The aim of this brutal military campaign on Kobani is (1) to divide the Cantons in Western Kurdistan (Rojava), since Kobani enjoys a geo-strategic location in the region, and (2) to undermine this unique pattern of democracy (cantons) that could be followed in Syria and the entire Middle East. These three Cantons (Jazeera, Kobani and Efrin) have been established as a ‘social contract’ between the Kurds, Arabs, Assyrians, Syriacs, Turkmens and other ethnic and religious minorities. The ‘contract’ acknowledges the religious diversity in the region and guarantees those groups (Muslims, Christian and Yezidis) the right to practice their religion. In addition, the ‘contract’ protects women’s rights and encourages their participation in the various institutions established in these cantons, including Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). This is the reality in Rojava that many local and regional forces are not comfortable with.
The brutal assault on Kobani is a part of a systematic ethnic cleansing policy aimed at changing the demography and undermining the newly-established democratic institutions in Rojava. This policy was introduced by regional powers who accept neither the Kurdish presence in the region nor a solution to the Syrian crisis. Accordingly, they have mobilised terrorist forces and criminal gangs whose fighters have come from different countries, such as Afghanistan, Tunisia, Libya, the Gulf states, supported by the Ba’athist regime in Damascus and local Kurdish reactionary forces.
We call upon all democracy- and peace-loving forces to stand by our people in Kobani, which is still under siege from all sides. We firmly believe that with your generous support, our people in Kobani will triumph and their existential fight against the terror of ISIS and other non-democratic regional powers.
The Democratic Union Party (PYD)
Europe’s Organisation
