KNK: National unity key to protecting Kobani’s gains, resilience

The KNK in Rojava issued a statement today, marking November 1, World Kobani Day. The statement reads:

“On the occasion of November 1, World Kobani Day, on behalf of the Kurdistan National Congress – Rojava Representation, we extend our warmest congratulations to the resistance fighters of Kobani, the families of the martyrs, the fighters of the People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), and all the people of Kobani and Rojava.

The liberation of Kobani was not merely a military victory; it was a political and historical event of great ideological significance that marked a turning point in the history of the Middle East and humanity’s struggle.

Kobani demonstrated the failure of the nation-state model and the victory of the democratic nation model. In Kobani, under women’s leadership, the terrorist ISIS mercenaries, who enjoyed the support of regional and international powers, were defeated. Kobani showed that the will of an organized people is stronger than all modern weapons and major armies. It also told the world that Kurds are not only capable of defending themselves but can also build a democratic alternative for a new Syria and a democratic Middle East.

The Kobani resistance redefined traditional political science theories concerning the relationship between power and leadership. It proved in practice that the concept of legitimate self-defense and coexistence among peoples is not a mere fantasy, but can become a living reality.

In Kobani, the world witnessed firsthand how Kurdish women broke all the restrictions and chains imposed by patriarchal and traditional society. Kurdish women were no longer hidden victims confined to their homes; they became leaders, fighters, and symbols of freedom, raising the banner of freedom on behalf of women around the world.

With unparalleled courage and conviction, Kurdish women fought in the ranks of the Women’s Protection Units against the brutality of ISIS, which was an enemy of all women, enslaving them and selling them in slave markets. Through their heroism, Kurdish women avenged every woman around the world who had been oppressed, raped, or killed. They did not fight for Kobani alone; they fought for every woman in the world and defended the dignity of all women.

The Kobani resistance sent a message to the world that the Kurds are a free people, a people who will never bow to any injustice, occupation, or enslavement. We will live free on our land or die as martyrs for freedom. This is the message of our ancestors and our pledge to future generations.

Therefore, the liberation of Kobani was not merely the liberation of a city; it was the liberation of human dignity.

Today, on the anniversary of Kobani’s liberation, we reaffirm that protecting Kobani’s gains is a national responsibility shared by all Kurds, and that national unity is the guarantee of Kobani’s continuity and resilience.”

A-H 

ANHA