Medya News Audio Articles

From Aleppo to Kobani (Kobanê) and Qamishli (Qamişlo), journalist Fréderike Geerdink offers a rare on-the-ground account of Kurdish resistance, grassroots resilience, and political negotiation in North and East Syria (Rojava) - an unfiltered look at the stakes and struggles defining the region today.

Fréderike Geerdink marks her 200th opinion piece for Medya News, offering a sharp analysis of the Kurdish Freedom Movement and the ongoing reconciliation process in Turkey. As an expert on Kurdish struggles, Geerdink dissects the evolving political landscape and the growing demand for peace.

Despite Abdullah Öcalan’s historic call for peace, Turkey remains deeply resistant to change. Fréderike Geerdink argues that while Kurds are ready for a peaceful resolution, Turkish society and politics remain frozen, refusing to move even an inch. The media's treatment of Öcalan’s message, including the silencing of the Kurdish language, exposes deep-seated racism and a continued reluctance to engage in genuine dialogue. With the government shaping the public narrative to suit its agenda, the question remains: can Turkey take real steps toward peace, or is this yet another wasted opportunity?

There have been great expaectations for Abdullah Öcalan’s long-awaited call for a democratic path forward, but the announcement has been postponed. Independent journalist Fréderike Geerdink explores the reasons behind the delay, linking it to state repression, political manoeuvres and ongoing consultations with Kurdish leaders. Despite setbacks - including the Turkish state’s latest replacement of an elected mayor with a trustee appointment in Van - Geerdink argues that Öcalan’s call is inevitable, as peace remains the only viable future.

In an interview, PYD's Salih Muslim discusses Syria's crisis, calling for a flexible federal system, cessation of Turkish attacks on Kurdish areas, and Kurdish unity. He stresses the importance of inclusive talks and highlights Abdullah Öcalan's potential role in peace efforts.

As we wait for the anticipated peace message from Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, Turkey is attacking Kurdish freedoms both through violence and through wile. The Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal has been examining Turkey’s past violence in Rojava as war crimes and crimes against humanity. These crimes persist, and meanwhile, Turkey is attempting to negotiate a new role for itself in Syria, and to ensure the end of the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration.

A Medya News X-space on Thursday 30 January heard contributions from the prosecution team of next month’s Rojava Peoples' Tribunal, taking place at Vrije University in Brussels from 5-6 February.

Journalist Fréderike Geerdink, known for her extensive reporting on Kurdish issues and the complexities of the region, has compiled a terminology list to clarify key concepts and actors in the Kurdish struggle and broader Middle Eastern conflicts. This list provides essential definitions and context for understanding the political, social, and military dynamics shaping the region.

In a compelling episode of Political Dialogue with Erem Kansoy, Danish-based political scientist Jino Victoria Doabi sheds light on Turkey’s aggression towards Rojava and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). She highlights the failure of international powers to act decisively, calls for the establishment of a no-fly zone, and discusses the transformative potential of Rojava's democratic experiment for the broader Middle East. Doabi also highlights the need for Kurdish unity and solidarity among oppressed groups to counter growing regional threats. This podcast provides an urgent appeal for action to protect Rojava and its unique democratic vision.