How Russia sees Kurdish quest for autonomy
Russia is carefully crafting its policies regarding Kurds, seeking to take a leadership role in the Syrian situation without actually offending anyone.
As Russia and the United States continue discussions on what a real cease-fire in Syria might look like, Moscow insists that Kurds be included in the Geneva peace talks. The idea, by and large, is shared by the moderate Syrian opposition and Washington, while Ankara understandably opposes the idea.
At the same time, Russia's position on the Kurds is more nuanced than it may seem. In their relations with Kurds, Russian decision-makers face two major narratives that are creating a dilemma.
On the one hand, some Russian analysts and diplomats believe that because of the size of the Kurdish population and the military power Kurds have exercised in Syria and Iraq, at some point there will be some kind of a Kurdish statehood in the region. Those who share this idea note that the Middle East is undergoing a massive transformation. The Kurds are playing a key role in vital battles against the Islamic State (IS) and other extremist groups, and they might use their victories to legitimize their claim for statehood. In other words, this camp believes Moscow should be prepared to address what the Kurds might see as a historic opportunity.
"In some form or other, they will get their statehood — sooner or later," a member of the Russian Presidential Commission on Interethnic Relations told Al-Monitor.
