Kurdish Repression: 1950–60

Abstract

When the Second World War ended and all Allied occupation forces were withdrawn, the governments of Iran and Iraq were free to assert their authority over their Kurdish subjects, although this was somewhat restricted owing to the lack of competent, well-armed defence forces. Often mountain Kurds were left to fight amongst themselves or, if quiescent, left alone for the time being. On the other hand, in the cities detribalised Kurds became active in the Kurdish cause, making strides in political development.