Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
4 October 2023 | 08:47am CAT
2-min read

The Media Lens with Brother Ibrahim Deen on Radio Islam International focused on the Kurdish attack on Ankara over the weekend. Brother Deen discussed the background and media coverage of the conflict.

Brother Deen gave the historical context of the Kurdish-Turkish conflict. He discussed the long-standing tension between Turkey and its Kurdish population, which comprises approximately 20 to 25 percent of the country. This tension traces its roots back to the early 1900s, involving complex issues of identity and assimilation. He emphasised the importance of recognising that the vast majority of Kurds are Muslim, making the issue more complex in terms of religious identity and cultural rights.

The interview illuminated the historical evolution of the conflict, including the formation of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in the 1970s and 80s, which sought an independent Kurdish state within Turkey. While relations between the Turkish government and Kurdish groups improved with the rise of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), the peace treaty with the PKK faltered a decade ago, leading to renewed tensions.

Deen also discussed the recent PKK attacks on Turkish troops and the interior ministry area in Ankara. In response, the Turkish government carried out airstrikes on Kurdish bases in northern Iraq and mountainous regions of Iraq, indicating the persistence of the conflict.

A key topic covered during the interview was the role of media coverage in shaping public perception. Brother Deen highlighted the importance of discourse and framing in media, emphasising that the language used can significantly influence how people interpret the situation. He noted that labelling an event as a “terrorist attack” versus a “struggle for rights and statehood” can drastically alter public perception and the legitimacy attributed to a group’s cause.

Brother Deen discussed the labelling of the PKK as a “separatist organisation” rather than a “terrorist organisation” by many media outlets, particularly in the West. This, he argued, may be influenced by the secular nature of the PKK compared to Islamic-orientated groups, leading to a double standard in media coverage.

The interview also touched upon the need for a long-term solution to the Kurdish-Turkish conflict, which Brother Deen suggested should focus on providing cultural rights, autonomy, and linguistic rights to the Kurdish population. He emphasised that addressing these issues is crucial to preventing further recruitment into armed groups and fostering greater integration into Turkish society.

The conversation turned to the broader global context of conflicts and the importance of recognising people as individuals rather than focusing solely on ideologies. Brother Ibrahim emphasised the need to restore a focus on humanity and called for unity and understanding in addressing global issues.

Listen to the Media Lens on Sabaahul Muslim with Apa Annisa Essack.