Cease Fire...and possible peace.

Nomadic Kurdish Village Guard




Thankfully, two days ago it was reported by the BBC that the Kurdish Workers Party, the PKK, located in South East Turkey would implement a cease-fire in the wake of current bombings in Anatalia and Istanbul, and kidnappings in Hakkari. Peace negotiations will begin in the capitol, Ankara, to hopefully resolve the disputes the extremist Kurds have with equality issues among the Turkish, including human rights, equality of pay and business opportunities, equal health care, as well as freedom of speech and practice of their culture. Disarming is the main focus of the Turkish governing officials, with the hopes of causing a disbanding of the organization all together.

In light of the recent disbanding of the IRA in Ireland, this may not be so far fetched, as even I would think. I am always hopeful for a peaceful resolve to any conflict, but can at times grasp the frustration and anger that can thrust people into action and violence. Unfortunately, this is a hard concept to impart on those doing the suffering.

The preceding are images of a village guard I met up in the mountains of Hakkari and Van. He is one of the men that would protect the villagers from not only raiders, but also the Gendarme in search for gorilla PKK fighters, and tragically snitches that expose those that are with the PKK. These are working people...beyond blue collar...beyond working class. They are true solders, and true men. He displayed great peace and intelligence to me, even gentle kindness.

He changed into his uniform and brought out his guns with its ribbons of bullets. What struck me more, and I think meant most to him, was his baby daughter; complete with blond hair, and blue green eyes, like mine. It was clear what he was protecting, and why.

I hope this cease-fire will bring about negotiations and peace accords that will benefit the Kurdish of Turkey, as well as set a precedent for the Kurds in Iraq and the remaining Middle East. There is the ability for all of them to exist and thrive with each other...not against one another.