sanc­ even if it cannot fight the United States war. But just as tensions seemed to sim­ tions and Iranian mismanagement, mer down, Mr. Trump tweeted Monday, heightening public frustration. “If Iran wants to fight, that will be the But for Iranians, it is hard to view the official end of Iran. Never threaten the American chokehold as anything but United States again!” bullying from a foe that promised sanc­ What provoked the outburst was un­ tions relief and a path back into the in­ clear, but Mr. Zarif, the foreign minister, ternational cdmmunity in exchange for responded with a hashtag: #Never- limits on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, only ThreatenAnlranian. Iranian officials to go back on its word. have repeatedly warned that Iran will After months of quietly upholding its retaliate if attacked. end of the 2015 nuclear bargain it struck The following day, Mr. Trump again with the United States and other world raised the prospect of talks, but put the powers, Iran has begun to jettison parts onus on Iran to reach out. “Iran will call of the agreement. It announced earlier POOL PHOTO BY EUGENE HOSHIKO us if and when they are ever ready,” he this month that it would resume the pro­ Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted. duction of nuclear centrifuges and begin told President TYump to “try respect.” But for Iran, negotiations can happen

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

only if the “sanctions, insulting and bul­ Iranian leaders have singled out Mr. ernment is spending so much on proxies lying” stop, said Diako Hosseini, an ana­ Bolton as a warmonger who is getting in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria and Iraq lyst at Tehran’s Center for Strategic ahead of his boss. when it has struggled to handle floods in Studies, which is affiliated with Iran’s “Bolton May Be Sacked,” read a re­ Iran that caused billions in damage this presidential office. “Otherwise it is im­ cent headline in Javan, a hard-line Irani­ year or to protect the public from the im­ possible that Iran surrender.” an newspaper, referring to American re­ pact of economic sanctions. ' “It was the U.S. that pulled back from ports that Mr. Trump was not pleased But nationalism has spiked, now that the negotiation table, not Iran,” he add­ with Mr. Bolton. “Infighting in Washing­ Iran seems under threat. Hard-line fac­ ed. “Iranians don’t believe in Trump’s ton,” echoed Arman-e Emrooz, a more tions within the Iranian government ap­ sincerity.” moderate paper in Iran. pear confident that the United States Iranian leaders who supported dia­ Analysts said the Iranians may have will ultimately not want to get bogged logue, like President Hassan Rouhani, been hoping to lie low until the 2020 down in an invasion of Iran, and, more­ have been sidelined by Mr. Trump’s American presidential election, when a over, that Iran would win. withdrawal from the nuclear deal. On friendlier administration might gain It is difficult to gauge public opinion in Wednesday, Ayatollah Khamenei power. Iran. openly criticized Mr. Rouhani and Mr. They were thinking, “maybe we can But analysts who speak to people Zarif, saying that he had “warned them wait this guy out,” said Dina Esfandiary, there said that some seem fed up with several times” that he “did not really be­ a Century Foundation fellow who fo­ their leaders, while others blame the lieve in” the way they handled the nucle­ cuses on Iran. Most of the Democratic United States for their troubles. ar agreement, the official IRNA news presidential candidates support rejoin­ Most Iranians, they believe, want to agency reported. Ayatollah Khamenei ing the nuclear deal. avoid violent confrontation, either with has compared negotiating with the But there are no guarantees that a the United States or with their own gov­ United States to “drinking poison.” Democrat will win or that a new presi­ ernment. “The parts of the government that dent would automatically embrace the Ten years after the government vio­ wanted to engage with America have de£il without new demands. lently crushed the pro-democracy pro­ been proven wrong and are not going to While Iranian officials may be able to tests known as the Green Revolution, have an opportunity to engage anytime rely on rainy-day funds, oil smuggling even discontented Iranians have little soon,” said Narges Bajoghli, an assistant and trade with friendly countries until appetite for a popular revolt. And three professor at Johns Hopkins School of the end of 2020, they are not likely to decades after their devastating war Advanced International Studies who carry it through 2024, analysts said. with Iraq, Iranians hope to avoid an­ frequently speaks with people in hard­ The 2015 nuclear deal, which offered other international conflict. line Iranian circles. Iranians a breather from crippling The tensions with the United States Iranian officials have tried to drive a American sanctions, never led to the worry many Iranians. wedge between President Trump, who widespread economic improvements “When I sleep, I dream of war,” Tina has frequently expressed the desire to Iranians were eager for. Kheiri, a 24-year-oId Tehran resident, disentangle the United States from the Over the last year and a half, the gov­ said in an interview. When she wakes Middle East, and his foreign policy ernment has faced widespread criticism up, shë checks Twitter to see if anything team, which takes a harder line. Na­ and protests from Iranians over its mis­ has happened. tional Security Adviser John Bolton has management of the economy, its corrup­ long advocated regime change, while tion and its foreign activities, among Nilo Tabrizy contributed reporting. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has other issues. also appeared to endorse it. Many Iranians question why the gov­

■ V»A VOICE of AMERICA MAY 25, 2019 Sources: Turkey Arms Syrian Rebels Facing Russian-Backed Assault

May 25, 2019 - AMMAN, JORDAN - Reuters preserve its influence in northwestern Syria, https://www.voanews.com where it has beefed up its troop presence in a dozen military bases that were set up under a urkey has equipped an array of mainstream de-escalation deal with Russia, a senior rebel Syrian rebels it backs with fresh supplies of commander said. weaponryT to help them try to repel a major Turkish officials were not immediately availa­ Russian-backed assault, senior opposition offi­ ble to comment. cials and rebel sources said TURKISH CONVOY Russia is backing the Syrian army's large Overnight, a Turkish military convoy arrived aerial and ground assault as it seeks to gain at a base in northern Hama near rebel-held control of the last big stretch of rebel-held terri­ Jabal al-Zawiya, an area Russian and Syrian jets tory in the northwest of the country. have been pounding for weeks, a rebel and a Syrian President Bashar al-Assad launched witness said. the assault last month, saying rebels had brea­ The delivery of dozens of armored vehicles, ched an existing cease-fire, triggering a civilian Grad rocket launchers, anti-tank guided missiles exodus by bombarding Idlib and adjacent areas. FILE - Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army and TOW missiles helped roll back some Syrian It has been the biggest escalation since last fighters prepare a TOW anti-tank mis­ summer between Assad and his enemies in Idlib army gains and retake the strategically located sile north of Afrin, Syria, Feb. 18, 2018. town of Kfar Nabouda, one senior opposition province and a belt of territory around it. figure said. Ankara stepped up supplies in recent days tion to avert a major influx of refugees pouring The TOW missile had been the most potent after failing to persuade Russia in recent mee­ into Turkey, two senior opposition figures said. weapon in the arsenal of rebel groups battling => tings of a joint working group to end its escala- In doing so, Turkey signaled its readiness to

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

=» Assad during the conflict. It was extended ghout the war. Syrian army commanders told Reuters. by Western and Arab foes of Assad until a CIA- A spokesman for the Turkey-backed The Syrian army said Saturday that it conti­ led program of military support to help moderate National Liberation Front (NLF), Capt. Naji nued to intensify its attacks on what it called ter­ rebels was suspended in 2017. Mustafa, did not confirm or deny any new sup­ rorist hideouts in the northwest. A Western intelligence source said plies by Turkey, saying rebels had long had a big A Turkey backed-rebel grouping called the Washington had given a "green light" for the arsenal of weapons from anti-tank to armored National Army, which operates in northwestern Turkey-backed mainstream rebels to use the vehicles "alongside material and logistical sup­ border areas near Turkey, has been allowed to TOW missiles, which had been in storage in the port by our Turkish brothers.” join mainstream rebel factions along the front latest campaign. The retreat from Kfar Nabouda was an lines. Washington, which has criticized Russia's upset to a Russian goal of a speedy military "Large numbers of our fighters have joined latest campaign and urged a cease-fire, also campaign to gain another slice of heavily popu­ with all their weapons to repel the assault," said said it saw signs that Assad had used poison lated Idlib province. Maj. Youssef Hamoud, their spokesman. gas in the latest offensive and warned that it NEW FRONT The rebels' readiness to put aside diffe­ would respond "quickly and appropriately” if this In the last 24 hours, the Syrian army has rences that once led to bloody internecine figh­ were proven. been sending large troop reinforcements ahead ting has united jihadists and mainstream rebels Assad has denied such allegations throu­ of opening a new front, a source in touch with for the first time in years. •

L-MONIT R MAY 22, 2019 Kurdish hunger strikers wait for news from meeting of jailed leader Imprisoned Kurdistan Workers Party leader Abdullah Ocalan has met for a second time with lawyers as a wide Kurdish hunger strike endangers lives.

Amberin Zaman May 22, 2019 www.al-monitor.com

bdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), was granted access to his lawyers today in the Afirst such meeting since May 2 and the second in eight years, amid signs that Ankara is easing his isolation. Lawyers Nevroz Uysal and Rezan Sarica returned from the island prison of Imrali, where Ocalan has been held since 1999, following his treason conviction. But Ibrahim Bilmez, a member of Ocalan’s vast legal team, said what had been discussed is still under wraps. “It may take one or two days for us to share this information,” Bilmez told Al-Monitor. Leyla Guven, a lawmaker from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) who has been on a hunger strike, rests The government's decision to end Ocalan’s communications embargo has in her bed at her home in Diyarbakir, Ttirkey, March 20, 2019. sparked widespread debate about its possible motives. One is that the rul­ ing Justice and Development Party (AKP) is seeking to woo back Kurds Reuters/Umit Bektas who voted in favor of the opposition in the March 31 local elections, help­ ing it grab many of Turkey's largest cities, including Istanbul. A do-over unless it shows real signs of wanting to resume peace talks to end the 35- election for Istanbul is to be held on June 23, after the country's top elec­ year-old Kurdish conflict. toral commission upheld the AKP's claims of irregularities. Around two mil­ Ocalan’s message also addressed Syria, where the PKK’s sister organiza­ lion of Istanbul's 15 million-strong population are believed to be Kurds. tion the People’s Protection Units (YPG) dominates around a third of the The controversial decision was announced on May 6. The same day, his war-wracked country with military protection from the United States. lawyers shared a message Ocalan composed during the May 2 meeting. Ocalan did not refer to the YPG specifically but instead called on the YPG- He made no mention of the elections. led Syrian Democratic Forces, a coalition of Kurdish and Arab fighters, to Instead, Ocalan appealed to more than 3,000 hunger strikers protesting take “Turkey’s sensitivities into account” and to steer clear from “a culture his internment conditions to not endanger their lives. But the strikes con­ of conflict.” His words were interpreted by some as a signal to the YPG to tinue and “the situation is getting critical,” said Bilmez. “My personal opin­ be more yielding as the United States pursues efforts to secure agreement ion is that the government is above all concerned with getting our client to between Turkey and the Kurdish militants on a proposed safe zone along use his influence to help end the strikes.” Should they result in death, the Turkish-Syrian border. Bilmez warned, it would fuel nationwide unrest and add to instability as the Turkey has not backed down from demands that its forces monitor the country grapples with its worst financial crisis in recent years. zone that would stretch east of the Euphrates River on the Syrian side all Leyla Guven, a lawmaker for the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party the way to the Iraqi border. The United States' special envoy to Syria, Jim who spearheaded the hunger strikes, is on her 196th day of refusing solid Jeffrey, is said to be continuing to pile pressure on the YPG to make further food. concessions “to stop the process from stalling,” a source familiar with the substance of the talks told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. Whether ome 30 Ocalan supporters are refusing all forms of nutrition and medi­ further exhortations from Ocalan will soften the YPG's opposition to a cal intervention until their conditions are met. Over time, such actions Turkish presence remains to be seen. Scan trigger Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome, a brain disorder that is caused by a vitamin B1 deficiency and leads to a painful death. Typically, the government vets any statements made by the 71-year-old guerrilla boss before they are made public, and at least one government The PKK has signaled that the hunger strikes will continue until Ocalan’s official — from the national intelligence agency or the armed forces — is isolation is terminated and he is granted free and unfettered access to his present when Ocalan meets with visitors. ♦ family and lawyers. It could be seen as a display of loyalty in which the organization persists in advocating sacrifice despite his appeals. But it Amberin Zaman is a senior correspondent reporting from the Middle could also be the PKK's way of messaging Ankara that it won't cooperate East, North Africa and Europe exclusively for Al-Monitor.

68 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti 0 b 0 c I X X — 27 Mai 2019 La Turquie dans la tourmente économique

Le 23 juin les électeurs sont appelés à voter à nouveau pour élire le maire d’Istanbul, après que la victoire de l’opposition a été invalidée. La détérioration de la situation économique Lèvent, le quartier des affaires d'Istanbul. de la Turquie risque de peser lourd sur le ». Elle a même indigné des vétérans de T AKP comme Abdullah Gül, résultat. ancien président ou Ahmet Davutoglu, ex-premier ministre. Lait sans pré­ cédent, ils se sont désolidarisés de leur ancien patron. Jean-Pierre Sereni / 27 mai 2019 Mais Erdogan ne peut pas perdre le 23 juin prochain. Istanbul, la https://orientxxi.info grande place du business turc, pèse un tiers du PIB, sans doute plus encore dans les finances de T AKP et de ses affairistes, et ce serait un aveu e principal opposant au président Recep Tayyip Erdogan n’est plus de faiblesse insupportable pour un homme qui se prétend fort à l’image politique, mais financier. Sa devise nationale la livre dégringole plus des sultans ottomans de la glorieuse époque de l’empire comme Soliman Lque jamais. Après au moins 30 % de baisse l’année dernière, déjà 10 %le Magnifique. Il mettra donc les moyens qu’il faut pour convaincre les pour les quatre premiers mois de 2019 dont une chute de 15 % contre le électeurs, fort de son contrôle exclusif sur les ressources de l’État et de dollar américain. Le toboggan monétaire engloutit rapidement les ses millions de fonctionnaires, quitte à violer une fois de plus « la règle réserves officielles de change détenues à la Banque centrale de Turquie. universelle de la loi et des pratiques établies » pour reprendre les mots de Jeudi 9 mai, celle-ci a dépensé plus d’un milliard de dollars pour soutenir Davutoglu. Les arrestations récentes d’universitaires et les attaques sa monnaie en rachetant près de 6 milliards de dollars pour rien. La devise contre des journalistes montrent qu’il y est prêt. nationale est quand même passée sous la barre symbolique des 6 livres Encore faut-il que l’intendance suive. Pour le moment, ce n’est pas le pour un dollar. Dans la semaine qui a suivi l’annulation de l’élection du cas. La croissance est négative (-3 %). Entraînée par la chute de la livre, maire d’Istanbul le 6 mai, plus de 4 milliards de dollars ont été ainsi sacri­ l’inflation fait rage : + 20 % en un an au mois de mars, mais + 30 % pour fiés inutilement à la défense de la monnaie. les produits alimentaires, une charge insupportable pour les budgets des FRONDE DANS L’AKP ménages modestes où se recrute une part importante des électeurs de l’AKP. Istanbul, mais aussi Ankara la capitale et d’autres grandes villes A ce rythme, combien de temps la Banque centrale peut-elle tenir ? l’ont sanctionné, avec des écarts encore plus importants que ceux du Officiellement ses réserves de change sont d’environ 30 milliards de dol­ Bosphore. En un an, le chômage est passé de 10,8 % à 14,7 % de la popu­ lars. La saignée de la deuxième semaine de mai lui en a déjà coûté 14 %. lation active, soit près de 5 millions de sans-emploi. A ce rythme, il n’est pas dit que la Turquie pourra tenir jusqu’au 23 juin prochain, date fixée par la commission électorale qui a annulé l’élection UNE BANQUE CENTRALE SOUS PRESSION d’Ekrem Imamoglu, le premier opposant élu maire d’Istanbul depuis un La réussite de l’opération sauvetage est entre les mains de la Banque bon quart de siècle. L’annonce — également une première — a été centrale de Turquie (BCT) fondée dans les années 1930 par Mustafa accueillie dans plusieurs quartiers de la ville par un concert de casseroles Kemal Atatürk et qui est, normalement, indépendante depuis 2001. Mais retentissant et des manifestations de rue. La décision, choquante, annule les temps ne sont pas normaux, et la main d’Erdogan et celle de son gen­ l’élection du maire pour cause de nominations « inappropriées » de scru­ dre ministre des finances Berat Albayrak ont pesé lourd sur son malheu­ tateurs, mais pas celles des conseillers locaux ou des maires de districts reux gouverneur. Les occasions n’ont pas manqué : pas moins de sept remportés en majorité par le Parti de la justice et du développement élections ont eu lieu en cinq ans. ■ (AKP) d’Erdogan et, pourtant, dépouillées par les mêmes « inappropriés

/HP | Erdogan reçoit le président irakien alors qu'Ankara a lancé une offensive contre les Kurdes

Istanbul, 28 mai 2019 (AFP) niqué. Cette opération militaire vise à détruire "des grottes et des abris utilisés par des groupes terroristes". LE PRÉSIDENT TURC Recep Tayyip Erdogan a rencontré mardi à Le sanglant conflit entre la Turquie et la rébellion du PKK (d'obédience Istanbul son homologue irakien Barham Saleh, alors que l'armée turque marxiste-léniniste) a fait plus de 40.000 morts depuis son déclenchement en a lancé une opération contre les Kurdes dans le nord de l'Irak. 1984. Les deux dirigeants se sont entretenus avant de participer ensemble à un dîner Surtout actif dans le sud-est majoritairement kurde de la Turquie, le PKK a éga­ de rupture du jeune de Ramadan. Une photo publiée sur le site de la prési­ lement des bases arrières dans les zones montagneuses du nord de l'Irak qui dence turque montre les deux hommes autour d'une table avec leurs épouses sont régulièrement bombardées par l'aviation turque. respectives. La Turquie et le PKK s'affrontent violemment depuis la fin d'un fragile cessez- Cette visite intervient alors que l'armée turque a lancé une offensive aérienne le-feu en 2015. Le conflit entre l'Etat turc et le PKK a fait plus de 40.000 morts et terrestre dans une région montagneuse du nord de l'Irak contre des depuis 1984. cachettes du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), qualifié d'"organisation Deux avocats du chef historique de la rébellion kurde Abdullah Ôcalan, empri­ terroriste" par Ankara, mais aussi par les Etats-Unis et l'Union européenne. sonné en Turquie depuis 1999, ont pu se rendre le 22 mai sur l'île-prison près Des forces spéciales et des drones sont aussi impliqués dans cette offensive d'Istanbul où il est détenu, pour la première fois depuis la levée ce mois-ci qui a débuté lundi, a indiqué le ministère turc de la Défense dans un commu­ d'une interdiction à cet effet. •

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

Xc3lïonâe DIMANCHE 26 - LUNDI 27 MAI 2019 Syrie : le jeu ambigu des Russes et des Turcs à Idlib Des combats au sol et des raids aériens contre la dernière poche rebelle du pays ont fait des dizaines de morts

BEYROUTH, ISTANBUL - correspondants Le régime n’a jamais e drame était annoncé: arrêté les raids la guerre happe de nou­ veau le nord-ouest de la aériens depuis Syrie, et dans le désastre l’automne 2018, et à l’œuvre, les civils paient le prixles djihadistes n’ont Lfort. L’escalade militaire en cours rappelle l’ambiguïté des rôles de pas quitté la zone Moscou et Ankara, « parrains » chargés de veiller à l’atténuation destinée à être des hostilités autant qu’acteurs démilitarisée du conflit. Ces deux puissances étrangères, principalement, dé­ avancées des forces prorégime. tiennent les clefs pour décider de Moscou et Damas ont intensifié, la destinée de la zone d’Idlib et de dans la foulée, les raids aériens A Idlib (Syrie), le 24 mai. khalilashawi/reuters ses alentours, l’ultime grande contre le sud de la province d’Idlib, menés par dizaines jeudi 23 mai, poche insurgée en Syrie, en im­ accrocs à cette entente avaient été fréquentes attaques lancées parles en fauchant des vies civiles. posant un nouveau statu quo ou contenus. Jusqu’à ce que, en avril, rebelles basés à Idlib, estime Ab­ La bataille au sol se livre dans la en poursuivant l’engrenage de chaque camp s’accuse mutuelle­ dullah Al-Jabassini, chercheur as­ bande de terre qui devait tenir la violence. ment de « provocations ». En viola­ socié à l’Institut universitaire lieu de zone «démilitarisée», Aux frappes aériennes lancées tion des termes du texte, les raids européen de Florence. Ensuite, sé­ fin avril par Moscou et Damas sur entre les territoires sous contrôle aériens du régime n’ont jamais curiser l’aéroport de Hmeimim [la la province d’Idlib se sont ajoutés du pouvoir et ceux tenus par l’in­ cessé depuis l’automne 2018, et les principale base militaire russe en les combats au sol entre forces surrection, selon l’accord de Sot­ combattants djihadistes n’ont pas Syrie] des attaques récurrentes, par progouvemementales et combat­ chi. Scellé par Moscou et Ankara quitté la zone destinée à être dé­ des drones ou des missiles, menées tants anti-Assad, avec de lourdes en septembre 2018, celui-ci avait militarisée. Ankara, qui détient par des groupes rebelles à partir de pertes humaines. Le front reste li­ pour ambition de geler les fronts 12 postes militaires d’observation, Jisr Al-Choughour [proche de la mité : il se concentre dans le nord- dans la province d’Idlib et ses a failli à endiguer les djihadistes de province de Lattaquié, où se ouest de la région de Hama, conti­ alentours. Mais, fin avril, le statu HTS. Au contraire, le groupe, éma­ trouve Hmeimim] : ces attaques-là guë à celle d’Idlib. Signe de l’im­ quo a volé en éclats, comme un nation dÂl-Qaida, a renforcé son constituent le principal problème portance de leurs moyens militai­ rappel que le fragile accord a été emprise sur la province d’Idlib, qui entre la Turquie et la Russie ». res et de leur détermination, les négocié entre des acteurs russes borde la Turquie. D’abord silencieuse au début djihadistes de Hayat Tahrir Al- et turcs aux intérêts divergents et C’est en s’opposant une pres­ de l’escalade, la Turquie a haussé Cham (HTS) et les rebelles pro­ aux relations fluctuantes. sion mutuelle sur le champ de ba­ le ton. En se gardant de viser turcs de l’alliance du Front natio­ taille du nord-ouest syrien que les Moscou, le président. Recep nal de libération (FNL) ont lancé Pression mutuelle deux puissances influentes, liées Tayyip Ergodan, a dénoncé, mi­ une contre-offensive, face aux Pendant des mois, les nombreux par la décision d’Ankara de se do­ mai, lors d’un échange avec son ter des systèmes antimissiles rus­ homologue russe, Vladimir Pou­ TURQUIE ses S-400, au grand dam de tine, les attaques contre « des ci­ Washington, semblent tenter de vils, des écoles et des hôpitaux». Armée turque Forces définir les nouvelles règles du jeu. En trois semaines, les frappes et ses alliés démocratiques Selon Alexandre Choumiline, di­ aériennes, qui ont pulvérisé des infrastructures civiles et fait des • Al-Bab syriennes recteur du Centre d’études sur l’Europe et le Moyen-Orient de dizaines de morts, ont poussé lÂcadémie des sciences de Russie, près de la frontière, fermée à Alep interrogé parie Monde lors d’une double tour par Ankara, près de Sfir 200 000 déplacés. La Turquie re­ Mer conférence organisée à Istanbul Méditerranée le 15 mai, l’offensive actuelle at­ doute un afflux supplémentaire Saraqeb teste du « mécon ten tement russe » de réfugiés syriens vers son terri­ • JisrAI- SYRIE face à la non mise en œuvre par toire, en cas d’offensive totale. Choghour Rebelles syriens Ankara de l’accord de Sotchi. Mardi, le ministre turc de la dé­ dont islamistes L’un des objectifs, pour le camp fense, Hulusi Akar, a accusé le ré­ Maarrat gime syrien de faire «tout ce qui • Lattaquié Al-Nouman et djihadistes^ progouvernemental, est de re­ ,Khan pousser les combattants anti-As- est en son pouvoir pour briser le • Hmeimim Cheikhoun sad à l’écart de la ligne de front. La statu quo » instauré par l’accord X Régime syrien et ses alliés Russie a «deux buts principaux: de septembre, «notamment en Hama d’abord, mettre à l’abri les villages utilisant des barils d’explosifs, et 25 km SOURCES : SYRIA.LIVEUAMAP.COM ; LE MONDE du nord de la province de Hama des (en menant) une offensive terres­

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

tre et aérienne ». res de cette région, qui étaient réfu­ l’Iran et la Turquie, qui veulent en rebelles, malgré leurs pertes, de­ Probable décision turque giés plus au nord, ont rejoint la li­ faire la voie du règlement du con­ vront s'y tenir», étant donné leur Ankara n’est pas non plus restée gne de front. Au début, HTS [avec le­ flit syrien, à leurs conditions. dépendance à la Turquie. Tandis les bras croisés : le déploiement de quel plusieurs des groupes du FLN Mais sur le terrain d’Idlib, les que la communication se pour­ plusieurs groupes proturcs sur le ont été en conflit] leur a bloqué la Russes disposent de plus de car­ suit entre les deux «parrains», front témoigne d’une probable dé­ route, mais finalement, il a accepté tes que les Turcs, qu’ils doivent près de trois millions de civils cision turque. «Les messages que de les laisser passer. » toutefois se garder de trop mé­ dans la zone d’Idlib redoutent nous envoient les Turcs sont clairs. Les Turcs ont aussi « récemment contenter. Moscou ne fera une of­ l’extension des frappes meurtriè­ Ils nous disent qu’Idlib est notre fait rentrer des renforts » vers leurs fre de cessez-le-feu que «s’il s’es­ res et de la crise humanitaire. ■ terre, qu'il est de notre devoir de la postes d’observation, indique Si- time suffisamment satisfait de ses BENJAMIN BARTHE, défendre, affirme ainsi Fateh Has- nan Hatahet, analyste proche de gains militaires et territoriaux», MARIE JÉGO ET LAURE STEPHAN soun, commandant d’un groupe l’opposition. Selon lui, Ankara juge le chercheur syrien Abdullah au sein de l’alliance du FNL. De «s’accroche à Astana », ce proces­ Al-Jabassini. «La Turquie l’accep­ nombreux combattants oriqinai- sus lancé en 2017 par la Russie, tera probablement, et les groupes

I express n° 3542 semaine du 22 au 28 mai 2019 OPINIONS AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES, PAR CHRISTIAN M AKARIAN ERDOGAN ENTRE LES GRIFFES DE POUTINE e président turc pensait conserver en Syrie les Occidentaux faisaient des Kurdes de Syrie leurs une zone d’influence qui lui aurait permis de nouveaux alliés pour combattre TEL négocier avec les Russes et les Iraniens. R n’en Et maintenant ? A Idlib, on compte près de 3 mil­ sera rien. Avec une logique imperturbable, lions d’habitants pris en otages par les djihadistes, les­ les troupes de Bachar el-Assad, appuyées par quels seraient entre 30 000 et 50 000 à exercer la ter­ l’aviation russe, ont repris les hostilités dans la pochereur sur cette nasse. Reprendre ce nid de terroristes est Ld’Idlib, le dernier des bastions djihadistes. Située au crucial aux yeux du régime syrien, car c’est par cette nord-ouest de la Syrie, le long de la province turque région que passent deux autoroutes essentielles - l’axe du Hatay, cette enclave fournit une ultime illustration nord-sud Damas-Alep et la voie ouest-est Lattaquié- de l’absurdité inextricable du conflit syrien, puisque Alep. En outre, le contrôle d’Idlib commande l’accès au le combat met aux prises des djihadistes qui n’ont plus pays alaouite voisin, d’où est originaire le clan Assad. rien à perdre et des troupes que rien n’arrête, le tout Liquider les djihadistes provoquera un exode humain sous le regard de puissances occidentales sorties du jeu. massif qui, forcément, se dirigera vers la Turquie, où Cette fois, l’enjeu vise à éliminer définitivement la ont déjà trouvé refuge 3,5 millions de déracinés syriens. résistance acharnée du groupe Hayat Tahrir Al-Cham Voilà qui est inacceptable pour Erdogan. Mais son (Organisation de libération du Levant), dernière déno­ échec à Idlib est patent et fait piaffer d’impatience ses mination adoptée par l’ex-Front al-Nosra, faction deux alliés de circonstance que sont la Russie et l’Iran, terroriste redoutable qui s’est fait connaître comme pressés de voir Assad en finir avec cet abcès. la branche syrienne d’Al-Qaeda. Depuis le début de la En mai 2017, à Astana, le président turc s’était guerre syrienne, ce sont sans doute ces combattants-là en effet engagé à maîtriser les terroristes d’Idlib ; or qui ont donné le plus de fil à retordre aux soldats de il n’y est pas du tout parvenu, ces derniers n’ayant Damas, avant d’être regrou­ cessé de harceler l’armée syrienne et de viser la base Les espoirs pés dans le réduit d’Idlib, où aérienne russe de Hmeimim. Sous la pression accrue Assad a choisi de les concen­ de Vladimir Poutine et de Hassan Rohani, le président du président trer en échange de leurs reddi­ iranien, voici donc Erdogan contraint de lâcher les dji­ turc en Syrie tions successives à Alep, dans hadistes d’Idlib en marchandant en compensation se trouvent la Goûta, à Deraa. une zone d’influence dans le nord-ouest de la Syrie, Mais les puissances étran­ afin de démanteler les positions des Kurdes. anéantis gères impliquées sont prises A court ou à moyen terme, les espoirs de Recep dans un engrenage infernal. Tayyip Erdogan en Syrie se trouvent anéantis. En Dès les origines du Front al-Nosra, la Turquie d’Erdo- échange de son rapprochement avec Vladimir Poutine gan a vu dans cette mouvance le fer de lance de la lutte et en contrepartie de son engagement à soutenir la armée contre Assad et lui a apporté un soutien décisif ; levée des soutiens américains contre Téhéran, le le Qatar s’est également associé à Ankara. Avec l’exten­ président turc a beaucoup reçu : une amplification sion fulgurante du groupe Etat islamique (El), à par­ des échanges avec la Russie, le gazoduc russe Turk tir de 2014, Al-Nosra a clairement marqué ses diver­ Stream, l’achat du système antimissile S-400 et sa gences avec ce califat qui poursuivait de tout autres fabrication en Turquie (livraison prévue en juillet buts que la chute d’Assad. Après quoi, c’est d’Al-Qaeda prochain)... Mais il y a un prix à payer à la clef. Autant que le Front Al-Nosra a tenu à se différencier, en 2016, dire qu’Erdogan s’est mis entre les griffes de Poutine. poussé par la Turquie qui s’est soudain sentie obli­ gée, sous la pression des Etats-Unis, de donner des Christian Makarian est directeur de la rédaction délégué gages en matière de lutte antiterroriste, pendant que à L’Express et éditorialiste.

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

LE FIGARO jeudi 30 mai 2019 En Syrie, l’assaut contre le bastion rebelle d’Idlib

Reform Initiative, sur l’antenne de s’intensifie France Culture. La zone du sud d’Idlib, où se livrent Les bombardements russes et syriens actuellement des combats acharnés en­ tre forces loyalistes et groupes rebelles, ont récemment chassé 180 000 personnes faisait, depuis septembre 2018, partie d’un accord dit « de désescalade » scel­ de cette ville contrôlée par les djihadistes. lé entre Moscou, soutien indéfectible de Damas, et Ankara, qui parraine cer­ tains groupes rebelles. Ce «deal» était DELPHINE MINOUI * (SDelphineMinoui 771 morts, dont 230 civils, depuis le censé séparer les territoires insurgés CORRESPONDANTE A ISTANBUL 30 avril dernier. Comme ce fut précé­ demment le cas dans d’autres provinces des zones gouvernementales et éviter rebelles, les hôpitaux et établissements une offensive du régime. Après avoir MOYEN-ORIENT «C’est un holocauste. scolaires sont délibérément visés. été fragilisé par différentes violations C’est un génocide. Horrible. Terrible. Si D’après l’ONU, les bombardements ont de part et d’autre, il a fini par voler en cela ne vous touche pas, qu’adviendra-t- déjà touché 20 structures médicales, 17 éclats, début 2019, lors du passage de la il ? Ces gens ne sont pas des fossiles. Ils écoles et 3 camps de déplacés. région sous contrôle de HTC. Damas et sont vrais. C’est arrivé aujourd’hui, Les marchés ne sont pas épargnés: Moscou reprochent à la Turquie son après le bombardement par Assad du vil­ mardi 21 mai, des missiles ont touché ambiguïté face aux combattants djiha­ lage d’Ihsem à Idlib... » Il y a d’abord les celui de Maarat al-Numan, après l’iftar, distes. Pour sa part, la Turquie estime mots, hachés d’émotion. Et puis les le repas de rupture du jeûne musulman, que Moscou n’y met pas suffisamment images : une minividéo d’à peine 30 se­ causant la mort d’une dizaine de per­ du sien pour dissuader Damas de bom­ condes où les corps éteints de jeunes sonnes. «Et quand bien même nous sur­ barder des positions civiles. enfants étreignent une ruelle dévastée vivons aux bombes, nous savons qu’on Faute de parvenir à une nouvelle trê­ par un nouveau déluge de feu russo-sy­ risque de finir par mourir de faim», ve, la course aux armes a repris de plus rien. Un goût amer de déjà-vu qu’Ab- alerte Noura, une mère de famille con­ belle en fin de semaine dernière. Selon dulfaki Alhamdo aurait préféré ne ja­ tactée par WhatsApp. La pénurie ali­ mais partager sur Twitter ce mardi l’agence Reuters, la Turquie aurait en mentaire provoque une flambée des effet livré des armes à certaines factions 28 mai. Mais le jeune professeur d’an­ prix sans précédent. «Les gens sur pla­ glais syrien, témoin en 2011 des premiè­ rebelles, après avoir échoué à convain­ ce nous disent que la nourriture constitue cre la Russie d’intervenir pour mettre res heures de la révolution, rescapé des leur premier besoin, mais les prix des bombardements d’Alep-Est et réfugié fin à l’offensive. Cette livraison, qui denrées ont augmenté jusqu’à 45 % du­ comprend des véhicules blindés et des dans la province d’Idlib depuis plus de rant le mois de ramadan», observe deux ans, veut raconter en direct la si­ missiles TOW, aurait été rendue possible nistre routine de la guerre - «pour grâce à un «feu vert» de Washington, qu’on ne nous oublie pas ! », insiste-t-il. précise l’agence de presse britannique, Quand bien même qui cite une source occidentale tra­ Voilà maintenant plus d’un mois nous survivons qu’ldlib, dans le nord-ouest de la Syrie, vaillant pour les renseignements. Les États-Unis, qui avaient fait le choix de se subit des bombardements répétés et des aux bombes, nous savons tirs d’artillerie du régime syrien et de qu'on risque de finir désengager du conflit syrien, entendent néanmoins signifier leur inquiétude face son allié russe sur des positions à la fois par mourir de faim 99 à la nouvelle campagne russo-syrienne. militaires et civiles. Dans ce dernier NOURA, MÈRE DE FAMILLE SYRIENNE Le département d’État américain, qui a grand fief rebelle, qui compte plus de récemment évoqué une « attaque présu­ 3 millions d’habitants - dont de nom­ Made Ferguson, de l’ONG Mercy Corps. mée au chlore dans le nord-ouest de la breux déplacés d’Alep, de Homs, de la En l’espace d’un mois, la violence et la Syrie au matin du 19 mai», craint le banlieue de Damas - , les derniers résis­ faim ont jeté sur la route quelque franchissement d’une nouvelle «ligne tants pacifiques et combattants modé­ 180 000 personnes qui fuient vers le rouge » par Bachar el-Assad. rés faisaient déjà l’objet d’une pression Nord, aux abords de la frontière turque. Ce mardi, Jean-Yves Le Drian, le mi­ renforcée de la part de Hayat Tahrir al- « Tout l’enjeu aujourd’hui est que l’on ne nistre des Affaires étrangères, s’est à Cham (HTC), l’ex-branche syrienne parvient pas à un accord politique qui son tour saisi du sujet en faisant savoir d’al-Qaida, qui impose son hégémonie permettrait réellement de traiter la ques­ que la France disposait d’un «indice» sur la région depuis le mois de janvier. tion d’Idlib. Il/aut à la fois un plan mili­ sur l’emploi de ces armes prohibées. Avec cette nouvelle menace venant du taire très complexe, mais il existe beau­ «Mais cela fait huit ans que dure cette ciel, ils se retrouvent plus que jamais coup de Syriens qui ont travaillé à ce guerre. Et tant que Damas ne sera pas pris en étau entre Damas et les djihadis­ plan, et il faut savoir que la population sanctionné, les civils continueront à en tes. Selon l’Observatoire syrien des elle-même veut se débarrasser des djiha - payer le prix fort», déplore Noura, la droits de l’homme (OSDH), l’offensive distes», prévenait il y a quelques jours mère de famille. ■ russo-syrienne aurait fait plus de Bassma Kodmani, directrice de l’Arab

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

LE FIGARO vendredi 31 mai 2019

La démocratie turque suivante, Recep Tayyip Erdogan modifie profondément le pays : ur­ banisation, croissance, processus balayée par la dérive d’adhésion à l’Union européenne, pourparlers de paix avec le PKK. En 2014, il est élu président au suf­ frage universel direct. Entre- autoritaire d’Erdogan temps, les premiers signes de déri­ ve autoritaire ont commencé à L’annulation récente des résultats électoraux à Istanbul, pointer leur nez, notamment lors de la répression des manifestations tout comme les attaques physiques contre des journalistes et de Gezi en 2013. En juin 2015 sur­ les arrestations de professeurs d’université, suscite l’inquiétude. vient la première véritable infrac­ tion à la loi des urnes avec l’annu­ lation des législatives et l’organisation d’un scrutin antici­ pé pour récupérer la majorité par­ lementaire et barrer la route au parti prokurde HDP, en vertu d’un nouveau discours dans l’ère du temps : « L'AKP ou le chaos. » Le putsch raté de juillet 2016 l’encourage à accélérer les tours de vis : chasse aux partisans de Fethullah Gülen, accusé d’en être le maître d’œuvre, aux journalis­ tes, aux étudiants, aux professeurs jugés trop critiques... Dans la fou­ lée, Erdogan consolide son alliance Le président turc, avec les ultranationalistes du parti Recep Tayyip Erdogan, MHP et fait réformer la Constitu­ prononce un discours, tion pour renforcer son pouvoir. Sa mercredi, à Istanbul, lors réélection, en juin 2018, entérine du 565e anniversaire l’entrée en vigueur du nouveau ré­ de la conquête de la ville gime hyperprésidentiel. En paral­ par le Sultan Mehmet II. DELPHINE MINOUI * (SDelphineMinoul HANDOUT/REUTERS lèle, des dizaines de mairies situées CORRESPONDANTE A ISTANBUL dans la région du Sud-Est kurde sont placées sous tutelle d’Anka­ «LA DÉMOCRATIE, c’est comme rale: temps d’antenne limité pour ra... à l’instar de ce que vit aujour­ un tramway. Une fois arrivé au ter­ les candidats anti-Erdogan, oppo­ d’hui Istanbul, sous contrôle tem­ minus, on en descend. » La petite sants taxés de «soutien au terroris­ poraire du gouverneur de la phrase de Recep Tayyip Erdogan, me», difficulté d’accès à certains métropole, dans l’attente du nou­ prononcée il y a plus de vingt ans, bureaux de vote dans les provinces veau scrutin du 23 juin prochain. trouve une résonance particuliè­ kurdes du Sud-Est. « Le pouvoir, rement glaçante dans ia Turquie une véritable boite noire » d’aujourd’hui. Après un déluge de Répression «L’État est désormais aux mains du recours et de pressions venant de Mais les militants démocrates vou­ son parti, l’AKP, le Haut Comité laient encore croire au pouvoir des président turc, de son clan, de son électoral turc a annulé, lundi urnes, comme le dernier maillon parti et de leurs nouveaux alliés ul­ 6 mai, le scrutin municipal d’Is­ d’une chaîne d’espoir qui est en tranationalistes», estime la journa­ tanbul du 31 mars et la victoire du train de voler en éclats. « Un nou­ liste Ariane Bonzon dans son livre candidat de l’opposition, Ekrem veau coup d’État a eu lieu en Tur­ Turquie, l’heure de vérité (Éd. Empreinte-Temps présent). Imamoglu. Motif invoqué : selon ce quie», s’emporte Ahmet Sik, dé­ même organisme, dans l’indépen­ puté du parti prokurde HDP et ex- Aujourd’hui, rien ne doit échapper dance duquel voulait encore croire journaliste embastillé de au «nouveau sultan» - c’est ainsi la population, certains des prési­ Cumhuriyet. que le surnomment ses détrac­ dents de bureaux de vote n’étaient Que s’est-il passé dans la tête teurs : ni les relations internationa­ pas des fonctionnaires. d’Erdogan? Celui qui, en 2011, se les, ni la politique et encore moins Pour nombre d’observateurs, ce retrouva fièrement propulsé à la l’économie. Au fil des années, il a «putsch des urnes» constitue le une de Time Magazine, était, il n’y consolidé un empire parallèle, où dernier clou dans le cercueil de la a encore pas si longtemps, salué les entreprises de son entourage fragile démocratie turque. «À ce comme étant l’homme du miracle ont largement bénéficié de ses fa­ jour, c’était un homme, un vote. économique turc et le symbole veurs : un véritable maillage de ré­ C’est désormais: votez jusqu’à ce d’un modèle alliant islam et démo­ seaux clientélistes qui s’est notam­ que le parti du gouvernement l’em­ cratie. ment tissé autour de la porte», déplore Soner Cagaptay, Son ascension commence en municipalité d’Istanbul - son an­ chercheur au Washington Institute novembre 2002, quand les islamo- cien fief, dont il fut élu maire en of Near East Policy sur son compte conservateurs du Parti de la justice 1994 - et qui l’aurait poussé à an­ Twitter. Ces dernières années, les et du développement (AKP) rem­ nuler le scrutin du 31 mars. «Entre irrégularités n’ont cessé de se mul­ portent les élections législatives. seulement 2011 et 2018, le nombre de tiplier à chaque campagne électo­ Devenu premier ministre l’année compagnies privées ayant signé des

73 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

contrats avec Istanbul est passé de bayrak, dans cette décision dogan et qui prend les décisions. 20 à 30. Certains de leurs patrons controversée de convoquer de Aujourd’hui, le pouvoir est une véri­ ont des relations personnelles avec nouvelles élections. Le nom de table boite noire», relève le polito­ Erdogan », observe Osman Savas- Süleyman Soylu, ministre de l’In­ logue Ilhan Uzgel. kan, professeur de sciences politi­ térieur et cacique de l’AKP, retient D’où la difficulté à anticiper les ques à l’université de Marmara. Les également souvent. «D’année en résultats du scrutin du 23 juin. rumeurs vont bon train sur le pou­ année, le noyau dur du pouvoir s’est «Impossible de décrypter la straté­ voir d’influence de son gendre et resserré. À vrai dire, il est de plus en gie de l’AKP pour regagner des voix. ministre des Finances, Berat Al- plus difficile de dire qui conseille Er­ D’ailleurs, parviendra-t-il à séduire ses électeurs déçus ? Doit-on voir les récentes attaques contre des journa­ listes et opposants comme une arme Ce système, qui s'affranchit 13500 de dissuasion ? Le pouvoir sera-t-il de la volonté du peuple voix d’avance capable de fausser les résultats? et méprise la loi, n'est ni démocratique étaient attribuées Personne n’ose faire de pronostics. ni légitime. Il s'agit d'une dictature à Ekrem Imamoglu La politique turque n 'a jamais autant pure et simple dans la course pour la Mairie manqué de rationalité», souffle un d'Istanbul - avant que ONURSAL ADIGÜZEL, professeur de sociologie. ■ PRÉSIDENT DU PARTI D'OPPOSITION CHP. LE 6 MAI 2019 ce résultat ne soit annulé

LE FIGARO vendredi 31 mai 2019 La fronde contre le « sultan » enfle au cœur même de l’AKP

IL AURAIT pu se contenter de fé­ métropoles du pays, Ahmet Da­ l’argument sécuritaire», regrette liciter le candidat victorieux de vutoglu avait déjà provoqué la Kemal Oztiirk, du quotidien pro- l’opposition. Il aurait pu tendre surprise en publiant un « mani­ gouvernemental Yeni Sa/ak. Pour une main conciliatrice pour dé­ feste» de plus d’une dizaine de cet ancien conseiller d’Erdogan, samorcer les tensions. Au pages dans lequel il appelait la qui affiche aujourd’hui son dé­ contraire, en provoquant un mouvance politique à tirer les le­ saccord avec l’AKP (dont il est en face le nouveau vote à Istanbul, Recep çons de sa défaite. «Les élections toujours membre), «l’alliance faible attrait Tayyip Erdogan n’a fait que du 31 mars nous ont communiqué politique scellée avec le MHP (ul­ contribuer à consolider ses ad­ beaucoup de messages de la popu­ tranationaliste, NDLR) a porté de notre versaires. Et surtout, à accentuer lation, et, si nous ne les assimilons préjudice à notre parti en l’éloi­ peuple pour les fissures qui prévalent depuis pas, de graves conséquences at­ gnant de son identité d’origine». notre parti, quelque temps au sein de son tendent le Parti de la justice et du La concentration des pouvoirs parti, l’AKP. «Après seize années développement et notre peuple. entre les mains d’un réseau qui est au pouvoir, le parti craque de l’in­ Nous devons voir en face le faible clientéliste pose également pro­ apparu térieur. Certains attrait de notre peuple blème. «Certaines personnes au clairement membres osent criti­ pour notre parti, qui est sein de l’AKP pensent que, si elles quer sa gestion poli­ apparu clairement perdent Istanbul, elles perdent leur après tique. Ce n’est pas après la perte des mu­ pouvoir», estime Kemal Oztürk. la perte des nouveau. Mais c’est 95% nicipalités d’Ankara et « Nous devons nous concentrer sur municipalités la première fois que d’Istanbul», avait-il de vastes réformes économiques et des voix s’élèvent des médias prévenu. démocratiques», insiste, pour sa d’Ankara et aussi ouvertement», sont sous contrôle Dans cette sortie re­ part, la Tusiad, l’association des d'Istanbul 9 relève le politologue de l'État marquée, Ahmet Da­ hommes d’affaires turcs, dans un AHMET DAVUTOGLU, Ilhan Uzgel. vutoglu avait égale­ communiqué. EX-PREMIER MINISTRE, Depuis l’annula­ ment émis des Pour nombre d’observateurs, DANS UN MANIFESTE tion, le 6 mai, des résultats du inquiétudes face au recul des li­ ces dissensions internes sont DANS LEQUEL scrutin d’Istanbul et l’organisa­ bertés individuelles, en évoquant avant tout symptomatiques de la IL APPELAIT LA MOUVANCE POLITIQUE tion d’un nouveau vote, le en filigrane la stigmatisation des dérive de l’AKP, «qui n’a plus À TIRER LES LEÇONS 23 juin, une vague de critiques opposants - taxés de soutien au rien d’un parti politique, mais DE SA DÉFAITE émane de l’intérieur du parti. «terrorisme». «Personne ne doit plutôt d’une organisation au ser­ Habituellement peu disert, l’an­ perdre son emploi ou être menacé vice d’Erdogan», remarque le cien président turc Abdullah Gül en raison de ses opinions, et il faut journaliste turc Murat Sevinç. s’est empressé de fustiger, sur protéger la liberté de critique et Pour autant, la fronde ne doit pas son compte Twitter, la décision d’expression jusqu’au bout», être surestimée. «Quitter l’AKP, du Haut Comité électoral (YSK). avait insisté celui qui, selon la ru­ tempère-t-il, n’est pas une mince L’ex-premier ministre Ahmet meur, nourrit le dessein de créer affaire. Ceux qui l’envisagent Davutoglu a, lui, insisté sur un nouveau parti. savent qu’ils peuvent être accusés «l’importance d’élections libres et Le malaise est profond. de trahison. Un nouveau parti po­ justes pour la démocratie». «La « Quand l’AKP est arrivé au pou­ litique pourrait voir le jour, mais décision de l’YSK va à l’encontre voir, en 2002, le parti était animé en prenant le risque de se confron­ de la loi et heurte ce point de réfé­ par le souci d’un juste équilibre ter au pouvoir et à 95 % des mé­ rence», a-t-il insisté sur les ré­ entre la question sécuritaire et la dias qui sont sous contrôle de seaux sociaux. Après le revers de liberté d’expression. Aujourd’hui, l’État. » ■ l’AKP dans plusieurs grandes cet équilibre est rompu au profit de D. M. (A ISTANBUL)

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

LE FIGARO vendredi 31 mai 2019

quie, souvent contradictoires avec ceux des Européens, explique le Rien ne va plus entre statu quo dans lequel se trouvent les négociations avec Bruxelles, puisque officiellement Ankara est Ankara et les Occidentaux toujours candidate à l’entrée dans l’UE. «Mais plus les mois passent, moins le statu quo est tenable. Il va falloir en sortir d’une manière ou ISABELLE LASSERRE * (Silasserre d’une autre», prévient un diplo­ mate français. Des voix nombreu­ AU FUR et à mesure que se radica­ ses, y compris au Parlement euro­ lise le pouvoir de Recep Tayyip Er­ péen, réclament la suspension des dogan, le fossé entre la Turquie et négociations. Le temps est venu, ses partenaires occidentaux se disent-elles, de mettre fin à l’am­ creuse. Les relations n’ont jamais biguïté, d’imaginer de nouveaux été aussi distantes avec l’Union cadres à la relation, une alternative européenne et aussi problémati­ à l’adhésion. Mais personne ne ques au sein de l’Otan. Quant au veut encore prendre le risque lien avec la France, il s’effiloche lui d’une rupture, tant les sujets à aussi. traiter avec la Turquie sont nom­ Deuxième armée en termes breux: Syrie, réfugiés, lutte contre d’effectifs et seul pays musulman le terrorisme, relations économi­ de l’Otan, la Turquie est aussi de­ ques. L’Europe compte sur la Tur­ venue l’un des principaux problè­ quie pour jouer, moyennant finan­ mes de l’Alliance atlantique, même « Il faut sortir de l'hypocrisie qui ces, le rôle de garde-frontières en si celle-ci évite généralement consiste à penser que l’on peut contenant les 3 millions de réfugiés d’étaler les désaccords, pourtant ouvrir de nouveaux chapitres syriens qui vivent chez elle depuis fondamentaux, sur la place publi­ dans la négociation avec l’Union 2016. Gardienne de l’un des ver­ que. Les relations se sont dégra­ européenne, ce n’est pas vrai», rous de la Méditerranée, la Turquie explique Emmanuel Macron. dées après la tentative de coup rappelle régulièrement son pou­ d’État contre Erdogan en juillet voir aux pays européens en en­ 2016 et la gigantesque purge qui a trouvrant parfois le robinet suivi, notamment dans l’institu­ dans Le Figaro la spécialiste de l’Ifri migratoire. tion militaire. De nombreux cor­ Dorothée Schmid. respondants de l’Alliance en ont La Turquie a-t-elle encore voca­ Soutien aux Kurdes critiqué été victimes. Les responsables po­ tion à rester dans l’Alliance atlanti­ Quant à la relation franco-turque, que? La question se pose depuis le litiques turcs considèrent que l’Al­ elle aussi a connu des jours rapprochement entre Ankara et liance et les États-Unis, ces der­ meilleurs. La France s’inquiète de Moscou, qui permet à la Turquie et niers refusant d’extrader l’influence grandissante de l’islam l’opposant Fethullah Gülen, accusé à la Russie de contrebalancer l’in­ turc dans l’Hexagone et de la né­ fluence des États occidentaux, au d’en être l’instigateur, ont été buleuse qu’y construit, comme complices du putsch manqué. Moyen-Orient surtout. Mais la dans les autres pays européens, le rupture n’est pourtant pas pour parti d’Erdogan, l’AKP, pour l’ac­ demain. L’appartenance à l’Otan « Membre voyou de l’Otan » tionner à chaque élection en Tur­ permet à la Turquie de maintenir Mais c’est l’achat par Ankara d’un quie. Emmanuel Macron fait partie système de défense antimissile son arrimage au continent euro­ des dirigeants européens qui veu­ péen. L’Alliance demeure un pilier russe qui pourrait mettre le feu aux lent mettre fin à l’ambivalence. « Il poudres. Les S-400 doivent être li­ de la politique de défense de la Tur­ faut sortir de l’hypocrisie qui quie et le restera sans doute durant vrés cette armée à un pilier de l’Al­ consiste à penser que l’on peut liance atlantique par un pays qui les années qui viennent, la Russie ouvrir de nouveaux chapitres dans ne pouvant pas lui fournir les mê­ considère l’Otan comme son prin­ la négociation avec l’Union euro­ mes garanties de sécurité que les cipal ennemi... Le sujet a créé de vi­ péenne, ce n’est pas vrai», a-t-il États-Unis et l’Otan. Cette éviden­ ves tensions pendant le 70e anni­ dit en 2018. Il a aussi appelé Ankara versaire de l’Alliance, le mois ce explique les hésitations d’Erdo- « à respecter 1’État de droit ». gan à franchir définitivement la li­ dernier. Pour les États-Unis, cette La Turquie critique quant à elle acquisition est incompatible avec la gne rouge représentée par le soutien apporté par la France l’acquisition de S-400. Quant aux sécurité de l’Otan. Elle peut en aux Kurdes de Syrie, alliés de la Américains, ils ont encore besoin outre permettre aux Russes de coalition internationale mais prin­ des bases militaires turques pour mettre la main sur des données cipaux ennemis d’Ankara dans la stratégiques relatives aux chas­ continuer à jouer leur rôle dans la région. Le mois dernier, la relation région, notamment dans la lutte seurs américains F-35. Le Pentago­ bilatérale a aussi souffert de la dé­ ne a répondu en gelant la livraison contre Daech. Ils ont aussi besoin cision française de faire du 24 avril d’Ankara dans leur combat contre des F-35 qu’il doit à la Turquie. Il la journée nationale de commémo­ l’Iran. promet de «graves conséquences» ration du génocide arménien. Er­ pour les relations militaires entre C’est la même chose avec dogan a vilipendé les «donneurs de les deux pays si Ankara ne renonce l’Union européenne. L’UE a sanc­ leçons», dont la France, l’accusant pas à son choix. « La Turquie est de­ tionné financièrement la Turquie d’être responsable du génocide au venue le membre voyou de l’Otan, pour non-respect des droits de Rwanda. Une jambe à l’Est, une qui met la pression sur ses alliés et l’homme. La Commission estime jambe à l’Ouest. Le grand écart devient de plus en plus difficile à gé­ qu’elle «s’éloigne» de l’Europe. réalisé par la Turquie au-dessus du rer car elle a des intérêts nationaux à L’affirmation de plus en plus forte Bosphore semble bien avoir atteint défendre», résumait récemment des intérêts nationaux de la Tur­ ses limites. ■

75 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

lexpress n° 3542 semaine du 22 au 28 mai 2019 mise en colère. L’article a disparu du site Internet de la Ce sont des moments clefs de notre revue. Les propos auraient pu ternir d’avance la victoire époque. Voici leurs déroulements, remportée le 23 mars suivant par les Forces démocratiques implications et conséquences. syriennes (FDS). L’armée arabo-kurde alliée à la coalition internationale annonce « officiellement la fin de tous les combats et la victoire contre le groupe Etat islamique et la « défaite territoriale » de celui-ci. Les djihadistes de Daech, le « califat » dirigé par Abou Bakr al-Baghdadi, qui s’étaient emparés en 2014 d’un territoire grand comme la Hongrie, à cheval sur la Syrie et l’Irak, venaient de rendre les armes dans la ville syrienne de Baghouz, entre l’Euphrate et la frontière irakienne. L’opération « Roundup », lancée par la coalition au printemps 2018, a fini par écraser sous des milliers de tonnes de bombes les dernières positions du groupe Etat islamique (El) dans l’est de la Syrie. Et laissé, à des kilomètres à la ronde, des ruines, encore des ruines, et des dizaines de milliers d’habitants meurtris. Du chaos syrien nous sont essen­ tiellement parvenues des images du martyre d’Alep, la ville rebelle, détruite par les forces de Bachar el-As- sad et les différentes fac­ tions djihadistes. Et si peu des effroyables destructions entraînées par les bombar­ dements de la coalition. Eté 2017. L’offensive contre Raqqa bat son plein. «Lepublicriesî La reprise de la capitale du pasinformé. territoire contrôlé par l’EI, dans le centre de la Syrie, C'est un vrai constitue un objectif majeur Fondé sur les bombardements et les opérations secrètes, pour la coalition. Dans une problèmepour l’engagement contre Daech illustre la « mise à distance de la maison réquisitionnée et guerre ». Une stratégie contestée jusque chez les militaires. transformée en « media cen­ la démocratie» ter », les journalistes sont Par Laure Marchand et Guillaume Perrier tenus à quelques kilomètres du front. « Nous perdions des heures àpalabrer avec un commissaire politique kurde pour obtenir le droit de nous approcher de la ligne des combats », Episode 1 se souvient l’un d’eux. Officiellement, le maintien à distance s’explique par des raisons de sécurité : « Mais tout le monde OÙ L’OÙ VOIT QUE L’OPINION PUBLIQUE A ÉTÉ savait bien que les YPG [Unités de protection du peuple, CONSTAMMENT TENUE À L’ÉCART DU CONFLIT la branche syrienne du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK)] ne faisaient qu’appliquer les consignes de la coa­ « Les nations occidentales n’ont pas eu la volonté poli­ lition, pour le verrouillage de l’info. » Pendant ce temps, tique d’envoyer 1000 combattants aguerris régler en dans le lointain, les gros champignons noirs produits par quelques semaines le sort de la poche de Hajin et épar­ les bombardements s’élevaient au-dessus de la ville. « Il y a gner à la population plusieurs mois de guerre. » Cette eu très peu d’images de cette bataille. Nous n’avons vu ni ses phrase est extraite d’un article, « La bataille de Hajin : morts ni ses blessés, ou si peu. » Pourtant, de l’aveu même de victoire tactique, défaite stratégique? », publié en l’état-major américain, aucune ville n’avait été autant bom­ février dernier dans la Revue Défense nationale (RDN). bardée que Raqqa depuis la guerre du Vietnam. Le texte a fait l’effet d’un obus lancé dans le débat public. Un scénario analogue s’est répété dans les localités de Son auteur est bien placé pour s’exprimer. Le colonel Baghouz, Hajin, Al-Soussa et Al-Chaafa pour chasser les François-Régis Legrier adirigé la Task Force Wagram - l’ar­ djihadistes. Habitations, bâtiments publics et infrastruc­ tillerie française positionnée à la frontière irako-syrienne - tures ont été détruits, loin du regard du monde, laissant d’octobre 2018 à février 2019. Et son verdict stratégique sur les populations civiles abandonnées dans le plus grand les choix militaires de la coalition internationale, France, dénuement. Strictement encadré par des combattants des comprise, pour venir à bout du dernier bastion du groupe FDS, un reporter qui souhaite garder l’anonymat (nous -Etat islamique, dans l’Est syrien, est sans appel. « In fine, l’appellerons « Martin »), est entré dans Hajin au mois de la question qui se pose est de savoir si la libérationd’une janvier dernier. Les dégâts sur le terrain lui permettent région ne peut se faire qu’au prix de la destruction de ses de reconstituer la bataille qui a fait rage à la fin de 2018 : infrastructures (hôpitaux, lieux de culte, routes, ponts, « Plus on avançait et plus les impacts étaient énormes. Sur habitations, etc.) », s’interroge l’officier, avant de conclure : les routes goudronnées, des trous pouvaient atteindre « Certes, la bataille de Hajin [de septembre 2018 à jan­ 10 mètres de diamètre, ce qui correspond aux dégâts d’une vier 2019] a été gagnée mais de façon très poussive, à un bombe de 1 tonne. » Deux ans avant, il avait couvert avec coût exorbitant et au prix de nombreuses destructions. » une grande liberté de mouvement la reprise de Mossoul, La ministre des Armées, Florence Parly, s’est aussitôt

76 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti bastion de l’EI en Irak : « La politique de la coalition en Ravages Les offensives au soldes forces matière d’accès à la lutte contre Daech a changé du tout kurdo-arabes ont été précédées par un tapis au tout. Nous sommes passés du grand show à une com­ de bombes, transformant les villes en champs munication beaucoup plus fermée. » de ruines (ici Haiin, en février 2019).j Retour en février 2019, dans Al- Chaafa reprise aux dji­ i ?■< - hadistes. La ville n’est pas encore entièrement sécurisée. £ m .------En embuscade, quelques snipers de Daech se dissimulent dans des maisons. Martin, le journaliste, aperçoit quatre hommes sur le toit d’une maison à deux étages. Ils sont équipés de matériel optique « pour repérer des cibles » et d’une antenne de communication par satellite. Un mis­ sile antichar, de ceux qui servent à détruire les voitures utilisées pour les attentats suicides, est posé sur le para­ pet, en diagonale, à portée de mains. Pantalons beiges de trekking, lunettes de soleil, les hommes sont en civil. Ce sont des militaires, des Occidentaux. « A leur attitude, je comprends qu’ils sont français. Evidemment, il est hors de question de les montrer. » Car, officiellement, Paris n’a pas engagé de forces terrestres en Syrie. Et de la guerre que la France mène sur ce territoire depuis quatre ans ne avions Charles-de-Gaulle, des Emirats arabes unis et de nous parviennent que quelques échos, affaiblis par les la base Prince-Hassan, située dans le désert jordanien, à 3 000 kilomètres qui nous en séparent. C’est une tradi­ quelques encablures des frontières irakienne et syrienne, tion de la République française, tout se passe en « secret », pour aller pilonner les djihadistes dans leur dernier réduit, déplore le colonel à la retraite et analyste Michel Goya : dans la vallée de l’Euphrate en Syrie. Jusqu’à 12 appareils « Le public n’est pas informé des décisions. C’est un vrai français ont été utilisés, au plus fort de la campagne de bom­ problème pour la démocratie. » bardements, épaulés par un avion de reconnaissance bourré de capteurs et par le Transall C-160 Gabriel, qui intercepte Episode 2 les communications ennemies. La Task Force Wagram, avec ses batteries d’artillerie déployées en Irak, est l’autre OÙ LES ATTENTATS DU THALYS PUIS DE PARIS PRÉCIPITENT L’ENTRÉE EN GUERRE pilier de ce dispositif. C’est à une guerre menée à bonne dis­ tance du théâtre des opérations terrestres que se joignent de François Hollande les forces françaises. Peu après l’irruption de Daech, en 2014, l’entrée en Blême, François Hollande se tourne vers son état-major. scène des avions de la coalition internationale avait changé « Et s’il avait réussi son coup ?» Le 21 août 2015, le Marocain la donne. Quatre années durant, un tapis de bombes Ayoub el-Khazzani, 25 ans, armé d’un fusil d’assaut AKM devancera les Kurdes des unités YPG dans leur progres­ et d’un pistolet automatique, vient d’être maîtrisé par des sion au sol. Sur le théâtre syrien, la bataille de Kobané (sep­ passagers alors qu’il s’apprêtait à commettre un carnage tembre 2014-janvier 2015), ville frontalière de la Turquie, dans le Thalys reliant Amsterdam à Paris. On ne le sait marque le premier coup d’arrêt de l’expansion fulgurante pas encore, mais il appartient à la cellule terroriste fran­ du jeune EI. Malgré une résistance acharnée des djiha­ co-belge qui, autour d’Abdelhamid Abaaoud, organisera distes et le trouble jeu d’Ankara, qui maintient sa fron­ les attentats de Paris et Saint-Denis du 13 novembre 2015 tière close, les Kurdes finissent par repousser Daech. Le et ceux de Bruxelles, en mars 2016. Le président français jour de la libération, une odeur de mort flotte sur la place veut réagir vite. L’ordre de frapper en Syrie est donné. de la Liberté. Des dizaines de cadavres de djihadistes gisent Jusque-là, la France s’était contentée de participer aux au hasard des ruines, pulvérisés par les bombes, ensevelis actions de la coalition internationale uniquement sur le sous les gravats. « Le plomb a volé sans interruption pen­ sol irakien. Mais elle avait refusé d’engager des troupes en dant quatre mois. C’était très dur, avec des plages de quinze Syrie, pour ne pas venir en aide, même indirectement, au régime de Bachar el-Assad. « C’était la position de Laurent Fabius [alors ministre des Affaires étrangères] contre celle de Jean-Yves Le Drian [Défense], Tout a basculé avec le Thalys », précise une source proche de François Hollande. Le 16 novembre 2015, trois jours après les attaques per­ pétrées par les commandos d’Abaaoud à Paris et à Saint- Denis (130 morts et plus de350 blessés), le président, sous le choc, annonce devant le Parlement réuni en Congrès, sa décision d’« intensifier les opérations [de la France] en Syrie ». François Hollande se pose en chef de guerre et promet une vengeance impitoyable : « La France est en guerre. Les actes commis vendredi soir à Paris et près du Stade de France sont des actes de guerre. [...] Ils sont le fait d’une armée djihadiste, le groupe Daech, qui nous combat parce que la France est un pays de liberté, parce que nous sommes la patrie des droits de l’homme. [...] Hier soir, j’ai donné l’ordre à 10 chasseurs bombardiers français de lar­ guer leurs bombes sur le fief de Daech à Raqqa. [...] Il faut plus de frappes. [...] Notre ennemi en Syrie, c’est Daech. » Les raids français sur Raqqa, capitale du « califat » en Syrie, redoublent. Les avions français s’envolent du porte-

77 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

Goût amer La chute de Baghouz, le 23 mars, a signifié la fin du califat. Episode 3 Un officier français juge le coût - humain, OÙ L’ON APPREND QUE LA FRANCE RENONÇA matériel - de la victoire « exorbitant ». À UNE FRAPPE CONTRE ABDELHAMID ABAAOUD EN RAISON DU RISQUE ÉLEVÉ DE MORTS CIVILS

« La France est le deuxième pays frappeur delà coalition. » Quand il s’agit de la guerre à distance, le ministère des Armées accepte de donner des chiffres. Depuis 2015, Paris a procédé à environ1550 frappes aériennes. Une contribution de poids, mais loin des chiffres de l’aviation américaine, responsable de près de 90 % des opérations aériennes contre Daech. En moins de cinq ans, 34000 frappes ont été ordonnées par la coalition, 50000 bombes larguées. Et le rythme ne s’est pas ralenti avec l’encerclement des derniers djihadistes : 600 frappes en novembre, 750 en décembre, plus de1200 en janvier... A RaqqaetàHajin.lebourdonnementincessantdes ou seize heures de tirs sans relâche », témoigne Rebwar, avions de reconnaissance, invisibles à l’œil nu, était devenu un jeune combattant kurde. Reconquise, réinvestie par ses familier des combattants et des reporters. Comme celui des habitants, mais martyrisée, la ville est détruite « à 70 % ». drones, annonçant l’imminence de frappes. Sans cet appui Plus de700 frappes ont été nécessaires, estime alors Asmat Cheikh Hassan, « ministre de la Défense » du canton auto­ nome kurde de Kobané. Ce n’est qu’après les attentats de 2015 que l’aviation française se joindra à la coalition en Syrie. Depuis Kobané, les combattants des YPG constituent le bras armé de l’Oc­ cident, la force au sol dans cette guerre par procuration. De parias les Kurdes deviennent des héros aux yeux des Occidentaux. Fers de lance de l’opération « Colère de l’Eu­ phrate », ils lancent la contre-offensive vers le Sud syrien, délivrent la ville carrefour de Manbij en août 2016, puis Raqqa, avant de repousser l’ennemi vers l’est en suivant la rive orientale du grand fleuve, jusqu’au cul-de-sac de Baghouz. L’Euphrate dessine une nouvelle séparation. Au sud et à l’ouest, la zone contrôlée par le régime de Bachar el-Assad, appuyé par la Russie et l’Iran. Au nord et à l’est, le territoire tenu par les Kurdes et leurs alliés arabes au sein des Forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS), soute­ nus par la coalition internationale, mais sous la menace de la Turquie. Chacun fait sa guerre, sur sa rive. La « capi­ aérien, les FDS n’auraient jamais pu avancer. En quatre mois tale » de l’EI en Syrie, Raqqa, est assiégée pendant de longs de siège, à Raqqa, les ponts, les routes et plus de10000 bâti­ mois, bombardée sans relâche. Le 3 juillet 2017, les hauts ments et immeubles ont été pulvérisés ou aplatis, la ville a murs d’enceinte en forme de fer à cheval, construits au été détruite à 80 %... Une « guerre d’anéantissement » a été vme siècle par les califes abbassides, sont franchis. lancée sur le nord de la Syrie pour venir à bout du « califat », Le lendemain, jour de la fête nationale aux Etats-Unis, selon la formule lancée, en mai 2017, par James Mattis, alors un convoi américain composé de plusieurs dizaines de secrétaire d’Etat américain à la Défense. Avec son lot inévi­ camions chargés d’armes lourdes, de véhicules blindés table de « dommages collatéraux ». et d’engins de terrassement fait son entrée en fanfare. La position française sur cette question est ambi­ Les forces spéciales américaines, plusieurs centaines guë. Avec la Russie, elle est l’un des rares belligérants d’hommes dotés de blindés Humvee et de pick-up héris­ à ne reconnaître aucune mort civile depuis le début du sés de mitrailleuses, sont très visibles à chacune de ces conflit. Pourtant, des centaines de civils ont été tués dans batailles. Des unités au sol qui encadrent les milices ara- les bombardements. « La France est silencieuse, c’est bo-kurdes, guident les frappes, fournissent du renseigne­ une spécificité, souligne le Britannique Chris Woods, ment et mènent des opérations spéciales. Les Britanniques un ancien journaliste de la BBC, fondateur, en 2014, de et les Italiens sont là, plus discrets. Quid des Français ? A l’ONG Airwars, qui recense les morts de non-combat­ Raqqa, plusieurs dizaines d’entre eux occupent une villa tants. Elle bombarde des zones où des civils sont tués, pourvue d’une improbable piscine, près d’un pont détruit elle a frappé plus de 1500 fois, mais ne reconnaît aucune sur le front Ouest. Mais les reporters qui les croisent sur le victime. C’est statistiquement impossible. Il faut plus de terrain ont l’interdiction formelle deles filmer, de les pho­ transparence. La tolérance des démocraties occidentales tographier. Et même de leur adresser la parole ! Pourtant, aux morts civiles de cette guerre n’est pas acceptable. » déjà en 2015, juste après la victoire de Kobané, une base Les Britanniques sont à peine plus crédibles : un civil tué française s’était établie sur la colline de Mistenour, en pour 4 013 terroristes neutralisés ! Bilan jugé « absurde » surplomb de la ville. Les forces spéciales se sont aussi par Lydia Wilson, chercheuse à l’université d’Oxford. installées dans une ancienne usine de ciment Lafarge Les Australiens, eux, ont retiré leurs avions après la mort transformée en base militaire, comme l’indique, dès 2016, accidentelle de civils en 2017. Le Monde... Mais, officiellement, il n’y a pas de forces fran­ A Paris, l’état-major élude systématiquement le sujet çaises terrestres engagées. La réponse du ministère des et s’abrite derrière la coalition. Or cette dernière ne com­ Armées est immuable : « Aucun commentaire. » munique aucune donnée par pays. Le bilan des dégâts est

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

livré mensuellement et fait état de « 1257 civils tués non tembre, cible clairement « Abaaoud, acteur clef de la intentionnellement » depuis 2014. Des chiffres qui restent menace projetée vers l’Europe ». Mais, face au risque trop nettement sous-évalués. Airwars avance une estimation élevé de morts de civils, le projet de frappe a été reporté. de 7500 à 12 000 morts, en ne tenant compte que des cas C’est tout le dilemme de la « mise à distance de la scrupuleusement vérifiés et documentés. Parmi ces vic­ guerre », cette stratégie qui consiste à combattre de loin, times, au moins2000 enfants. Selon d’autres décomptes, dénoncée par le colonel Legrier dans son article qui a mis le siège de Mossoul, en Irak, pourrait avoir causé plus de le feu aux poudres. « Normalement, le soldat doit assumer 20 000 décès. Celui de Raqqa, des centaines. Un rapport les risques, éviter les pertes civiles faitpartiedesa mission, d’Amnesty International paru fin avril estime à au moins complète l’analyste Michel Goya. Mais nous sommes téta­ 1600 le nombre de civils tués au cours des quatre mois nisés par l’idée de perdre des soldats. Les batailles prennent de siège de la capitale de Daech en Syrie. A-t-on négligé plus de temps et font plus de dégâts. » Les armées modernes, le sort des habitants ? Les « bavures » sont-elles devenues gavées de technologie, font la guerre à distance plutôt que une simple variable d’ajustement dans cette guerre contre de déployer des forces au sol. C’est le modèle américain qui le terrorisme? s’est imposé au monde et à la France, membre de l’Otan. Car Si le « zéro mort » est impossible, le cabinet du minis­ c’est bien Washington qui dicte les choix stratégiques. « No tère des Armées indique que « la France est un pays qui boots on the ground (Pas de bottes sur le terrain) », tel est fait particulièrement attention à cela ». L’ancien colonel le mantra des Occidentaux dans leur guerre contre Daech. des troupes de marine Michel Goya le confirme. « L’état- Dès le premier jour de l’engagement en Irak et en Syrie, major prend des précautions extrêmes. De nombreuses en août 2014, des officiers américains critiquent pourtant Les Australiens, eux, ont retiré leurs avions après la mort ouvertement cette méthode, jugée contraire à la logique accidentelle de civils en 2017. militaire. Mais les milliers de soldats tués sur les terrains A Paris, l’état-major élude systématiquement le sujet irakien et afghan depuis 2001, la noria de cercueils rapa­ et s’abrite derrière la coalition. Or cette dernière ne com­ triés dans les soutes des avions-cargos, ont traumatisé munique aucune donnée par pays. Le bilan des dégâts est les présidences successives. L’opinion y est hostile. « A la livré mensuellement et fait état de « 1257 civils tués non place des soldats, ce sont les civils qui trinquent, rien de intentionnellement » depuis 2014. Des chiffres qui restent neuf de ce côté-là », juge le géostratège Gérard Chaliand. nettement sous-évalués. Airwars avance une estimation Privilégier les bombardements aériens, c’est faire le choix de 7500 à 12 000 morts, en ne tenant compte que des cas de transférer le risque sur les populations civiles. scrupuleusement vérifiés et documentés. Parmi ces vic­ Un choixclairement assumé par Donald Trump. Depuis times, au moins2000 enfants. Selon d’autres décomptes, son élection, le président américain a étendu les autorisa­ le siège de Mossoul, en Irak, pourrait avoir causé plus de tions de frappes et raccourci les procédures, ce qui a accru 20 000 décès. Celui de Raqqa, des centaines. Un rapport les risques pour les civils, au grand dam des militaires. d’Amnesty International paru fin avril estime à au moins Consacrée par les conventions de Genève de1949, la protec­ 1600 le nombre de civils tués au cours des quatre mois tion des non-combattants sur les terrains de conflits est de de siège de la capitale de Daech en Syrie. A-t-on négligé plus en plus souvent remise en question. « Le problème, c’est le sort des habitants ? Les « bavures » sont-elles devenues que nous avons la convention de Genève et toutes sortes de une simple variable d’ajustement dans cette guerre contre lois et de règlements qui font le terrorisme? que le soldat a peur de com­ Si le « zéro mort » est impossible, le cabinet du minis­ battre », avait déclaré Donald tère des Armées indique que « la France est un pays qui Trump lors de la campagne fait particulièrement attention à cela ». L’ancien colonel présidentielle, en 2016. Les des troupes de marine Michel Goya le confirme. « L’état- généraux américains ont major prend des précautions extrêmes. De nombreuses fait le constat, depuis l’Afgha­ missions ont été annulées pour épargner les civils. » Ce fut nistan, que les bombarde­ notamment le cas en 2015 à Raqqa. Selon les confidences ments sur des populations de François Hollande aux journalistes du Monde Gérard civiles créent du ressenti­ Davet et Fabrice Lhomme, dans Un président nedevraitpas ment et peuvent être utilisés «La France direça... (Stock),leBelgo-MarocainAbdelhamidAbaaoud médiatiquement par l’en­ y a été localisé, à l’automne 2015, dans un immeuble avec nemi. La même erreur est- nereconnaît d’autres djihadistes. Une note de la DGSE, datée du 9 sep­ elle répétée en Syrie? « Des preuves solides montrent aucune que les frappes aériennes et Deluge de feu Capitale syrienne de Daech, les tirs de la coalition ont tué victime. C'est Raqqa a été détruite à 80 %. Des forces spéciales et blessé des milliers de civils, françaises y ont opéré. touchés notamment par des impossible» attaques disproportion­ nées ou aveugles qui sont contraires au droit international humanitaire et pourraient constituer des crimes de guerre », conclut un récent rapport de l’ONG Amnesty International sur le siège de Raqqa en 2017. Vf Pour les deux seuls mois d’octobre et novembre 2018, dans la poche de Hajin, l’ONG Airwars évalue à 313 le nombre de civils morts dans les bombardements, essen­ tiellement des femmes et des enfants. Il s’agit de leur esti­ mation basse. De son côté, le collectif Familles unies, dont les membres sont concernés par le départ en Syrie d’un proche, a recensé une trentaine d’enfants et de femmes français tués en novembre. Le 13 novembre, alors que la nuit palissait, 7 adultes et 17 enfants auraient ainsi péri dans le bombardement d’une maison. Dans la banlieue

79 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

parisienne, Abdel (son prénom a été changé), un maçon à Interrogatoires ? Opérations d’élimination ? Quelle est la retraite, a appris que sa fille et trois de ses petits-enfants la nature de cette guerre secrète ? En septembre 2017, la faisaient partie des victimes. Selon un communiqué de mort d’un « para » en mission a donné un indice. Le lieu la coalition, 24 frappes aériennes ont été effectuées dans de son décès n’a pas été communiqué. Mais, à cette date, la zone au petit matin. « Une mère, prévenue par sa fille les combats faisaient rage pour reprendre les derniers là-bas, me l’a annoncé par téléphone. » Depuis, le vieil quartiers de Raqqa, en Syrie. L’adjudant du 13e régiment homme remue ciel et terre pour retrouver les deux petits de dragons parachutistes a été mortellement atteint par survivants de la fratrie. Ils auraient été repérés dans le un tir, alors que la position sur laquelle il se trouvait était camp d’Al-Hol, dans l’est de la Syrie. sous le feu. François Hollandeestleseulà avoir levé levoilesurun autre aspect de la guerre clandestine contre le terrorisme. Episode 4 Dans “Unprésidentnedevraitpasdireça... ”, il reconnais­ OÙ IL EST QUESTION DE BASES CLANDESTINES, sait avoir déclenché en 2015 D’ASSASSINATS CIBLÉS ET DES QUESTIONS quatre opérations» homo », QU’ILS SOULÈVENT des assassinats ciblés. Cette campagne d’éliminations Un instant, Michael Enright s’est cru sur un plateau de a été plus vaste encore, cinéma, bombardé d’effets spéciaux. Cet acteur britan­ une quarantaine de cas au nique a connu son plus grand succès en 2006 au côté de moins, estime le journaliste Johnny Depp dans Pirates des Caraïbes.Le secret ducoffre d’investigation Vincent maudit. Mais, dix ans après, il se trouve près de Raqqa, Nouzille, auteur des Tueurs uniforme des YPG sur le dos, planqué dans une maison de la République. Des listes où viennent de faire irruption des djihadistes de Daech de « HVT» (high value tar­ «LaFrance armés jusqu’aux dents. Soudain, un obus souffle la moi­ gets, ou cibles de haute tié de la maison. Un commando fait irruption dans l’autre valeur) ont été dressées n'évite pas partie. « C’est grâce aux forces spéciales françaises que je dans le bunker de Balard, m’en suis tiré, ils ont été formidables, s’exclame-t-il, exalté, au ministère des Armées. leserreurs en levant le pouce vers le ciel. Je m’en suis sorti sans une Pendant la reconquête de égratignure, du travail de professionnel ! » Mossoul, les officiers ira­ commisespar Volontaire engagé au sein des forces kurdes, comme kiens s’étaient vu remettre des dizaines de « brigadistes internationaux » venus du des listes de djihadistes l'Amérique» monde entier, Michael a souvent eu l’occasion de croiser français à abattre. Et tous les les Français durant les longs mois passés au front. Pendant terroristes, impliqués de près ou de loin dans les atten­ la bataille de Manbij, en 2016, pendant le siège de Raqqa, tats de novembre 2015, ont été éliminés sans autre forme en 2017, ils accompagnent la progression des forces ara- de procès. Emmanuel Macron a poursuivi la même stra­ bo-kurdes qui luttent pied à pied contre Daech. Près des tégie vengeresse. Ainsi les frères Fabien et Jean-Michel lignes, ils encadrent les combattants. Dans leurs pick-up Clain, des djihadistes français devenus de hauts cadres surmontés d’antennes satellites, parfois même dans des de l’EI, ont été tués en février dernier dans les combats à blindés, ils passent en trombe sur les pistes défoncées. Baghouz, dans le dernier carré de Daech. En emportant Une équipe du service de communication des Armées les avec eux leurs secrets. accompagne sur le terrain en permanence. La présence Cette lutte contre un ennemi atypique permet-elle dans le nord de la Syrie de membres des forces spéciales de prendre des libertés avec le droit de la guerre? Quel et de commandos parachutistes a été largement éventée. contrôle indépendant s’exerce sur ces opérations? En 2018, la Turquie a même révélé, via l’antenne française « L’action clandestine de la France peut se justifier, estime de son agence de presse étatique, Anadolu, l’emplacement Jean-Vincent Holeindre, professeur de science politique à des six bases et le nombre d’hommes, environ 200, affec­ l’université Paris-II et spécialiste des problématiques mili­ tés à ces missions clandestines. taires. Qu’il y ait une part d’ombre nécessaire, au nom de la Pourtant, officiellement, la France n’a jamais combattu raison d’Etat, est un élément de la stratégie. Mais aucune Daech sur le sol syrien. A Paris, le sujet est top secret. Le stratégie ne peut faire l’économie d’une réflexion sur sa dispositif bleu-blanc-rouge se résume à la base aérienne légitimité et sur les normes. » jordanienne et à la Task Force Wagram, quatre batteries de Caesar (des camions équipés d’un système d’artillerie) Episodes installés à la frontière syrienne, en Irak. Mais, sur les opéra­ tions secrètes, les autorités restent muettes, à l’inverse des OÙ DES OFFICIERS FRANÇAIS AFFICHENT Américains et des Britanniques, qui n’en font pas mystère. LEUR SCEPTICISME QUANT À LA SUITE La fameuse cimenterie Lafarge, située au bord d’une DE LA GUERRE CONTRE DAECH route entre Alep et Raqqa, a abrité dès 2015 l’un des QG des forces spéciales françaises et occidentales dans la région. Dès le départ, le cadre juridique de l’intervention française Interdiction de s’en approcher. En 2016, des journalistes en Syrie est flou. Les frappes sur le sol syrien ont en effet occidentaux trop curieux l’ont appris à leurs dépens. Us se été justifiées par l’article 51 de la charte des Nations unies, sont retrouvés mis en joue par des soldats américains pos­ reconnaissant à un Etat « le droit à la légitime défense ». tés à l’entrée du complexe, contraints de faire demi-tour Mais l’engagement delà France n’a pas donné lieu à un vote en quatrième vitesse. Mais personne ne pouvait ignorer la des parlementaires. Le 15 septembre 2015, Manuel Valls, présence de ces forces étrangères dans l’usine de ciment. alors Premier ministre, se borne à informer les députés de Ni dans le village voisin ni au check-point qui verrouille la décision de François Hollande. Rien d’illégal à cela. C’est la route à cet endroit. Les allées et venues incessantes des une spécificité hexagonale, le chef de l’Etat engage seul le hélicoptères Black Hawk et des véhicules militaires ont pays dans la guerre et dispose d’un état-major particulier. vite attiré l’attention. Que font ces forces spéciales fran­ De plus, la recherche sur les questions militaires est çaises en Syrie? Guidage des frappes ? Renseignement? rarement indépendante de l’armée. Les universités et les

80 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

laboratoires de recherche ignorent encore largement les vif, d’autant que la menace se maintient à un niveau élevé. war studies, les « études de la guerre », qui se sont déve­ Le climat de peur pèse sur les décisions politiques. « L’attente loppées dans les pays anglo-saxons à la suite des atten­ des Français, c’est que l’on détruise les terroristes dans la tats du 11 septembre 2001. Dès le lendemain de l’attaque zone syrienne. C’est la considération qui guide tout le reste », d’Al-Qaeda, George W. Bush, mégaphone à la main dans répondait-on au cabinet du ministère des Armées, en jan­ la poussière de Ground Zero, lance la « guerre mondiale vier. C’est aussi le discours de Florence Parly. Le soir du contre le terrorisme ». Et le Texan franchit très vite la ligne 31 décembre dernier, sur la « base aérienne projetée » ins­ rouge de l’illégalité, comme l’atteste le sort des prisonniers tallée dans le désert jordanien, la ministre assurait vouloir de Guantanamo ou de la prison irakienne d’Abou Ghraib. « achever le travail » et « détruire Daech ». Mais ce ton mar­ Pour l’Américaine Claire Finkelstein, professeure de philo­ tial, perçu comme déconnecté de la réalité du terrain, fait sophie et fondatrice, en2009, du premier centre universi­ grincer des dents au sein même de l’institution militaire. taire consacré à l’éthique de la guerre aux Etats-Unis, « les « La France n’évite pas les erreurs commises par l’Amé­ militaires n’ont pas été assez forts sur leurs valeurs et le rique après le 11 Septembre. On y est. » Le jugement est émis droit a trop souvent été perçu comme un obstacle». Dans par un spécialiste reconnu des questions militaires et de les formations qu’elle anime, elle constate que les mili­ sécurité. Dans la riposte à une attaque d’une ampleur telle taires sont souvent désemparés « lorsqu’ils reçoivent un que celle du 13 novembre 2015, la tentation est grande de vou­ ordre illégal ».« Il arrive régulièrement que les forces spé­ loir répliquer du tac au tac, de déshumaniser les terroristes, ciales ne sachent plus qui elles doivent tuer ou épargner. » de restreindre les libertés pour rassurer l’opinion sans mesu- A Paris, les attentats de 2015 ont conduit à un engage­ rerlesconséquencesd’untelrenoncement. « Lerisquepeut ment militaire dicté par l’émotion, selon Michel Goya, qui êtredevoirlasociétébasculerdans un état depanique morale critique ces « opérations anxiolytiques » destinées à rassu- créé par le terrorisme, estime Jean-Vincent Holeindre. Face rerl’opinion :« Nousysommes allés pour montrer que l’on aux attentats, il faut réaffirmer les principes démocratiques faisait quelque chose, improvisant au fur et à mesure, la fleur et renforcer les contre-pouvoirs. II y a un certain nombre au fusil. » En pleine polémique Legrier, Georges Malbrunot, de règles à ne pas enfreindre. A la fois pour des raisons qui reporter auFigaro, a déroulé en quelques tweets « lesconfi- relèvent de la démocratie, mais aussi de l’efficacité. » dences d’un militaire [qui se trouvait en cette mi-novembre Fin mars, Baghouz est tombée. L’EI a perdu son terri­ 2015] aux avant-postes ». « L’Elysée nous appelle : “Il faut toire. Peut-il survivre ? « Daech est déjà reparti dans la clan­ taper, il faut taper sur les ponts, taper sur les convois.” Ils destinité, on navigue à vue », avance un ancien officier. Le étaient très en colère. J’ai répondu : “Pour taper, il me faut colonel François-Régis Legrier, contre qui sa ministre de des cibles. Des cibles fiables, je ne veuxpas taperpour le plai­ tutelle a réclamé des sanctions, ne disait pas autre chose sir et faire des victimes civiles.” » Le haut gradé explique qu’il dans son article, qui se concluait ainsi : « [La coalition n’a pas « d’objectifs ». Son interlocuteur élyséen répond : internationale livre] une détestable image de ce que peut « II faut frapper, ne vous foutez pas de ma gueule ! » Décision être une libération à l’occidentale laissant derrière [elle] a été prise de bombarder des hangars et « un camp d’entraî­ les germes d’une résurgence prochaine d’un nouvel adver­ nement de djihadistes », selon le communiqué officiel. En saire. Nous n’avons en aucune façon gagné la guerre faute réalité, « un parcours du combattant vide au milieu de nulle d’une politique réaliste et persévérante et d’une stratégie part ». « On a balancé pour 5 millions d’euros de bombes sur adéquate. Combien de Hajin faudra-t-il pour comprendre un pseudo-camp d’entraînement. De la corn’ ! » que nous faisons fausse route ? » L. M. et G. P. Quatre ans plus tard, le traumatisme des attentats reste

L EXPRESS 29 mai 2019 Syrie : 450 Français liés au groupe État islamique détenus par les Kurdes LEXPRESS.fr avec AFP 29/05/2019 tants. "Notre logique est toujours la même et on n'en bougera pas : les combattants doivent être e ministre des Affaires étrangères Jean-Yves Le jugés là où ils ont commis leurs crimes", a Drian a rappelé mardi que la France s'oppose au déclaré le ministre des Affaires étrangères. retourL des hommes et des épouses, considérés "Les enfants, s'ils sont orphelins ou si, comme des combattants. d'aventure, il y avait l'autorisation de leur mère, Environ 450 ressortissants français affiliés mais c'est au cas par cas, pourraient être rapa­ au groupe Etat islamique (El) sont détenus par triés en France", a-t-il ajouté. "C'est ce que nous les Kurdes ou retenus dans des camps de réfu­ avons commencé à faire et c'est ce que nous giés dans le nord-est de la Syrie, a indiqué poursuivrons", a-t-il dit. Cinq orphelins sont mardi le chef de la diplomatie française. ainsi revenus le 15 mars et une fillette de trois Un combattant des Unités de protection "Dans la zone du nord-est syrien, on consi­ ans, dont la mère a été condamnée à la perpé­ du peuple (YPG) kurdes attend le dère qu'il y a à peu près 400 à 450 Français, tuité en Irak, l'a été le 27 mars. démarrage d'une fouille de prisonniers, certains dans des camps, d'autres prisonniers, "BOMBE À RETARDEMENT" près de Baghouz, en février 2019 dont des enfants", a déclaré Jean-Yves Le Drian Jean-Yves Le Drian a indiqué par ailleurs afp.com/Delil souleiman lors d'une audition devant la Commission des que plus d'une centaine de djihadistes français Affaires étrangères de l'Assemblée nationale. étaient présents dans la poche d'Idleb, dernier PARIS S'OPPOSE AU RETOUR DES bastion djihadiste en Syrie pilonné depuis un d'un afflux de réfugiés de cette zone vers HOMMES mois par le régime de Bachar al-Assad. l'Europe. Il a rappelé que seuls les enfants étaient "Il y a dans la zone d'Idleb plus d'une cen­ La province d'Idleb ainsi que des secteurs susceptibles d'être rapatriés en France, s'ils taine de combattants français (repérés)", a-t-il des provinces voisines de Hama, Alep et sont orphelins ou si leur mère donne leur dit, qualifiant cette poche de "véritable bombe à Lattaquié sont tenus par le groupe djihadiste accord, Paris s'opposant au retour des hommes retardement" avec la présence de "30 000 com­ Hayat Tahrir al-Cham (HTS, ex-branche d'Al- et des épouses considérés comme des combat­ battants" (rebelles et djihadistes) et le risque Qaïda). ■

81