In their latest YouTube broadcast, during which they assessed a range of regional developments, journalist Serdar Akinan and US-based analyst Sibel Edmonds made statements advocating that Turkey should launch a military occupation of South Kurdistan.
The remarks made by the two figures, who present themselves as opposition, leftist and socialist voices, sparked strong reactions particularly among the Kurdish public. Throughout the broadcast, Edmonds discussed the balance of power in the Middle East, rising Iran-US tensions and Turkey’s regional position, arguing that the deepening confrontation between Iran and the United States has created a “strategic opportunity” for Turkey.
Edmonds openly stated that this opportunity should be utilized through a military move against South Kurdistan, claiming that Turkey targeting this region—where the Kurdish people possess a recognized political status—has become feasible within the current regional equation.
Edmonds’ remarks directly targeting South Kurdistan drew attention, while Serdar Akinan’s failure to voice any objection and his approving, visibly satisfied attitude stood out as one of the most striking moments of the broadcast. Akinan’s affirmative stance in that part of the discussion led to criticism that he had effectively aligned himself with the call for occupation.
The broadcast was described as a major contradiction, as two figures who have long gained public visibility through rhetoric centered on democratic values, fraternity of peoples and peace were now openly calling for the occupation of a region embodying the Kurdish people’s national gains.
Kurdish political circles and social media users harshly criticized the fact that individuals who define themselves as leftist, anti-imperialist and libertarian were turning regional crises into an opportunity for intervention against Kurdish achievements.
At a time of uncertainty created by Iran-US tensions, singling out South Kurdistan as a target is being interpreted as a dangerous approach that could further deepen the already fragile political balances in the region.
The statements made by Serdar Akinan and Sibel Edmonds in the broadcast have also triggered serious debates regarding journalistic ethics, anti-war principles and respect for the will of peoples.
