The Kurds of Syria Political Parties and Identity in the Middle East

Since the beginning of 2011, the political situation in Syria has consistently found itself at the top of news broadcasts, newspaper headlines and the agendas of politicians. Little-known, however, has been the struggle of the Kurds in Syria to have their voice heard on the political stage and to have equitable access to both economic and political resources. Here, Harriet Allsopp examines contemporary Kurdish politics in Syria, concentrating on the Syrian-Kurdish political parties which operate illegally in the country. It is these parties which, despite state sanctions, have attempted to promote their political agendas and to bring about change for the approximately 3 million Kurds that currently reside in Syria. The Kurds of Syria explores the fundamental issues of minority identity and the concept of being 'stateless' in a turbulent region, as well as the organization of political parties in Syria, making it vital for all those researching the politics of the modern Middle East.

Harriet Allsopp holds a PhD in Politics from Birkbeck College, University of London, UK.

Introduction
1. The Kurdish Political Parties in Syria
2. The Birth of a Syrian Kurdish Polity, 1920-1957
3. The Kurdish Political Parties, 1957-2010
4. Relations between the Parties and the State
5. The Role of Kurdish Parties in Kurdish Society
6. The Stateless Kurds of Syria
7. Crisis and Consciousness
Conclusion