In the aftermath of Assad's regime collapse, Syrian Kurds in Rojava struggle for autonomy while battling ongoing Turkish aggression. Despite their victory over ISIS, their future remains precarious amid shifting political allegiances and relentless military operations.
Ongoing Struggles: Syrian Kurds Resist Turkish Advances Amid Uncertain Political Landscape
Ongoing Struggles: Syrian Kurds Resist Turkish Advances Amid Uncertain Political Landscape
The Kurdish-led forces in northeast Syria face continued threats from Turkey and its allies, even after recent changes in Syria's government following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
The road to northeast Syria runs precariously over a rickety floating bridge spanning the River Tigris. Traveling from Iraqi Kurdistan, our minibus shakes as it navigates through the oil fields of Syrian territory held by the Kurds, known locally as Rojava — or western Kurdistan. This region, which declared autonomy in 2012 amidst civil unrest, is currently defended by Kurdish forces, yet its legitimacy remains unrecognized by the Syrian government. With the regime of Bashar al-Assad now a shadow of its former self, the Kurds still face a turbulent future, particularly with persistent conflict spilling over from Turkey to the north.
The Kurdish forces famously fought against the Islamic State (IS), turning the tide of that brutal campaign, particularly during the protracted siege of Kobane in 2014. The victory over IS came with considerable sacrifices, but even a decade later, as Kobane commemorates the anniversary of liberation, the specter of war looms large again.
Kurdish women's involvement in the fight against IS, particularly through the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), has been celebrated; however, the situation remains dire. The streets of Kobane reveal the duality of celebration and mourning, as the memory of lost family members weighs heavily on the celebrations. Newrouz Ahmad, a local mother, exemplifies this complex emotion as she reminisces about her brother lost amidst the defense of the city.
Despite a declared victory over IS by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in 2019, lasting peace remains elusive. Turkey's military operations against Kurdish territories have intensified, fueled by the belief that the SDF's backbone, the YPG, is linked to the PKK — a group branded as a terrorist organization by Turkey. Thus, the new offensive by Turkish-backed Syrian rebel forces persists, aiming to capture territories along the border and threatening Kobane once again.
As we drift through the city, oppressive smells of gasoline mix with the booming sounds of generators — grim reminders of a region still under siege. Local residents express their fears of another conflict while also asserting their unwillingness to cede control to Turkish forces.
Civilian life is also increasingly endangered, with reports of drone strikes confirming the dangers faced regularly by those who oppose Turkish intervention. The direct targeting of demonstrators has drawn ire from humanitarian organizations, with the Turkish government denying involvement and shifting responsibility back to the SDF for using civilians as shields.
In the broader context, Syria's new interim leadership under Ahmad al-Sharaa grapples with balancing relations between competing factions. Attempts at forming a unified government face hurdles, particularly given the complicated relationship with Turkey, a pivotal ally. This lack of support for Kurdish representation further muddies the waters.
While the top military leader of the SDF, Gen Mazloum Abdi, reveals that negotiations took place, no concrete agreements have been signed — underscoring the uncertainty of the region post-Assad. There are fears that US military support for the SDF could dwindle, leaving them vulnerable to Turkish offensives and the potential resurgence of IS militants, which are estimated to still be active in the region.
Furthermore, women who fought in the YPJ express concerns over their representation in any future government formation. Roksana Mohamed, a YPJ spokesperson, articulates the need for women's rights to be prioritized, emphasizing that inclusion will depend on recognition of their contributions in past conflicts.
With dynamics shifting rapidly, the Kurdish struggle for autonomy and recognition within the evolving Syrian landscape remains fraught with uncertainty. The question persists: will the Kurds emerge as vital participants in shaping a new Syria, or must they prepare for yet another battle for survival?
