In September 2014 the Kurdish Syrian city of Kobane was subjected to a massive attack by fighters of the movement Islamic State (IS) As a result the plight of the Kurds of Syria became known around the world Less well-known however is their struggle before these dramatic & violent events This struggle was mostly aimed at having their voices heard on the political stage & having equitable access to both economic & political resources This examination of Kurdish politics in Syria therefore concentrates on the Syrian-Kurdish political parties which despite state sanctions have attempted to promote their political agendas & to bring about change for the Approx. 3 million Kurds that reside in the country The Kurds of Syria explores the fundamental issues of minority identity & the concept of being 'stateless' in a turbulent region making it vital for all those researching the politics of the modern Middle East