Former Swedish FM: Kurds Play a Crucial Role in the Middle East’s Future
“The Kurdistan Region has played a constructive role in many critical issues, and it has adhered to international law in doing so,” Ann Linde said.
Ann Linde, the former Swedish Foreign Minister, emphasized on Wednesday the strategic importance of Kurdish contributions to regional stability and development, particularly in the Middle East.
Speaking to Kurdistan24 on the sidelines of the ninth Sulaymaniyah Forum on 2025, she called on the European Union to deepen its strategic cooperation with the countries of the Middle East and North Africa.
Linde underscored the uncertainty surrounding Syria’s future, despite the decline of authoritarian rule. “It’s true that the dictatorship has largely fallen, but there’s still no clarity about what lies ahead for Syria,” she remarked. “I truly hope the situation improves—not only for Syria but also for Lebanon.”
On Gaza and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Linde devoted a considerable part of her remarks to the escalating tragedy in Gaza. Reflecting on the October 7, 2023 attack, she described it as a catastrophic terrorist event but insisted that Israel’s military campaign went far beyond justified defense.
“Over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed, entire neighborhoods in Gaza have been flattened, and most of the casualties were civilians,” she said. “This is not self-defense—it is a war crime.”
She reiterated her support for Palestinian statehood, saying: “The world must recognize Palestine as an independent state. Justice demands it.”
Rojava and the Kurdish Struggle Against ISIS
Turning to the Kurdish question in Syria, Linde praised the Kurdish-led administration in Rojava for its resilience and progressive governance, despite facing existential threats. “What has been achieved in Rojava is remarkable. The Kurds have managed to govern effectively and show the world a model of coexistence,” she noted.
She also lauded the sacrifices made by Kurds in Iraq, particularly in their battle against the Islamic State (ISIS). “The Kurds paid a heavy price in the war against terror, and their courage must never be forgotten,” she said.
Kurdistan Region: A Beacon of Stability and Opportunity
Linde went on to highlight the Kurdistan Region’s economic and legal potential. “The Kurdistan Region has played a constructive role in many critical issues, and it has adhered to international law in doing so,” she said, affirming that Kurds hold “enormous economic potential,” especially in trade and commerce across the Middle East.
She concluded with a firm message of optimism: “The Kurdistan Region has the capacity to move forward and become a regional hub. Its people have proven time and again that they can overcome adversity with resilience and wisdom.”
(Source:Kurdistan24)
