North-East Syria: Navigating Tensions Post-Assad’s Fall and the PKK’s Fate

The article discusses the current situation in north-eastern Syria, particularly focusing on the Kurdish-led SDF’s evolving landscape following the collapse of Assad’s regime. Key issues explored include Turkish military incursions, the impact of Ocalan’s call for PKK disarmament, and the challenges the SDF faces with local Arab communities and the new Syrian government, amid ongoing threats from ISIS and Turkish-backed factions.

Commander Zanarin Kobani of the YPJ, the women’s unit of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), navigates the intricate tunnel system beneath Kobani, a city in north-eastern Syria. These tunnels, developed to protect against relentless Turkish drone strikes, conceal a functional living space equipped with modern amenities. For security reasons, access is highly restricted; Kobani must remain cautious, aware that her movements are easily detected by drones. Since 2019, the primary threat has shifted from ISIS to nearby Turkey, which perceives the Kurdish-run region, known as Rojava, as a security concern.

Turkey considers the YPG, a dominant faction with the SDF, a terrorist organization due to its ties with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), labeled a terrorist group by Turkey, the US, and other nations. Abdullah Ocalan’s recent call for the disbandment of the PKK may ease tensions between Turkey and the Kurdish-led administration, though its effects on north-eastern Syria remain uncertain. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi acknowledged Ocalan’s appeal but clarified that it specifically pertains to the PKK and does not involve their operations in Syria.

Turkey has conducted military campaigns in north-eastern Syria, seizing vast territories along the Syria-Turkey boundary, particularly after Assad’s regime fell in December. The SNA, aligned with Turkey, participated in the offensive that led to the regime’s collapse and is now aiming to extend its influence west of the Euphrates River. The semi-autonomous north-eastern region, rich in oil reserves, finds itself balancing negotiations with the new HTS-led government while safeguarding its hard-earned autonomy against threats of occupation.

Despite the ongoing incursions backed by Turkish factions, Commander Kobani expresses determination to protect the achievements of women’s rights, emphasizing the necessity for guarantees that Turkey will cease its attacks. The SDF is poised to explore diplomatic avenues before engaging in military conflict, particularly as recent reports suggest a potential withdrawal of US troops from the region. The SDF has affirmed its readiness for dialogue with the newly established administration, having interacted with HTS leader Mr. Al Shara.

In the wake of the regime’s fall, Kurds have celebrated significant changes, including renaming public squares and symbolically removing the statue of Hafez Al Assad. However, challenges remain, as the new administration demands integration of all factions into a national army, while the SDF is reluctant to dissolve its structure. The Kurdish administration rejected a national conference that excluded them, highlighting their marginalization in Syria’s political evolution.

Internally, the SDF faces pressures from local Arab communities, with some factions defecting from their ranks. While Kurds did not align with opposition forces during the civil war, their aspirations for rights and dignity were disregarded under Assad. The recent PKK announcement to disarm and dissolve suggests a willingness for peace, which the SDF sees as a positive development. They seek international assurances against Turkish aggression in pursuit of stability and peace.

As conflict engulfs the region, reports of ongoing violence persist, particularly around Kobani, where local residents face the constant threat of drone strikes. Over the last few months, Turkey’s advances have displaced approximately 100,000 individuals, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian situation in Raqqa and Hassakeh. Amid this turmoil, the residents yearn for a peaceful settlement that acknowledges their rights and cultural identity, wishing primarily for an end to violence and instability.

In conclusion, north-east Syria stands at a critical juncture following the Assad regime’s fall, with shifting dynamics between the Kurdish-led SDF, Turkey, and new Syrian governance structures. While the recent call for the PKK’s disarmament presents potential for reduced tensions, the issues surrounding Kurdish autonomy and integration into a broader national framework remain contentious. The SDF’s commitment to exploring diplomatic solutions amid persistent security threats illustrates a precarious balance between asserting rights and seeking stability.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com