Golzar Salih, our George Mason University doctoral student, lost her husband this week. Balên Ahmad Salih, a Kurdish poet, writer, broadcaster, and the brother of former Iraqi President Barham Salih, has passed away. We are establishing a memorial fund in his honor.

In 1982, Balên’s passionate involvement in the underground Kurdish student movement led to his arrest, severe torture, and a death sentence.

Professionally, Balên distinguished himself as program chief and international broadcaster for Voice of America’s Kurdish Service, where he was known for his warmth, loyalty, humor, unwavering generosity, and search for the truth.