The Yazidi minority in the Middle East. From victims to strategic actors.

Abstract The tragedy of the little known Yazidi community, fiercely persecuted by Daesh since 2014, has shocked the world and has raised questions about the destiny of minorities in the new Middle Eastern asset, and about the strategies to protect and preserve them in the region. The author, who has carried out extensive research on and with the Yazidis since 2013, analyzes their actions and conditions at local, regional and international level. In the past the Yazidis were more vulnerable and virtually unable to react, but the changes occurred in the recent years – more openness, political recognition etc. – due to globalization and the media exposure following the perse- cution, have empowered them also making them a credible interlocutor for the Muslims in the fight against a common enemy such as Daesh. Their appeal for the recognition of their perse- cution as Genocide, promotes them as bearers of fundamental global values