Although overshadowed today by the conflict in the former Yugoslavia, the plight of the Kurds in northern Iraq drew world attention in the aftermath of the Gulf War. Few people were aware, however, that this was just the latest event in a long history of repression, massacres, and deportations endured by 16 million Kurds living in present-day Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. Little has been published on the Kurds for the general reader; this book is an updated edition of Chaliand's earlier work of the same title (Zed, 1980). Eight chapters cover the history of the Kurds; the last three chapters deal with the impact of the Gulf War on the Kurds in Iraq and Turkey. While there is definite sympathy for the Kurds in this comprehensive and objective book, there is criticism as well--this is no propaganda tract. This important book is recommended for public and academic libraries as well as specialized Middle East collections.
- Ruth K. Baacke, Whatcom Cty. Lib. System, Bellingham, Wash.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.