Three important regions have shown rare signs of peaceful change.
In Turkey, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced a ceasefire after its leader, Abdullah Öcalan, called for disarmament. This could ease one of the longest-running conflicts, which has continued since 1984.
Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed on the text of a peace treaty — the first such agreement in 40 years. The step could reduce tensions around Nagorno-Karabakh and open up prospects for dialogue.
In Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have concluded 23 years of talks on the borders in the Fergana Valley and agreed on a peace accord, which will make it possible to restore transport and air links.
These three developments show that even long-standing conflicts can move toward peace when there is political will and a desire for stability.
