Crimes Against the Kurds (Book 2)

ISBN/EAN: 978-90-834526-2-3
Title: Crimes Against the Kurds (Book 2)
Subtitle: Genocide in Iraq: The Anfal Campaign Against the Kurds
Editor: Shanidar Publisher Group
Contributor: Kurdistan Chronicle
Publisher: Shanidar
NUR Code: 689
NUR Description: War and Peace
Series: The Anfal Campaign
Series Number: 2
Edition: 1
Illustrations: Kurdistan Chronicle
Pages: 220
Language: English
Format: Paperback / Softback
Publication Date: October 20, 2024

Crimes Against the Kurds
Genocide in Iraq: The Anfal Campaign against the Kurds (Book 2)

This series, to be published by Shanidar with the support of Kurdistan Chronicle, presents a harrowing, meticulously detailed account of the atrocities committed against the Kurdish population during the Anfal Campaign orchestrated by Saddam Hussein’s Ba’athist regime in the late 1980s. This book provides a vivid portrayal of the genocide, emphasizing the systematic and brutal efforts to annihilate Kurdish identity and existence.
The Anfal Campaign, named after a Quranic term meaning “spoils of war,” saw the Iraqi military execute a coordinated and ruthless attack on Kurdish regions. Serene Kurdish villages, once filled with life and culture, were transformed into scenes of devastation. Military convoys, tanks, and soldiers invaded these villages, while helicopters and jets dropped bombs, setting homes ablaze and causing widespread panic and destruction. Chemical weapons, including mustard gas and nerve agents, were deployed, adding an insidious layer of horror to the genocide. Entire families were found lifeless, their bodies bearing the brutal marks of chemical attacks.
The collaboration of Jash forces, Kurdish collaborators armed and incentivized by the regime, exacerbated the tragedy. These forces guided Iraqi troops to hidden villages and mountain refuges, betraying their own people and leading to further chaos and death. The campaign resulted in the obliteration of approximately 5,200 Kurdish villages, leaving behind a landscape of charred rubble and scorched earth.
The book delves into the background and context of the Kurdish struggle for autonomy, highlighting the socio-political dynamics that led to the Anfal Campaign. It provides a vivid visualization of the scenes, describing the vibrant Kurdish regions before the campaign and the subsequent horrors inflicted upon them. The psychological and socio-economic impact on the Kurdish population is explored, revealing the deep scars left by the genocide.
Despite the initial muted international response, the book documents how global attention eventually turned towards the plight of the Kurds. Efforts to document and acknowledge the genocide gained momentum, leading to significant legal and symbolic victories. The recognition of the Anfal Campaign as genocide by a court in The Hague in 2005 and the conviction of key figures of Saddam Hussein’s regime, including Ali Hassan al-Majid, “Chemical Ali,” in 2007, are notable milestones in the pursuit of justice.
The book emphasizes the importance of remembrance and the enduring resilience of the Kurdish people. Memorials and commemorations serve as solemn tributes to the victims, ensuring that the atrocities are not forgotten. The Anfal Campaign stands as a critical reminder of the devastating impact of state-sponsored violence and the urgent need for international vigilance to prevent such genocides in the future.
Overall, “Crimes Against the Kurds: Genocide in Iraq – The Anfal Campaign against the Kurds” is a poignant and powerful testament to the suffering and resilience of the Kurdish people. It underscores the need for justice, recognition, and a collective moral stance against oppression and violence.

Crimes Against the Kurds (Book 1)

ISBN/EAN: 978-90-834526-1-6
Title: Crimes Against the Kurds (Book 1)
Subtitle: Genocide in Iraq: The Anfal Campaign Against the Kurds
Editor: Shanidar Publisher Group
Contributor: Kurdistan Chronicle
Publisher: Shanidar Publisher
Bibliographic Imprint: Shanidar Publisher
NUR Code: 689
NUR Description: War and Peace
Series: The Anfal Campaign
Series Number: 1
Edition: 1
Illustrations: Kurdistan Chronicle
Pages: 84
Language: English
Format: Paperback / Softback
Publication Date: October 20, 2024

Crimes Against the Kurds
Genocide in Iraq: The Anfal Campaign against the Kurds (Book 1)

This series, to be published by Shanidar with the support of Kurdistan Chronicle, offers a poignant and indispensable chronicle of the Kurdish people’s suffering and resilience, shedding light on the relentless persecution they have endured across multiple nations and decades.
“Crimes Against the Kurds” is rooted in a meticulous analysis of historical treaties, government documents, human rights reports, and testimonies from leaders and survivors. This thorough work provides a deep and comprehensive understanding of the Kurdish plight, documenting their enduring struggle and indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.
The book intricately details a series of genocidal campaigns, most notably the Al-Anfal Campaign led by Saddam Hussein, which annihilated Kurdish villages through chemical attacks and mass executions. Vivid descriptions transport readers to the heart of these atrocities, where serene landscapes were transformed into infernos of despair. The once-lush valleys of Rawandiz and Shaqlawa, for instance, stood as silent witnesses to the horrors inflicted upon their inhabitants.
Turkey’s persistent efforts to suppress Kurdish identity are also unmasked. Through policies banning the Kurdish language and cultural expressions, and military operations targeting Kurdish insurgents, the Turkish government’s repressive tactics are laid bare through official documents and statements from key political figures.
In Syria, the Arab Belt Project and ongoing conflict have further marginalized Kurdish communities, with deliberate demographic shifts and violent assaults by various factions. Concurrently, Iran’s consistent suppression of Kurdish political movements is evidenced by official actions and the grim fates of Kurdish activists.
The narrative is enhanced by powerful visuals: villagers collapsing from chemical attacks, families fleeing through perilous mountain trails, and the aftermath of devastated villages. These scenes serve not only as historical accounts but also as stark reminders of the resilience and enduring spirit of the Kurdish people.
“Crimes Against the Kurds” stands as a crucial testament to the Kurdish struggle, urging readers to recognize and reflect on the immense human cost of these conflicts. The book’s vivid imagery and detailed documentation make it an invaluable resource for understanding the depth of Kurdish suffering and their indomitable will to survive against all odds.

Yazidis before the Arrival of ISIS

ISBN/EAN: 978-90-834526-0-9
Title: Yazidis Before the Arrival of ISIS
Author: Aso Haji
Contributor: Kurdistan Chronicle
Translator: Chiman Salih
Publisher: Shanidar
Bibliographic Imprint: Shanidar
NUR Code: 719
NUR Description: Other Religions
Edition: 1
Illustrations: Kurdistan Chronicle
Pages: 122
Language: English
Format: Hardback
Publication Date: September 1, 2024

Unveiling the Yazidis: A Chronicle of History and Heritage

By Aso Haji

Before ISIS cast a shadow over the Yazidis, this ancient community was largely unknown to the world. The tragic events of August 2, 2014, however, brought their plight into sharp focus. That day, ISIS terrorists captured Shengal, leading to a genocide that targeted Yazidi girls and women for their ethnicity and faith, actions twistedly justified by misinterpretations of religious texts. This horror was the latest in a long history of persecution; Yazidis have endured seventy-four episodes of ethnic cleansing, or Decrees (Farman), at the hands of followers of various religions over centuries.

Despite these grim episodes, the Yazidis’ story is also one of resilience and rich cultural heritage. The Yazidi religion, one of the world’s oldest, traces its roots back to the Sumerian era. Central to their faith is the Lalish Temple, believed to be the site of the universe’s creation. Yazidi mythology and religious practices, particularly those centered on Lalish, offer a profound glimpse into their spiritual world.

This book explores the evolution of Yazidism through three historical stages: its origins in nature worship, its transition to monotheism influenced by the Prophet Abraham, and its current form shaped by the reforms of Sheikh Adi. Rich in mythology, the Yazidi faith venerates not only a singular God but also seven angels, each overseeing different aspects of existence.

The book delves into the significance of Lalish, a sacred sanctuary for Yazidis, where ancient rituals and ceremonies like the Dance of Creation and the Qantar are performed. These practices not only preserve their heritage but also reinforce the spiritual bonds within the community.

“Yazidis Before the Arrival of ISIS” is a comprehensive account that goes beyond the narrative of suffering to celebrate the enduring spirit and cultural richness of the Yazidi people, offering readers an in-depth understanding of a resilient community.