As fighting continues to batter the Syrian town of Kobani, Arab activists and media professionals are intensifying their discussions on the town and the harm it has suffered at the hands of the "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (ISIL).

The Cairo Centre for Kurdish Studies, led by Egyptian journalist Abdel Fattah Ali, has organised several such cultural and media events on the embattled town.

Al-Shorfa met with Ali, who spoke about Kobani's resistance against ISIL and the media battle being waged by Kurdish activists and media professionals.

Al-Shorfa : What are the centre's interests and most prominent publications?

Abdel Fattah Ali : The Cairo Centre for Kurdish Studies aims to strengthen the relationship and enhance cultural and research communication between Egypt and the Arab [world] on one side and Kurds on the other; help build academic and scientific bridges between higher education institutions on both sides; and prepare cadres specialised in Kurdish affairs.

We provide accurate information and news […] on Kurds to Arab organisations, institutions and media, and seek to establish our work as reference material for organisations, institutions and individuals interested in Kurdish affairs in the research, academic, cultural, scientific, social and political fields.

We also offer the Arab reader translations of works in the literary, cultural, scientific, and political fields as well as research and articles […] on Kurds around the world.

The centre has published numerous books, studies and papers, including the book "Jalal Talabani: An Egyptian View" written by myself; "Kurds in Arab Journalism" and "Federalism in Unionist Systems" by Ambassador Hazem al-Yousefi; and "Spiritual Inclusiveness and Contemporary Enlightenment" by Kurdish thinker and politician Mullah Bakhtiar.

Al-Shorfa : Why the interest in issues relating to the Kurds?

Ali : Because I see the Kurdish issue as very important throughout history, and also in terms of the Kurdish cultural, religious and civilizational presence, especially as our region is on the threshold of a new reality that requires collaboration, working together and exerting concerted efforts in all areas.

Al-Shorfa : How do you view the events in Kobani?

Ali : Kobani surprised the whole world with its steadfastness and legendary resistance in the face of the barbaric attack by the terrorist ISIL group. The men and women fighters of the People's Protection Units (YPG) and Women's Protection Units (YPJ) performed immortal acts of heroism.

I see that Kobani has vanquished ISIL and put the first and biggest nail in the coffin of this terrorist group. I expect ISIL fighters to withdraw from the city after the losses they suffered, and this will have a significant impact on the fate of the group's fighters in other areas under its control, for the Kobani battle is the beginning of the end for ISIL.

Al-Shorfa : What is your assessment of the Kurdish media performance in the face of ISIL's media?

Ali : I think the Kurds directed the media battle with ISIL skilfully, as they were able to use the Internet and social networking sites to convey a true picture of the events, which led to their success in garnering the sympathy and support of the global as well as Arab public opinion.

Al-Shorfa : What do you think of the on-going online war between Kurdish activists and ISIL elements?

Ali : The war between ISIL and the Kurds was not confined to the battlefield, as there is an equally heated battle between the parties in virtual space, the online world and media of all kinds, and it can be said that the Kurds have made significant gains in this battle.

Ak-Shorfa