“We Are Still at War”: Ongoing Struggles in Syria’s North-East
In north-eastern Syria, Kurdish forces face ongoing battles against Turkey, despite their victory over IS in 2019. The political situation remains tumultuous following the fall of Assad, with Kurdish autonomy unrecognized and the threat of renewed conflict looming. Women who fought against IS continue to advocate for rights in the face of exclusion from leadership, illustrating the region’s complex social and political dynamics.
To access north-eastern Syria, one must traverse a precarious floating bridge over the Tigris River. The journey from Iraqi Kurdistan leads through oil-rich regions controlled by Kurdish forces, referred to as Rojava, a self-declared autonomous area since 2012 amidst the ongoing civil war. Despite the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the region’s future remains uncertain, as it continues to confront challenges from Turkey.
Following the rise of Islamic State (IS) in this region a decade ago, Kurdish forces, with support from a U.S.-led coalition, managed to repel the group at Kobane in 2015, a significant victory against IS. Today, Kobane commemorates the ten-year anniversary of this pivotal event. However, the celebration is bittersweet as scars from war linger, and a grieving mother expresses hope for her deceased brother’s presence during the festivities.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) declared victory over IS in 2019; however, peace has yet to be achieved. Turkey, viewing the SDF’s People’s Protection Units (YPG) as an extension of the PKK, has initiated military operations against the SDF-controlled territories since 2016, capturing significant areas along the border. As Turkey intensifies its offensive in response to the Assad regime’s collapse, battles are threatening provocative areas such as Kobane.
The threat of fresh conflicts looms as Turkish airstrikes have targeted not only SDF positions but also civilians, with serious consequences. In a hospital, a wounded German peace activist recounts her experience during a protest that turned violent due to drone strikes, illustrating the risk faced by those in the region. Human Rights Watch has condemned such actions by Turkey, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Amidst this turmoil, Syria’s interim leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, faces tremendous pressure in reconciling the interests of Turkey and Kurdish factions. While there have been attempts to negotiate an inclusive governance framework, Kurdish representation at a national dialogue conference was notably absent. In discussions with SDF commander Gen. Mazloum Abdi, he asserts ongoing hostilities with Turkey, further complicating the political climate.
U.S. troops maintain a presence in Kurdish regions, aimed at countering IS threats, yet fears of troop withdrawal signal precarious times ahead. The Kurdish forces are wary of a possible resurgence of IS if they need to shift resources in response to a Turkish assault. Estimates suggest that thousands of IS family members and fighters remain imprisoned in SDF-controlled facilities, intensifying the urgency of the situation.
For women who fought against IS in the YPJ, their roles and rights remain unacknowledged in the evolving political landscape. Roksana Mohamed, a spokesperson for the YPJ, expresses concerns about the lack of female representation in Syria’s new leadership and emphasizes that women’s rights must be respected to foster lasting peace. The uncertain future for the Kurds highlights the ongoing struggles for recognition and stability in the region.
The conflict in north-eastern Syria reveals profound complexities as Kurdish forces continue to battle both IS remnants and the Turkish military. Despite declaring victory over IS, the Kurdish community remains embroiled in a struggle for autonomy and recognition, underlined by ongoing military threats and political exclusion. As uncertainty looms, the future for Kurds in a post-conflict Syria remains precarious, emphasizing the need for inclusive dialogue and sustainable governance.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
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