Peace in the Middle East? Kurdish PKK leader discusses regional ‘third world war’

PKK co-leader Murat Karayilan said in an exclusive interview published October 12 that the Middle East is in the midst of a 'Third World War' — a global conflict among capitalist forces competing for hegemony, extending to the Ukraine-Russia war and rivalry over energy, rare earth minerals and technology. Conducted by Kamal Chomani for The Amargi after ten days at PKK headquarters and caves, the interview comes as the PKK moves toward disarmament and a possible peace deal with Turkey.

Murat Karayilan, co-leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), stated in an exclusive interview published on October 12 that the Middle East is in the midst of a 'Third World War.' He described it as a global conflict among capitalist forces competing for hegemony, extending beyond the Middle East to the Ukraine-Russia war and involving competition over energy, rare earth minerals, and technology. The interview, conducted by Kamal Chomani for The Amargi news outlet, took place after ten days spent in PKK headquarters and caves. It comes at a crucial time as the PKK moves toward disarmament and a potential peace deal with Turkey. Karayilan discussed regional changes following the October 7 Hamas attack, the US withdrawal from Iraq on September 30, and the US departure from Syria over eight months ago, after which the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces agreed to integrate with the Syrian government. He stressed that war is not a solution and called for greater democracy in Turkey, the release of imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, and a third way to support democracy. The interview is the first time Karayilan has spoken to an external media outlet in 12 years.