Of all the ethnic groups in the Middle East, the Kurds have had the greatest impact on the politics of the area during the period from 1908 to 2011. How far do you agree?

The Kurdish people, a distinct ethnic group with a long history, have faced significant challenges in asserting their national identity and achieving political autonomy in the Middle East. While their impact on the politics of the region cannot be denied, arguing that they have had the "greatest" impact compared to other ethnic groups is debatable. This essay will examine the Kurdish influence during the period 1908 to 2011, considering both the significant role they played and the impact of other influential groups.

The Kurds and the Treaty of Lausanne

During the aftermath of World War I, the Kurds were promised an independent state by Allied powers. The Treaty of Lausanne (1923), however, dashed these hopes. This event had a profound impact on the Kurdish people, leaving them stateless and fueling their desire for self-determination. The Kurdish struggle for autonomy in the years following, particularly in Iraq and Turkey, became a defining aspect of regional politics.

The Kurds in Iraq

The Kurds played a crucial role in shaping Iraqi politics throughout the 20th century. The Barzani and Talabani families emerged as leaders of Kurdish resistance against the Iraqi government. Their struggle intensified during the 1970s, leading to violent confrontations with the Ba'athist regime, further complicating the political landscape of Iraq. The Kurdish rebellion, though suppressed, served as a constant challenge to Iraqi authority and showcased the Kurds' determination to secure their rights.

The Iran-Iraq War and Saddam Hussein's Policy

The Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988) provided the Kurds with a strategic opportunity, as both sides sought their support. This period saw a resurgence of Kurdish armed resistance against Saddam Hussein's regime. However, Saddam's brutal "Anfal" campaign against the Kurdish population in the late 1980s, which involved chemical attacks and mass killings, had a devastating impact on the Kurdish community and illustrated the complexities of Kurdish-Iraqi relations.

The Post-Gulf War Era

Following the First Gulf War (1991), the Kurds in Iraq established a de facto autonomous region, known as the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The KRG has played a significant role in managing the region's affairs and establishing a degree of political and economic stability. The rise of the KRG also highlighted the Kurds' growing influence in the regional power dynamics.

The Impact of Other Ethnic Groups

While acknowledging the Kurds' substantial impact, it is crucial to recognize the influence of other ethnic groups in the region during the same period. The ongoing sectarian tensions between the Sunni and Shia communities in Iraq and Syria have significantly shaped the political landscape. The rise of ISIS, a primarily Sunni extremist group, further propelled sectarian divisions and exacerbated conflict.

The rise of the Assad regime in Syria, with its Alawite Shia background, has also been a significant factor in regional politics. The Syrian civil war, rooted in sectarian divisions, has had detrimental effects on the region, highlighting the enduring influence of these divisions.

The Palestinian issue has also had a profound impact on Middle Eastern politics, influencing regional alliances and international relations. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has served as a constant source of tension, with implications for the region's stability and security.

Conclusion

While the Kurds have played a significant role in shaping the politics of the Middle East, arguing that they have had the "greatest" impact is debatable. The Kurds' struggle for autonomy has been a defining feature of regional politics, but other influential groups, such as the Sunnis, Shias, and Palestinians, have also had a profound impact. The Middle East's complex political landscape is shaped by a multitude of factors, including ethnic, religious, and political dynamics. The impact of various groups on the region's politics is intertwined and cannot be easily quantified.