Ilham Ahmed: Syria’s fate depends on its people and unity is essential to end occupation

Amid the rapid changes in Syria following the fall of the previous regime, fundamental questions arise about the country's future, the course of political transition, and the influence of regional and international powers in shaping it.

In this context, ANHA agency conducted an interview with Ilham Ahmed, Co-Chair of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. The discussion covers key issues, including developments in Damascus, easing sanctions, the stance of international powers on Kurdish rights, war crimes committed by the Turkish occupying state in North and East Syria, and the role of Syrian women in the next phase, among other topics.

The Interview:

How do you view the changes happening in Damascus, and will easing sanctions contribute to the political transition process?

Syrians, in particular, are waiting and hoping to see new conditions in Syria that are entirely different from the previous situation. Issues of freedoms, rights, participatory governance, and preserving human dignity within an inclusive administration that truly represents the fabric of Syrian society are of utmost importance.

The international community and Syria’s friends imposed sanctions on the previous regime to help the Syrian people obtain their legitimate rights. Under the current administration, sanctions remain in place, though some have been lifted or eased. We see this as a positive step to help the Syrian people recover from the devastation of war and transition toward a stable reconstruction process. In principle, we do not support economic sanctions that punish citizens, even if their aim is to curb the authority’s excesses. In many cases, sanctions increase extremism, particularly ideological extremism. The priority should always be to support a smooth political transition and establish effective mechanisms for that.

International facilitation efforts must align with serious steps to improve living conditions, regulate daily life, and end the acts of individual retaliation occurring in specific areas of the country.

Easing sanctions should remain tied to continuous monitoring of the transition process, as well as supporting reconstruction and facilitating national dialogue among various parties.

You recently made a statement regarding Israel’s role in the Middle East peace process. Could you elaborate?

The Middle East is currently witnessing fierce wars between states and entities, most of which result from the policies of traditional regimes that have stifled societies and restricted their freedoms to protect the interests of rulers rather than individuals and communities. There is a struggle for influence aimed at shaping a new Middle East, with societies paying the price due to their lack of political awareness and their involvement in conflicts orchestrated by regimes for their own benefit. Defending rights by denying the existence of others is futile. What we need today is broad dialogue and the inclusion of all parties in peace negotiations. Without such inclusion and with continued exclusionary policies, wars will persist. Ending conflicts and hostilities requires bringing all parties to the negotiation table. Dialogue among the region’s peoples and reaching strategic understandings to achieve peace and guarantee everyone’s rights is of paramount importance.

Many Western countries, particularly Germany and France, have issued statements about the need to protect the Kurds. How do you assess these statements? Furthermore, why have these countries remained silent about Turkey’s war crimes against civilians?

We welcome any international stance that supports the rights of communities in North and East Syria. However, there remains a significant gap between statements and actual actions on the ground. Turkey commits severe violations against civilians, including bombings, assassinations, demographic changes, and attacks on infrastructure and livelihoods. Despite this, we have not seen clear or decisive measures from Western nations. This double standard damages the credibility of the international community and emboldens Turkey to continue its aggressive policies without accountability. We believe that all Syrian communities have an equal right to their homeland as citizens and contributors to shaping its political future, not as minorities in need of protection.

Have you discussed the presence of foreign forces in Syria, particularly the Turkish occupation of Syrian territory and the necessity of returning displaced persons to their homes?

Yes, this issue is always on the agenda in our discussions with international powers, especially the United Nations, the United States, and European nations. We emphasize that the Turkish occupation of areas such as Afrin, Serê Kaniyê (Ras al-Ain), and Tal Abyad violates international law and must end. Displaced people must be able to return home safely, free from the demographic changes Turkey is implementing by settling loyalist groups in place of the original residents. While a significant number of displaced Syrians have returned to their homes in various regions, areas under the control of Turkey-backed groups remain depopulated, with dire living conditions. Therefore, we call on the United Nations, the coalition forces, and the new administration to act as guarantors for the return of these displaced individuals.

Have you presented evidence of Turkey’s war crimes against civilians in North and East Syria to international bodies? Additionally, how do you view the potential collapse of the Tishrin Dam?

Yes, we have documented evidence of Turkey’s crimes and have submitted these files to the United Nations, human rights organizations, and influential states. Turkey targets civilians, destroys infrastructure, and weaponizes water by cutting supplies to our regions. Regarding the Tishrin Dam, we have repeatedly warned of the dangers posed by Turkish policies, which reduce the flow of the Euphrates River, as well as the continuous bombings that could trigger an environmental and humanitarian catastrophe threatening millions of people. Turkey must play a role in achieving peace in Syria by ceasing its support for mercenary factions, which have become a burden not only on the Syrian people but also on Turkey itself. The attacks on infrastructure, whether energy or water resources, harm all Syrians, not just the Autonomous Administration. Moreover, allowing war criminals to appear on platforms in Damascus sends a negative message about the current administration. Some individuals on international sanctions lists have blood on their hands, including those responsible for the assassination of female politicians such as Hevrin Khalaf. Rewarding these criminals signals tacit approval of their actions. We hope that Turkey will end its military campaigns against the region so that serious discussions can begin on building a new Syria.

Regarding U.S. policy, do you anticipate any changes in its stance on Syria and North and East Syria?

The United States has commitments to North and East Syria, whether in the fight against ISIS or in supporting stability. However, we understand that American policy can shift based on geopolitical interests. So far, there are no clear signs of major changes, but we continue to work with our international partners to ensure continued support for our just cause.

Have you discussed with the U.S. administration the issue of managing ISIS prisons, especially as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has expressed interest in taking control of them?

We have ongoing discussions with the current administration on multiple issues, including prison management. So far, we have managed this issue in cooperation with coalition forces and have demonstrated our commitment to preventing ISIS from regrouping. Any change in prison administration, particularly for ISIS detainees, will require time, discussions, and approval from the relevant states.

Do you plan to visit Arab countries? If so, when?

We are in constant communication with many Arab nations and believe that a solution in Syria cannot be achieved without the Arab world’s involvement. Visits to these countries are always a priority on our agenda. Arab support for peace and political transition in Syria is crucial, and we welcome this renewed engagement with Syria and its people.

How do you respond to the numerous and repeated calls from the Syrian coast and As-Suwayda? How can you help them? What are your options?

We take their calls very seriously and recognize them as legitimate appeals. We are approaching a new phase of change in Syria, and therefore, including these communities in the political process is crucial. Ending the violations they face and preventing the emergence of new chaos under the pretext of individual transgressions is of utmost importance. We affirm that we will stand with all those who are oppressed and will cooperate with the current administration to achieve these principles.

To what extent will the swift initiatives launched by women in North and East Syria contribute to solving the Syrian crisis?

Over the past years, due to the bloody wars and conflicts that have taken place in Syria, new foreign cultural influences have entered Syrian society as a result of the dominance of religious extremist groups. A large portion of Syrian society is indeed Muslim, but it was not extremist. However, these groups imposed a culture that first marginalized women, confining them to the fringes of society. Conversely, these circumstances created new opportunities for many Syrian women to organize, raise awareness, and assert their rights in the constitution.

Women in North and East Syria have proven to be a fundamental force for change, whether in politics, defending the land, or building a democratic administrative model. Our experience in the Autonomous Administration demonstrates that empowering women is key to resolving the Syrian crisis, as it fosters stability, justice, and genuine participation in decision-making.

Do you have a message for the Syrian people and Syrian women?

To the Syrian people: Syria’s fate is in the hands of its people, and our unity is the only path to liberation from occupation, tyranny, and terrorism. Regardless of backgrounds, we urge all Syrians to engage in dialogue and joint efforts to build a democratic and inclusive Syria.

To Syrian women: You are the makers of change. Do not allow anyone to silence or marginalize you. Women in North and East Syria have proven their leadership abilities, and you, too, can be at the forefront of building a free Syria.

A-H

ANHA