September 6, 1998

The Nobel Peace Prize Committee
Nobelinsintuttet
Drammensvein 19
N-0255 Oslo, Norway


Dear Committee Members,

As an educator, I teach college students about domestic and international 
politics.  They learn that politics is a struggle for power, sometimes for base 
and selfish ends. sometimes for the noblest of ends  --  the Œpublic good¹.  One of 
the most wrenching philosophical questions, of course, is how to define the 
Œpublic good¹ so that one can distinguish between the base and the sublime, and 
assume one¹s political role upon a firm ethical foundation.

The modern history of Turkey, marked by a bitter struggle between Turkish 
nationalists and ethnic Kurds, presents a poignant example of the human cost 
of pursuing base and selfish policies that fail to acknowledge the rights of all: 
two groups locked in a sickening and bloody dance of death, displacement and 
misery.

Out of this struggle has emerged some noble souls who have chosen the path of 
peace, who have upheld the ideals of conflict resolution trough dialogue, an 
inclusive democratic process, and the honoring of universal human rights 
standards.  Foremost among these individuals is Leyla Zana, a woman who 
bravely and willingly has suffered the consequences of finding her voice and 
speaking out on behalf of her people.  As she serves out a 15-year sentence in 
Ankara prison, her voice is unwavering, her commitment to the peaceful 
struggle for Kurdish human rights unfaltering.

Leyla Zana¹s rise from illiterate teen bride to internationally recognized human 
rights leader is a remarkable story of spirit and will, one that embodies the 
struggles of a gender and a people for what is fair and just.  It is my urgent 
hope that you will give your utmost consideration to the nomination of Leyla 
Zana for the Nobel Peace Prize.  Her work, her suffering, represents the 
sublime struggle for the public good.

Sincerely,




Traci Price Fahimi
Assistant Professor, Political Science
Irvine Valley College