Kurds’ plight a result of failures all around: An elderly mother’s anguish brings home the points about the wisdom of Canada’s defence spending

Authors

Erika Simpson, University of Western Ontario (Western University)Follow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-18-2019

Journal

London Free Press

Abstract

The article highlights the plight of the Kurds in Syria, exacerbated by Turkey's military offensive and the broader geopolitical failures surrounding the conflict. It criticizes the U.S. withdrawal from Syria, which enabled Turkey's attack on the Kurdish forces, formerly allies against ISIS. The article argues that NATO's inability to respond effectively due to its consensus rules has allowed potential genocide and ethnic cleansing by Turkey. It also critiques Canada's response, emphasizing the need for better investment in defense capabilities and peace support missions. The piece underscores the broader implications of these failures on international law and human rights, calling for a reevaluation of defense spending and priorities to prevent such crises in the future.

Notes

First published in London Free Press.