Staying afloat

Kurdish Life, Wntr, 2002

Well, what would like to say about your situation? What are your expectations? "I will try to endure conditions though they may be grave. It will not be difficult for me to produce patience, meaning and courage in Imrali. Physical problems are beyond my will. Most importantly, I will frequently consider the general history and the history of the Liberation Movement. I will plan some literary works. I can say this as well: To comprehend the Imrali stage of my capacity of thought and feeling leads to having an extraordinary importance and strength. Historical growth is dependent on sharing my reality in Imrali and representing it. If they want for themselves an honorable peace and free life, they should contribute to overcome conditions of such an extraordinary period. Still I bear the 90% of the burden of the state, PKK and the people. I consider it an honor for myself. But those who cannot carry the burden do not have the opportunity to grow and to become lofty. Such periods are important as to determine centuries. They should be interpreted as they are. My hope is greater more than ever." (Kurdish Observer 11.12.01)

Ocalan might have convinced himself that he bears 90% of the burden, but tell that to the families of those who fought and died under his command for some 15 years. And what of the burdens the PKK has borne since his captivity? Last October when his Council of Leaders found the PKK once again on the latest State Department list of "Foreign Terrorist Organizations," they had this to say: "The list is considered by our people and democratic circles a decision against the Kurdish people." (Kurdish Observer 10.19.01) More precisely, against some, but by no means all of the Kurdish people. The Iraqi Kurdish ruling parties agreed with the State Department that the PKK is "terrorist." Their ability to wage guerrilla warfare has been all but destroyed in recent years with the help of these Iraqi Kurds.

In early February, attempting to burst their bounds, the PKK announced a transformation. Having successfully hidden their affiliates in Europe and the U.S. under a mountain of names, they would now rename themselves. Ozgur Politika explained that the PKK deemed it "necessary to stop political, organizational and practical activities under the name of PKK, particularly within the European Union and Turkey." The report suggested that "the decision appeared to be a move by the PKK to break free from its violent image, circumvent the ban on its activities in several European countries and pursue its goals through democratic, peaceful means." (2.5.02) Two days later, Kurdish Media quoted what it characterized as "a shocking announcement for Kurds." "According to a strategic framework of our leadership, our party's central committee has decided to close down PKK's organization, political and practical activities in the territories of the Republic of Turkey and in the European Commission (EU)," it read. Members were told to "join other democratic organizations such as the Democratic Union of Kurdistan (YDK) and the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK)." (2.6.02)