Al-Sharabin Tribe: component alliance is a guarantee of stability

Amid the complex phase Syria is going through, and the attempts by some local, regional, and international actors to sow discord and conflicts among its components in general, and in the North and East Syria region specifically, honorable national stances emerge from tribal elders and dignitaries.

In this context, ANHA agency met with Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed al-Khidr, representative of al-Sharabin tribe in al-Jazira region, to learn about the tribe’s perspective on the overall developments in Syria, the role that tribes should play in strengthening civil peace, and preserving the Democratic Autonomous Administration project, which has become a safe haven for all components amid the ongoing conflict in the country.

Sheikh Ahmed al-Khidr began his statement by saying:

“We, the al-Sharabin tribe, stand firmly behind the project of coexistence. This project did not emerge out of nowhere but is the result of long suffering and years of war. The experience of the Autonomous Administration has proven to be inclusive of everyone Arabs, Kurds, and Syriacs without discrimination or favoritism. It is a rare experiment in this region.”

social alliance as a stronghold against sedition

The tribal representative emphasized that the alliance of components in the Autonomous Administration should not be viewed merely as a political stance, but as a profound alliance born from shared fate and history.

He went on to say “We have lived alongside Kurds and Syriacs for centuries. The land, water, intermarriage, and customs have united us, and no conspiracy can divide us. Those who seek to sow division only serve foreign agendas that do not wish well for Syria.”

He pointed out that attempts to create a rift between Arab tribes and the Syrian Democratic Forces are not new, but they have failed thanks to the awareness and commitment of society to unity, stressing that sedition serves only the enemies of the Syrian people.

unwavering support for the Syrian Democratic Forces

Regarding the tribe’s stance on the Syrian Democratic Forces, Sheikh Ahmed
stated “The SDF has been the shield of this region against ISIS mercenaries and has sacrificed thousands of martyrs, including members of our tribe who fought side by side with their Kurdish and Syriac brothers. Therefore, the SDF is not a Kurdish force but a national, inclusive project.”

adding “The claim that Arabs are excluded from the SDF is a falsehood propagated by some paid media outlets, while the truth is that the SDF embraces all components, respects the will of the tribes, and maintains the security and stability of its regions.”

Kurdish rights as part of comprehensive justice

Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed al-Khidr underscored the importance of recognizing the rights of the Kurdish people, considering that any project that does not guarantee the national, political, and cultural rights of Kurds in Syria cannot be just or national.

He said “We believe that the freedom of the Kurdish people is part of the freedom of all Syrians, and their dignity is our dignity. We cannot build a democratic Syria if we oppress or deny the existence of the Kurdish people. This truth must be spoken openly.”

call to the Arab tribal communities

The Al-Sharabin tribe representative, Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed al-Khidr, concluded his statement by addressing a message to the Arab tribes:
“Do not be drawn into calls for sedition, and do not listen to the drums of incitement aiming to sow discord between us and our brothers. Our fate is one, our enemy is one, and our strength lies in our unity, not in our division.”.

ANHA