Kurdish News Roundup: January 2026 – A Month of Turmoil and Transition
- Kurdish History
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
January 2026 marked a pivotal and tumultuous period for the Kurdish people across their divided homelands. Spanning regions in Syria, Iran, Iraq, and Turkey—often referred to as Rojava, Rojhelat, Bashur, and Bakur respectively—the month saw intense conflicts, diplomatic shifts, and resilient calls for rights and autonomy. In Syria, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) faced a major offensive from the new transitional government, leading to territorial losses and a forced integration deal that has reshaped the political map. In Iran, nationwide protests intensified in Kurdish areas, met with brutal crackdowns that claimed hundreds of lives.
Meanwhile, in Iraq's Kurdistan Region, political maneuvering in Baghdad intertwined with local governance challenges, offering a mix of stability and uncertainty. Turkish Kurds continued to navigate repression, while the global diaspora amplified voices of solidarity. This blog post delves into these events, drawing on recent reports to provide a comprehensive overview of a people whose aspirations for self-determination remain undeterred amid geopolitical pressures.
The Kurds, numbering around 40 million and stateless since the post-World War I redrawing of Middle Eastern borders, have long been caught in the crossfire of regional powers. January 2026 exemplified this, with the fall of the Assad regime in late 2025 setting off a chain reaction in Syria, where Kurds had carved out a semi-autonomous administration in the northeast. The new government under Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as jihadist leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, sought to centralize control, viewing the SDF's hold on oil-rich areas as a threat.
This led to clashes that displaced thousands and raised alarms about potential ethnic cleansing. Internationally, the U.S. pivoted from backing the SDF—key allies in defeating ISIS—to endorsing the Damascus deal, citing it as a "historic milestone" for Syrian unity. France and other actors mediated, while Kurdish leaders like Masoud Barzani in Iraq advocated for constitutional protections.
In Iran, the protests that began in late 2025 over economic woes and regime policies escalated, with Kurdish provinces becoming hotspots. Human rights groups documented over 250 Kurdish deaths in January alone, highlighting the disproportionate violence against minorities. Economic strides in Iraqi Kurdistan, such as increased water reserves and oil deals, provided some contrast, but internal political stalemates persisted. Across the board, January underscored the Kurds' enduring struggle: betrayed alliances, resilient resistance, and a quest for recognition in a volatile region.
Crisis in Rojava: Syrian Kurds Face Offensive and Forced Integration
The most dramatic developments in January 2026 unfolded in northeastern Syria, where the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (commonly known as Rojava) confronted a swift military push from the central government in Damascus. On January 13, the transitional Syrian government launched an offensive against the SDF, initially targeting eastern Aleppo Governorate around Deir Hafer and Maskanah. By January 17, the assault expanded to Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Al-Hasakah Governorates, resulting in the SDF losing control of key areas, including the Euphrates Dam and oil fields like Thawra. State media reported Syrian troops entering Tabqa and other strategic sites, despite U.S. calls for restraint.
The SDF, a multi-ethnic force dominated by the Kurdish YPG/YPJ militias, had controlled about a third of Syria since defeating ISIS in 2019. However, the post-Assad era brought new challenges. President Ahmed al-Sharaa, seeking to consolidate power, unilaterally announced a 14-point ceasefire on January 18, negotiated via U.S. envoy Tom Barrack. The deal required the SDF to integrate into the Syrian army, hand over Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor governorates, prisoner camps for ISIS detainees, border crossings, and oil fields. The SDF described the withdrawal as "compelled," amid reports of sieges in cities like Kobani, where shelling and blockades left 400,000 without power, water, or food. Humanitarian aid convoys began entering by January 25, but shortages persisted, with displaced Kurds facing medical crisis.
Syrian government forces enter towns in north after Kurdish ...
Syrian government forces entering Kurdish-held areas in January 2026.
By January 30, a comprehensive agreement extended the ceasefire into a permanent truce. It outlined phased integration: SDF fighters would join the Syrian army, autonomous institutions would merge with state bodies, and security forces would deploy to Hasakah and Qamishli. The deal shrank Rojava's autonomy significantly, replacing it with unitary rule from Damascus, though it included commitments to Kurdish civil and educational rights. Al-Sharaa's January 16 decree recognized Kurds as a distinct people, granting citizenship to stateless individuals, acknowledging Kurdish as a national language, and declaring Newroz a holiday. Follow-up measures included Kurdish curricula in schools.
Kurdish reactions were mixed but largely wary. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi emphasized flexibility to preserve identity, while many viewed the deal as a betrayal, especially by the U.S. Washington hailed it as progress, signaling an end to direct military support for the SDF and a pivot to engaging Damascus. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham called abandoning the Kurds a "disgrace," reflecting internal divisions. France mediated, reaffirming support for Kurdish rights.
US abandoning the SDF has impacted Kurds across the region | Kurds ...
Pro-Kurdish demonstrators in Erbil protesting in support of Syrian Kurds on January 21, 2026.
The offensive displaced over 15,000, triggering a humanitarian crisis with fears of genocide. Clashes also risked ISIS resurgence, as SDF-managed prisons holding thousands of jihadists came under strain. Analysts noted the deal's ambiguities, with potential for revocation, leaving Kurds with two paths: pragmatic adaptation or armed resistance. President Masoud Barzani of Iraq's Kurdistan Region played a mediation role, preventing ethnic war and pushing for constitutional guarantees.
Turkey's shadow loomed large, with Ankara backing proxy forces and viewing the SDF as PKK affiliates. Reports of Turkish involvement in the offensive surfaced, aligning with Erdogan's anti-Kurdish stance. Diaspora protests in Canada and Europe amplified calls for Rojava's defense.
This crisis highlighted the fragility of Kurdish gains in Syria. From defeating ISIS to building a democratic confederalism model emphasizing gender equality and ecology, Rojava's experiment faced existential threats. The integration deal may stabilize the region short-term but at the cost of autonomy, potentially fueling future unrest.
Kurds Resist Syrian Government Attack on Rojava
Armed Kurdish protesters in Rojava resisting government advances.
Uprising in Rojhelat: Iranian Kurds Bear the Brunt of Regime Repression
In eastern Kurdistan (Rojhelat), January 2026 saw a surge in protests against Iran's Islamic Republic, building on late-2025 merchant strikes. Kurdish provinces like Kermanshah, Kurdistan, and Ilam became epicenters, with nationwide demonstrations turning anti-regime. Human rights watchdogs reported at least 257 Kurdish deaths, including 20 minors and 19 women, the highest in Kermanshah (145). The Oslo-based Hengaw Organization documented the crackdown's severity, noting military-grade force expanding from Kurdish areas.
Protests erupted over economic grievances but evolved into demands for regime change. On January 8, seven Kurdish political parties called for a nationwide strike, protesting the suppression. In Ilam near Iraq, dramatic uprisings occurred: Malkshahi fell to protesters who seized police stations and firearms, while in Avdanan, security forces reportedly defected. Regime forces responded with live fire, tear gas, and arrests, with videos showing protesters dancing defiantly amid chaos.
They are killing us': authorities use force against protesters in ...
Protesters in Iranian Kurdistan facing security forces in January 2026.
Kurds, comprising about 10% of Iran's population, have long faced discrimination, including language suppression and economic marginalization. The protests amplified these issues, with calls for federalism or independence. The regime's response risked further alienation, as Kurds feared the worst amid expanding military operations. International attention grew, with reports of U.S.-Iran talks potentially influencing dynamics, though Trump administration signals were mixed.
By month's end, the death toll continued rising, underscoring Rojhelat's role as a protest vanguard. Solidarity from other Kurds highlighted pan-Kurdish unity, with diaspora actions echoing the cries of "Jin, Jiyan, Azadi" (Woman, Life, Freedom).
Iran's military-grade crackdown expands from Kurdish areas – and ...
Nighttime demonstrations in Iranian Kurdish regions with bonfires symbolizing resistance.
Stability and Challenges in Bashur: Iraqi Kurdistan's Evolving Landscape
In contrast to the volatility elsewhere, Iraq's Kurdistan Region (Bashur) focused on political consolidation and economic recovery in January 2026. The month was defined by Baghdad's government formation, where Kurds played a kingmaker role. The Shiite Coordination Framework nominated Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister candidate, prompting Kurdish positioning for the presidency and influence. Erbil's stalled Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet formation intertwined with these federal talks.
President Masoud Barzani emphasized constitutional guarantees for Syrian Kurds, while Prime Minister Masrour Barzani discussed regional stability at Davos and in Dubai with UAE officials. Economically, water reserves surged past one billion cubic meters due to overflowing dams, boosting agriculture self-sufficiency. Amid budget delays, oil deal extensions and expanded 24-hour power coverage provided relief.
Health initiatives included the 11th Mesopotamia Health Conference and declining cancer rates. However, environmental concerns arose with warnings of Tigris River pollution. Ties with Germany strengthened via business delegations.
Bashur's relative stability positioned it as a mediator in Syrian affairs, with Barzani's diplomacy elevating the Kurdish cause globally.
Citadel of Erbil - Wikipedia
Aerial view of Erbil Citadel, symbolizing Iraqi Kurdistan's ancient heritage amid modern developments.
Bakur and Beyond: Turkish Kurds and Diaspora Mobilization
In Turkish Kurdistan (Bakur), January saw ongoing tensions with the PKK and state repression. Reports highlighted PKK withdrawals and club sanctions for "pro-Kurdish propaganda." Solidarity marches supported Rojava, defying bans.
Globally, Kurds rallied: in Canada against Syrian attacks, in Europe against Turkish policies. Petitions urged Israel to protect Rojava civilians. These actions underscored transnational Kurdish identity.
Conclusion: Horizons for Kurdish Aspirations
January 2026 encapsulated the Kurds' resilient yet precarious position. From Rojava's integration to Rojhelat's uprisings and Bashur's diplomacy, the month revealed betrayals and hopes. As geopolitical shifts continue, the Kurdish quest for rights demands sustained international attention. Unity across borders may be their strongest asset in forging a freer future.
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