University Press of Florida Kurdish Identity: Human Rights and Political Status

Iraqi Kurdistan is in flux. Kurdish regions of Turkey, Iran, and Syria are also unsettled. ""Kurdish Identity"" gives voice to academics, diplomats, and Kurdish politicians in exploring the group often called the key to stability in the Middle East. The contributors to this volume examine the history, geographic and cultural differences, and Western perceptions of Kurdish identity. With a minimum of jargon and theory, the collection will significantly expand any discussion of the Kurdish issue beyond Iraq, and should become a valuable contribution to ongoing debates about the issue. Review MacDonald and O'Leary have assembled a valuable collection of experts and essays to explore the nuances of Kurdish politics and society. This collection will be a valuable resource for policymaker and student alike. - Michael Rubin, American Enterprise Institute ""With contributions from world-renowned academic experts, humanitarian practitioners, U.S. diplomats, and Kurdish leaders and politicians themselves, this book presents wide-ranging insights into how the Kurdish situation has developed, and the regional and international dynamics affecting future considerations. It should be required reading for anyone interested in the future of the Kurds, the states in which they reside, and, indeed, the Middle East as a whole."" - Gareth Stansfield, University of Exeter About the Author Charles G. MacDonald is professor of international relations at Florida International University and current president of the Kurdish Studies Association. He has written extensively on the Kurds and is the author of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the Law of the Sea. Carole A. O'Leary is a scholar in residence at American University's center for Global Peace and adjunct research professor in the School of International Service.