“People of Kurdistan and Middle East are forced to be politicized”

By: Sarwar Salar CHUCHANI*


I knew him through a Korean journalist; I found his career very important to our growing Kurdish society, so I held this interview with him in English. I translated it in to Kurdish and will be published soon in Helbun magazine in southern Kurdistan.. the kurdish copy can be read also in my blog (sarwarkurd.blogfa.com)…

1*introduce yourself to Kurdish readers, and your message to them

I am Asmaiel Mersham, 49 years old, originally from Khanaquin city graduated as a Vet from Baghdad University. Currently I reside in South Korea studying MA in inter Asia NGO management studies.

I desire for peace and fundamental citizen rights for all the Kurds as well others in the region, and all can live a prosperous and peaceful life, helping each other with respect and dignity. I believe that we can use non-violent struggles to achieve our goals and commitment to others, especially the marginalized.

2* I read in KOREAN HERALD, Korean people don’t have much interest in Middle East Affairs, therefore, my question is, did establishment of Korean army in Kurdistan have any effect on Koreans to know more about Kurds and Kurdistan?

The existence of Korean troops in Erbil had a very limited effect in making the Kurdish issue widespread one, as the focus was on Iraq and not on Kurd. The Media too did not report about the troops in Kurdistan but focused more on Iraq, perhaps owing to issues of regional sensitivities, which usually the central government prefers to ignore. On other hand the obvious Kurdish weakness media in international arena, while depending on others to do their dutys.

Given this backdrop the only stories about Kurds that were emanating were mainly through soldiers and their family members who were deployed there. The stories were spread mainly through word of mouth and personal talks between soldiers and their friends in a new working environment.

I think one of the other important reasons was that the Kurdish regional government did not use the opportunity proprperly, which was provided to them by the presence of Korean troops in Erbil. In addition to this Koreans were prohibited to travel to Kurdistan which is part of Iraq.


3*How ordinary Koreans think of oppressed nations? Are they aware about Kurdistanis?

Ordinary Korean are busy in making their life economically and socially for living cost is high, while the students and civil society activists and religious organizations have much interest in international conflicts or other humanitarian crisis.

Regarding Kurdistan, the information is very scanty and even if there is, it is not presented in a proper way and with a clear goal. Koreans don’t know what meaning of “Kurdistan” while they understand “kurd jok,” 족) which means Kurd Tribes. They are almost very surprised when there is mention about one nation (35 million, Est) divided among several states by artificial borders made to serve the interest of Western powers. Of course the issue of Turkey Kurds is slightly better known here due to strong relations between Turkey and Korea for a long time .Now to share about Kurds, one first should start with mention about the Korean troops in Iraq and then about Erbil city and then finally “Kurd jok”and in the end Kurdistan, that if the Korean still listen with patient to you. And if he not get confused in the middle!?

4*Did Korean people interested much in Politics, as Kurds do?
No, people here take no interest in politics here unlike the people of Kurdistan or Middle East who are forced to be politicized. People here focus much on their individual issues, like improving their education career, economic and social situation. They actively take personal decision to make their lives competitive.

5*what are the main obstacles in front of Kurdistan on the way of being a civil society?

For a long period oppression on the people has accumulated which has not allowed civil society to be strong and come out of the oppressive past. This situation has made the people to habitually complain about the past instead of planning and working for their future. The low self esteem of people and the lack of proper education in empowering themselves, the tribal character of society and the blind following of religious or political tribal leaders have added to the whole problem. This is mainly due to the fact that people for a long time has been marginalized and prevented from participation in decision making regarding their rights and privileges. They have always been dominated in a very hierarchal system.

The unwillingness of our people to change and dependence on others also contributes to the problem. I think our people need to be diligent, self-reliance and co-operation among themselves and with good will towards people in the region and the world.

6*How you see the activities of NGOs in Kurdistan Region? And before that, do we have real Kurdish NGOs?

I think we just started in these new concepts as NGOs or Civil Society, and there is a long way ahead to go and hard work has to be done by our people, especially intellectuals and media and activists who should establish professional NGOs with clear purpose besides including progressive elements in it. NGOs is not about distributing mercy to the people, but NGOs is about non-violent self-organizing institution to serving the citizens issues, monitoring the state which has to show credibility and accountability and should act to solve the problems of people. NGOs are about empowering people through education and awareness programmers so that they are able to defend their rights.

7*How should we enhance the role of NGOs in Kurdistan?
NGO projects should be mass oriented and bottom-up and in the end the majority should benefit from projects. The civil society should be supported by government not weakened by political patronage. NGOs should not be exploited by religious leaders to further their agenda.
NGOs should come out from the people in an organic manner and it should stand for the rights of the grassroots.

8*what are the main pitfalls of NGOs in Kurdistan?
NGOs are treated as a place of mercy, or which acts like government agencies. It is not a place for party or religious propaganda. NGOs are also used by some people to earn money, enhance their social status and to meet their personal needs.

9*how Korea became a modern democratic state and society in relatively a short period of time? Can we repeat such a successful history on our land? If yes, How?
There are many factors for the Successful democratization in Korea within a short period. The culture of confucinism imbibes a spirit of discipline, encourages the respect towards education which are essential for democracy. The democratic struggles paved the way for more civil society spaces which became stronger with other factors like the Catholic religion playing a crucial role. Additionally the local media played very important role in Korean homogeneous structure society.

Besides this the geopolitical location of the country as well as the impact of Cold War arena and the active Students movement with support from their teachers and well organized labors unions all played a part in preparing Korea to become a powerful modern state. Of course the international media and Western pressure, especially the US policy to establish a liberal democratic nation in the South in comparison to the North communist Totalitarian system of governance.
Kurdish people can build their democracy, which depend on their clear goals and firm determination and continues hard working to achieving it in political, economy and social life. Take advantages from the need and corporation with the regional people and building network and solidarity with international communities.(it’s not impassible and not easy in same time)

10*any other important topics about NGOs? Its your specialty, and its important to Kurdish society so tell us more about them and their role in a modern society and state

First of all, I think our people in Kurdistan and the region should interpret definitions and new concepts, like Human rights, freedom and as well NGOs and many others related issues correctly. I want to reiterate that NGOs must be organic when they are established and they should have a strong commitment towards their goal and mission.

There are a number of ways NGOs can reach out to the people to make the society more free and democratic. Like for instance different forms of media can be used to keep people well informed about their activities. Magazines, journal, internet blogs, satellite communication, holding conferences and learning and training centers in NGO leadership can be started for sensitizing the society.

Further, NGOs can also network by organizing exchange programs in the local, regional, national and international level.

Finally during the years of Korean authoritarian president Park Chung-Hee regime, from 1961-1979, who played an important role in rebuilding and modernizing the country within a short period, with limited human rights abuses. However, this is not to say that there were no criticisms against this regime for human rights abuses.

He implemented the anticorruption policy to improve the civil administration. In addition imprisoned those people who misused their positions and authority to indulge in corrupt practices and exploit public wealth. He made every public servant swear before taking up any job or official responsibilities.

(I SWEAR, I WILL DO MY BEST FOR THE PROSPERITY AND WELFARE OF MY HOMELAND AND MY FELLOW COUNTRYMEN BY DEVOTING BODY AND MIND TO MY ASSIGNMENT AND THAT I WILL RECEIVE GREATFULLY ANY PUNISHMENT SHOULD I BE FOND GUILTY OF FAILURE IN THIS CONNECTION)1968 .


*freelance journalist from Iraqi KURDISTAN
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to read the Kurdish version click here