Topic: Question of Kurdistan
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Jordan Wagner
School: Traverse City West High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Indonesia position papers GLIMUN 2008 committees
The conflict between the Kurds and Iraq, Turkey, Syria, and Iran has been escalating since the invasion of Iraq in 2003. As the largest single group of ethnicities that does not have their own country, the Kurds are at odds with Iraq, Turkey, Syria, and Iran about the sovereignty and independence of these people to form their own country. Not only does the issue of legality accompany this problem but also the issue of where to acquire to land to start this new country called “Kurdistan.” Currently, there is a Kurdistan Regional Government that includes the Kurds political parties from various countries including the ones mentioned above. Another reason the Kurds wish to seek independence from their respected countries is the amount of violence towards them. They are unfairly targeted within these countries because of their ethnicity. A sovereign state for these individuals would allow them to seek shelter from the hostility inflicted upon them.
My government of Indonesia tends to take a more neutral approach to this issue because of the existing ties between Indonesia and the Kurds, Indonesia and East Timor (in regards to its independence), many western nations (in regards to important allies and trading partners), and Indonesia and the Middle East (in regards to Islam). Indonesia is a country, although primarily of Islamic backgrounds, embracive towards many different cultures and religions, and the rights of those cultures and religions to practice their own ideals. As in the case with East Timor, we granted a primarily Christian country independence and sovereignty from us. A major reason why we are neutral is issue is the conflicting ties we have with different regions of the world. We enjoy positive relationships with many western countries and consider the United States and the countries of the European Union close allies. The United States and most countries in the European Union are advocating independence for the Kurds due to the multiply human rights violations towards them. It is important for our country to disagree with these countries stance on a Kurdistan because they are vital trading partners and influential countries. On the other hand, Indonesia has close ties with many Middle Eastern countries because we share a common bond through religion (Islam). Many Middle Eastern countries are against the idea of an independent state for the Kurds because it would involve giving up part of their population and/or land. Furthermore, many of the different Muslim ethnic groups are against the Kurds and general and do not think they are deserving of their own sovereign country. Because of these two conflicting points of view, Indonesia states neutrality on this issue.
Although Indonesia is neutral in the idea of a common state for the Kurds, we do feel that there are many issues dealing with the Kurds and other countries that need to be addressed. First and foremost, the violence again Kurds must stop immediately if there is going to be any progress with talks, treaties, and agreements. Although some Muslim groups are tolerant of the Kurds, a majority of these ethnic groups are not tolerate of Kurd’s (specifically the Shia and Sunni’s). These groups have gone as far as to gas and kill thousands of these individuals at once. Nothing will progress unless peace is first realized and accomplished. Indonesia remains optimistic that a compromise can be reached with both sides satisfied.
