MERI Forum: Leaders discuss Turkey, Syria, and regional security processes

Terror-free Turkey project MERI Forum Kurdish issue Syrian integration Middle East stability

During the 2026 MERI Forum in Erbil, regional leaders and politicians discussed ongoing security and political transitions in Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran.

Neçirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, expressed support for Turkey’s 'Terror-free Turkey' project, describing it as a serious and positive initiative. He suggested that the successful resolution of this conflict could merit a Nobel Peace Prize for the leadership involved.

In Syria, İlham Ahmed of the Syrian People's Assembly commented on the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the national army. While noting that the process has contributed to stability and improved connectivity between cities, she highlighted concerns regarding the lack of implementation for Kurdish language education and a perceived decline in women's public roles.

Tuncer Bakırhan of the DEM Party emphasized the importance of the peace process for all Turkish citizens, advocating for continued dialogue and patience. Meanwhile, Bafıl Talabani of the PUK announced that a similar political process is beginning to unfold involving Kurdish groups in Iran.

To address regional security, Northern Iraq Interior Minister Reber Ahmed proposed a tripartite mechanism involving Ankara, Baghdad, and Erbil to resolve the PKK issue.

Entities

Democratic Party of Europe · Ilham Ahmed · MERI Forum · Middle East Research Institute · Neçirvan Barzani · Recep Tayyip Erdoğan · Syrian Democratic Forces · Syrian People's Assembly

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] İlham Ahmed stated that while Kurdish rights have been recognized, education in the Kurdish language has not yet been implemented in Syria. darkamazi.site
[○ 1 SOURCE] Northern Iraq Interior Minister Reber Ahmed proposed a tripartite mechanism involving Ankara, Baghdad, and Erbil to resolve the PKK issue. www.aydinlik.com.tr
[● 2 SOURCES] Neçirvan Barzani suggested that the individual who resolves the issue is worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize, identifying President Erdoğan as a primary candidate. www.turkgun.com · www.borsaningundemi.com
[● 2 SOURCES] DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan affirmed commitment to remaining at the negotiation table to ensure a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue. www.sondakika.com
[● 2 SOURCES] İlham Ahmed noted that the integration process between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the army has contributed to stability. www.rupelanu.org · darkamazi.site
[● 2 SOURCES] Neçirvan Barzani stated that the 'Terror-free Turkey' project is a serious process moving in the right direction. www.turkgun.com · www.borsaningundemi.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Bafıl Talabani announced that a process similar to Turkey's is in its early stages involving Kurdish groups in Iran. www.aydinlik.com.tr