STATEHOOD'S GOT TALENT!

A comparison of the merits of statehood for the Tibetian, Kurdish and Palestinian aspirants.

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Countries with similar claims to statehood do not always receive media attention proportionate to the legitimacy of their cause. Today, the Palestinian push for statehood, the UN's decision to grant the descendants of 1948 permanent refugee status, and the ongoing hostilities with Israel dominate the world press.

By comparison, the struggles of the Tibetan people and the Kurds get little attention.

The exact ratio of the relative news mentions is difficult to determine. Generally, the Palestinians, even before the October 7th, 2023 invasion of Israel, have garnered a disproportionate share of media attention, with the Kurds and the Tibetans rarely mentioned. However, media attention does not correlate with the legitimacy of the country’s claim to statehood.

So the question is:

What country has the superior claim to statehood?

This analysis aims to compare and rate the validity of each country’s cause based on fixed criteria and rating systems. The four criteria are:

1. Protection of Rights and Justice (RJ)

2. Governance Capability (GC)

3. Economic viability (EV)

4. The people’s social cohesion (SC)

5. Compatibility with Western Liberal Values and Stance on Terrorism (CWLV)

Of course, there could be other criteria. The criteria are not free-standing and interact with other factors. However, these five factors are key to assessing statehood claims.

This is simply a good-faith effort to examine the comparative validity of the three statehood claims.

1. Protection of Rights and Justice

Palestinians

Palestinian society has a robust tradition of advocacy for rights, but challenges persist. The Palestinian Authority (PA) and Hamas have been accused of suppressing dissent, engaging in arbitrary arrests, and restricting political freedoms. These abuses, coupled with ongoing human rights violations under Israeli occupation, undermine justice within Palestinian territories.

Score: 3/10

Tibetans

Tibetans are strongly committed to justice and human rights, as reflected in the policies of the CTA and the Dalai Lama’s leadership. However, within Tibet, Chinese authorities impose severe restrictions on religious freedom, cultural expression, and political activities, leading to systemic rights abuses.

Score: 5/10

Kurds

The KRG has made efforts to protect minority rights and establish legal structures, but issues such as corruption and political patronage hinder consistent justice. Kurdish populations in Turkey, Syria, and Iran face significant discrimination, limiting broader rights protection across all Kurdish regions.

Score: 6/10

2. Governance Capacity

Palestinians

The PA has developed infrastructure for governance, but internal divisions between Fatah and Hamas weaken the administrative capacity. Corruption and inefficiency further undermine governance, though the Palestinian people demonstrate resilience and potential for reform.

Score: 4/10

Tibetans

The CTA operates democratically with elected representatives and transparent institutions. Despite its limited jurisdiction, the CTA’s education, cultural preservation, and advocacy administration demonstrate effective governance, reflecting Tibetans’ capacity for state-building.

Score: 6/10

Kurds

The KRG has established a functioning government, including a parliament, judiciary, and security forces. Its management of resources, particularly oil, and engagement in international diplomacy reflect strong governance capacity. Internal political rivalries remain a challenge.

Score: 8/10

3. Economic Viability

Palestinians

The Palestinian economy faces severe constraints, including high unemployment, reliance on foreign aid, and restricted access to resources due to Israeli control. However, Palestinians are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, and the diaspora could contribute to economic development under improved conditions.

Score: 3/10

Tibetans

Tibet is rich in natural resources such as water and minerals, and its tourism potential is significant. However, Chinese control over the region’s economy prevents Tibetans from independently leveraging these assets. The Tibetan diaspora contributes to economic sustainability in exile.

Score: 3/10

Kurds

The KRG benefits from oil revenues and has attracted foreign investment, contributing to economic stability in Iraqi Kurdistan—however, overreliance on oil and disputes with Baghdad over revenue sharing present vulnerabilities. Diversification efforts are ongoing.

Score: 7/10

4. Social Cohesion

Palestinians

The Palestinian people are united in their national identity and opposition to occupation, but internal political divisions between Fatah and Hamas undermine cohesion. Bridging these divides will be essential for a cohesive state.

Score: 5/10

Tibetans

Tibetans exhibit remarkable social cohesion, driven by a shared cultural and religious identity under the leadership of the Dalai Lama. This unity is evident both within Tibet and among the global diaspora.

Score: 8/10

Kurds

Kurdish identity is strong, but tribal and political divisions, particularly between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Iraq, create internal tensions. Efforts to bridge these divides could enhance cohesion. The Kurdish people demonstrate significant cultural and emotional unity, but political, geographical, and ideological factors often hinder their cohesion as a single political entity. Despite these challenges, shared aspirations for greater rights and recognition continue to provide a common foundation for Kurdish solidarity.

Score: 7/10