Kurdish autonomy: A shattered dream? • FRANCE 24 English

Kurdish Resilience and the Pursuit of Autonomy: A Detailed Analysis

Key Concepts:

• Rojava (Syrian Kurdistan): The formerly autonomous Kurdish region in northeastern Syria.
• SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces): Predominantly Kurdish forces that fought against ISIS in Syria.
• Peshmerga: Kurdish military forces, historically associated with Iraqi Kurdistan, now a symbol of Kurdish resistance.
• PDKI (Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan): An Iranian Kurdish political party with an armed militia operating from Iraqi Kurdistan.
• PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party): A Kurdish militant and political organization primarily active in Turkey, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries.
• Greater Kurdistan: A hypothetical independent state encompassing the Kurdish regions of Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran.
• Rojalat (Iranian Kurdistan): The Kurdish region within Iran.

I. The Shifting Landscape in Rojava and Kurdish Solidarity

The report focuses on the recent loss of autonomy in Rojava, Syria, and the resulting surge in solidarity between Kurds across national borders, particularly between Syrian and Iraqi Kurds. Following a decision by Syrian transitional president Al-Shara on January 6th, fighting erupted between the Syrian army and the SDF, displacing approximately 40,000 people. The Barzani Charity Foundation is actively providing humanitarian aid, shuttling supplies from Iraqi Kurdistan to Syrian Kurdish civilians. This aid is viewed as a symbol of Kurdish unity, a sentiment powerfully expressed by residents like Taha, who states, “I’m very happy to see our nation united. It’s the first time it’s happened. Now our enemies can no longer look down on us.” Civilians are taking up arms, identifying themselves as Peshmergas, demonstrating a widespread commitment to self-defense. The situation is further complicated by the presence of jihadist sleeper cells, necessitating constant vigilance.

II. Betrayal and Disillusionment with International Support

A central theme is the perceived betrayal by the United States and other coalition partners. Syrian Kurds feel abandoned after having played a crucial role in defeating the Islamic State group (ISIS). Taha articulates this sentiment: “They betrayed us. And the other countries are just under their thumb.” The loss of a daughter in 2014 during an ISIS attack in Kamishi underscores the personal cost of the conflict and the depth of resentment towards perceived Western inaction. The January 30th agreement between Syrian Kurdish authorities and President al-Shara, despite ending immediate fighting, is met with deep distrust due to al-Shara’s past as a jihadist. Residents fear a return to oppressive conditions, specifically mentioning the potential imposition of the nikab on women and the presence of “hooded people” enforcing the law.

III. Kamishi as a Refuge and the Fragility of the Agreement

Kamishi has become the de facto capital for what remains of Syrian Kurdistan, sheltering nearly half of those displaced by the recent conflict. Hawa, a resident of Koban, exemplifies the repeated displacement experienced by many Kurds, having fled three times in the last decade – first to Turkey during the ISIS offensive, then to Waka, and finally to Kamishi. Despite the agreement with the Syrian government, residents remain wary, recognizing its fragility. Kurdish female fighters maintain a vigilant presence on the border with Damascus-controlled areas. Commander-in-chief Rahulatrin views the agreement as a necessary evil, stating, “The purpose of this agreement was to stop the bloodshed and to preserve the gains that us Kurds have achieved.” She emphasizes that Kurdish unity is the key to protecting their rights, asserting, “Only the Kurds can protect Kurdish rights.”

IV. The Kurdish Diaspora and the Struggle for Freedom in Iran

The report highlights the role of Iraqi Kurdistan as a refuge for Kurds from neighboring countries, particularly Iran and Turkey. Amir, a refugee from Iran, describes Iraqi Kurdistan as “like being in my grandfather’s house,” a safe haven for Kurds facing persecution. He recounts his participation in the “women, life, freedom” movement in Iran, resulting in severe injuries and imprisonment. He escaped to Iraqi Kurdistan with the assistance of the PDKI, which maintains armed camps in the Balisan region near the Iranian border. Sema, a Peshmerga fighter who left Rojalat three years ago, joined her brothers in armed struggle, motivated by a desire to serve her community and reclaim her cultural identity, lamenting the suppression of the Kurdish language in Iran: “I didn’t study my mother tongue for almost 12 years. Everything was in Farsy.” Karim, the PDKI leader, stresses the need for continued determination and unity to achieve freedom, warning that the situation in Rojalat will worsen if Western countries allow the Iranian regime to remain in power.

V. The Turkish-Kurdish Conflict and the Search for Peace

The report shifts focus to the border region between Iraqi Kurdistan and Turkey, where the Turkish army has established over 40 military sites. Villages have been caught in the crossfire between Turkish forces and the PKK, a group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU. Muhammad, a resident of Guharzi, describes the fear and helplessness experienced by civilians caught between conflicting forces. The village of Saral, once home to 500 families, now has only about 20 remaining residents. While a peace agreement was reached between Turkey and the PKK in May of the previous year, residents express skepticism about its longevity, stating, “But we cannot trust Turkey. We do not believe that this peace will last.”

VI. The Dream of Greater Kurdistan and the Ongoing Struggle

The report concludes by reiterating the enduring dream of a greater Kurdistan, a unified independent state for the Kurdish people. The loss of autonomy in Rojava serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of Kurdish rights and the necessity of unity. The report emphasizes that the borders separating Kurdish populations are often porous, and that Iraqi Kurdistan remains a symbol of hope and a refuge for Kurds facing persecution in neighboring countries.

Data & Statistics:

• Approximately 40,000 people displaced by recent fighting in Rojava.
• Over 10 million Kurds living in Iran.
• More than 40 Turkish military sites established within Iraqi Kurdistan.
• Saral village reduced from 500 families to approximately 20.

Notable Quotes:

• “I’m very happy to see our nation united. It’s the first time it’s happened. Now our enemies can no longer look down on us.” – Taha (Syrian Kurdish civilian)
• “They betrayed us. And the other countries are just under their thumb.” – Taha (Syrian Kurdish civilian)
• “Only the Kurds can protect Kurdish rights.” – Rahulatrin (Kurdish female commander)
• “For me, it's like being in my grandfather's house. Iraqi Kurdistan is like that for Kurds from Iran, Turkey, and Syria.” – Amir (Iranian Kurdish refugee)

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The report paints a complex picture of Kurdish resilience in the face of ongoing political instability and external pressures. The loss of autonomy in Rojava has galvanized Kurdish unity, but also exposed the vulnerability of Kurdish rights and the limitations of international support. The struggles of Kurds in Syria, Iran, and Turkey are interconnected, highlighting the shared desire for self-determination and the enduring dream of a greater Kurdistan. The report underscores the importance of Kurdish solidarity and the need for continued advocacy to protect the rights and aspirations of this historically marginalized population.