DAA represents civilizational model for political cooperation in face of terrorism, Turkey

In the midst of the overwhelming chaos that has engulfed Syria since 2011, the experiment of Autonomous Administration emerged as a distinct political and administrative model. It seeks to achieve a balance between ethnic and religious diversity while constructing a governance system that guarantees justice and equality. Led by Kurdish forces in collaboration with Arabs, Assyrians, and Turkmen, this inclusive experiment has become a beacon in a region long ravaged by tyranny and sectarianism. Despite its notable successes in combating the terrorist organization ISIS and liberating large swaths of Syrian territory, this experiment faces existential challenges, the most prominent being the ongoing Turkish military intervention aimed at thwarting any attempt to build a democratic model that upholds pluralism and ensures social justice.

 Autonomous Administration: A Model for Political Cooperation and Pluralism

 Autonomous Administration was established in 2014 as a pragmatic solution for managing areas vacated by the Syrian government in the absence of any alternative political structure. The administration adopted the principle of political decentralization, allowing all ethnic and religious components to participate in decision-making processes.

 Core Principles of Autonomous Administration:

 Decentralization: The administration relies on the distribution of powers between local councils and central bodies.

 Equality Among Components: Representation of all ethnic and religious groups within political institutions is guaranteed.

 Empowerment of Women: Women’s rights and their participation in leadership are fundamental pillars of the administration.

 Social Justice: Resources are distributed equitably to ensure that all benefit from development.

 Autonomous Administration is not merely a political project, but a reflection of a vision that embraces diversity and co-existence as the foundation for building a stable and cohesive society.

 Role of Women in Autonomous Administration

 The Autonomous Administration experiment serves as a pioneering model in the empowerment of women, with women holding leadership roles at all levels, from local councils to military leadership. The establishment of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) was a historic step in affirming women’s ability to confront terrorism and contribute to the creation of a better future.

 Achievements of Women in Autonomous Administration

 • Politics: Women occupy half of the leadership positions in councils and institutions.

• Society: Women lead development and reconstruction projects in war-torn communities.

• Military: Women have made significant contributions to the liberation of cities such as Raqqa and Kobani.

This approach was not merely symbolic, but a deeply held belief that empowering women is essential for achieving justice and equality in a multicultural and multiethnic society.

 Combating Terrorism: The People’s Defense Units as a Model

 The People’s Defense Units (YPG) and the Women’s Defense Units (YPJ) played a pivotal role in liberating NE Syria from the grip of ISIS. Thanks to the sacrifices of these forces, the region has become a center of relative stability amidst chaos.

 Notable Military Achievements:

 • Liberation of Kobani (2015): The resistance in Kobani became a global symbol of resilience against ISIS. Through the Autonomous Administration project and its military arm, over 12,500 martyrs, both men and women.

• Liberation of Raqqa (2017): This operation marked a turning point in the war against terrorism.

• Cooperation with the International Coalition: The logistical support provided by the international coalition strengthened the capabilities of the military units.

 Despite its successes, the Autonomous Administration faces an existential threat from Turkey, which has waged an unjustified war under the pretext of combating terrorism, launching three major military offensives to occupy areas in NE Syria:

In 2016, regions such as Jarabulus and al-Bab were occupied, this led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Afrin’s inhabitants. In 2019, the Turkish military targeted the regions of Ras al-Ain and Tal Abyad.

 Turkish Crimes against NE Syria:

 • Displacement of Populations: Tens of thousands have been displaced due to Turkish military operations.

• Demographic Change: Turkey seeks to resettle loyalist families in the occupied areas.

• Violence Against Women: Human rights organizations have documented cases of rape and sexual violence against women from the region.

Turkey also seeks to erase Kurdish heritage and culture in the cities it has entered, banning the Kurdish language and prosecuting youth on charges of affiliation with organizations they label as terrorists. In reality, it is Turkey that engages in all forms of terrorism against the defenseless Kurdish people in NE Syria, which is predominantly Kurdish.

 National Dialogue: Pressing Necessity for Ensuring Stability

 Achieving stability in NE Syria requires a comprehensive national dialogue among all Syrian components. This dialogue must be based on recognizing Syria's ethnic and religious diversity as a multi-cultural country and crafting a new social contract that guarantees the rights of all, within a constitution that reflects this diversity.

 Factors for Success in National Dialogue:

 1. Acceptance of the Other: Building a political culture based on tolerance and co-existence.

 2. Recognition of National Rights: Ensuring the rights of Kurds, Arabs, Syriacs, and all minorities.

 3. Drafting a New Constitution: Including principles of decentralization and gender equality.

 4. Promoting Social Justice: Equitably distributing national resources across all regions.

 Shaping a Multicultural Future

 The Autonomous Administration in NE Syria represents a civilizational model for managing diversity and building a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural society. In the face of terrorism to Turkish occupation, this experiment requires international and regional support to protect and develop it. Syrians must adopt a national dialogue approach as a means of building the future Syria—one that acknowledges its diversity and strengthens the rights of all its components. The crafting of a new constitution that reflects this pluralism and ensures justice and equality is key to securing lasting stability.

The Autonomous Administration represents a beacon of hope for building a just and democratic society. Its protection and support are the responsibility of all those who seek peace and justice in the Middle East.

Azad Khalil – Writer and Political Researcher

a.k

ANHA