Al-Sadah Ashraf leader stands against hate, salutes Kurdish brotherhood

Hostile rhetoric targeting the communities of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has escalated, particularly directed at its Democratic Autonomous Administration system and the Syrian Democratic Forces. These efforts aim to destabilize the region’s security and societal cohesion by fomenting Kurdish-Arab discord, as affirmed by tribal leaders and dignitaries from the region.

Voices from Arab tribes and their elders have grown increasingly vocal against the calls for division and hatred, affirming their commitment to civil peace and their unwavering support for their members serving within the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Democratic Autonomous Administration model.

Rejection of hate speech and incitement

In this context, Hussein al-Sadah, representative of al-Sadah Ashraf tribes in Syria and Iraq, highlighted attempts by external actors to sow discord in North and East Syria through social media platforms. These actors often impersonate Arab tribal leaders without genuine representation.

Al-Sadah clarified that the tribes inhabiting the region, despite their diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, have long maintained solidarity and mutual respect. He noted, “If animosity existed, there would not be shrines for martyrs that embrace all communities. Their presence is a testament to the cohesion and affection among the region’s people.”

Syria needs a discourse of love and brotherhood

Al-Sadah addressed those propagating hate and incitement with a clear message: “Syria requires a discourse rooted in love and peace. Why not encourage Syrians to unite in rebuilding their homeland? Enough bloodshed and discord; enough clandestine scheming. Syrians must come together to reconstruct their country.”

He further stressed, “We must set aside our differences and prioritize Syria’s interests above individual, sectarian, or partisan considerations.”

“The SDF is part of us… and we owe them gratitude”

Al-Sadah pointed out that the Autonomous Administration and the Syrian Democratic Forces are composed of Arab, Kurdish, and Christian tribal members alike. He underscored, “We owe to the Kurdish nation. When the People’s Protection Units were formed, they consisted primarily of Kurds who did not engage Arabs based on ethnic or sectarian lines but operated on principles of fraternity and invited Arabs to join. Together, we have built the self-administration and our regions.”

He added, “We have demonstrated to the world that we are builders, not destroyers, and that cooperative work among the components is the path to developing our regions and achieving lasting stability.”

Syria’s future lies in inclusive dialogue

Concluding his remarks, Hussein al-Sadah stressed that Syria’s future depends on comprehensive dialogue among all Syrians. He stated, “There is no alternative. When we engage in genuine dialogue as Syrians, we will reach a solution. If any party believes it is the loser, then indeed it will lose. Syria’s interests transcend all else, and we will rebuild it better than it was under the previous regime.”

ANHA