Trying to condone the burning to death of a man in a cage

[eissa]

67. "It's complicated"

I hate to be so flippant on such an important issue, but that about sums it up. To be honest, I'm not that familiar with YPG and PKK as they are more active in Turkey, and my knowledge is mainly with the KRG in Iraq. The Kurds have been trying to establish a homeland in various locations (northwest Iran, southeastern Turkey, northeastern Syria, and now northern Iraq) for decades. And while the Assyrian community (itself nationless) is understandably sympathetic to their cause, establishing a country on others rightful ancestral home (northern Iraq) is not really very popular with us. Furthermore, the Kurds have been interfering with internal Assyrian politics for years, further increasing resentment.

Having said that, the fact that the Kurds are less religiously militant than their Arab counterparts has been a plus. They have officially apologized for their role in the Armenian Genocide (which wiped out over 700,000 Assyrians, and Pontic Greeks as well), and have a more secular approach to governing. Their bravery in Kobani is definitely commendable. The Peshmergha are fierce fighters -- when they want to be.