Syrian writer: stark contradiction between Turkey's official rhetoric toward Kurds, its hostile actions

The Turkish state's duplicitous policies against the Kurdish people continue. It continues its anti-Kurdish rhetoric in North and East Syria, while speaking of "brotherhood" with the Kurds inside Turkey.

Despite the Peace and Democratic Society Initiative called for by Leader Abdullah Ocalan and the formation of the "National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy" Committee, Ankara continues to pursue a systematic hostile policy aimed at confiscating Kurdish interests in the region.

The Turkish authorities in Northern Kurdistan are also stalling on implementing agreements related to ending security prosecutions and repressive policies against the Kurds and lifting the isolation imposed on Imrali.

Regarding the duplicity of Turkish rhetoric and policies toward the Kurdish people, ANHA's agency interviewed Syrian writer Diaa Iskandar.

Iskandar began his remarks by pointing out Turkey's policies toward the Kurds and its duplicity in dealing with the Kurdish issue, saying, "The Turkish state's policy toward the people of northeastern Syria, especially the Kurds, reveals a stark contradiction between official rhetoric and actual practice. While Ankara raises the slogan of 'brotherhood' between the two people, we see on the ground systematic hostile policies embodied in repeated military threats, support for armed groups to destabilize the region, the imposition of demographic change policies, and the restriction of freedoms."

 He explained that "this contradiction can only be understood in the context of the narrow security vision adopted by the Turkish state regarding the Kurdish issue, whereby it treats any democratic or pluralistic experience in the Syrian neighborhood as an existential threat, not an opportunity for cooperation or understanding. It fears that the success of this experience would serve as an inspiring model for millions of Kurds inside Turkey, exposing the fragility of the notion of "brotherhood" it promotes. Furthermore, talk of brotherhood amidst bombardment and demographic destruction is nothing more than an attempt to embellish a political image that is inconsistent with reality. True brotherhood is not built on denial and exclusion, but rather on recognition and mutual respect, which is what current Turkish policies lack.

Iskandar believes that "the possibility of developing democracy in Turkey and protecting the rights of Kurds, both inside and outside the country, remains limited as long as the ruling mentality approaches the Kurdish issue from a security perspective rather than a rights-based one. Democracy is indivisible, and it cannot flourish domestically while being suppressed abroad. When the state practices hostile policies toward neighboring peoples and demonizes any experience of self-governance or cultural pluralism, this reflects a structural crisis in its understanding of democracy itself 

He emphasized that "justice is not built on double standards, and it is impossible to talk about protecting the rights of Kurds inside Turkey while they are viewed outside of it as a threat that must be contained or eliminated. This paradox undermines the credibility of democratic discourse and perpetuates the logic of hegemony rather than the logic of partnership. Any genuine democratic project in Turkey must begin by redefining the relationship with the Kurds, not as a "security problem," but as partners in the homeland, history, and future. This recognition must also extend to neighborhood policies, where respect for the will of the peoples of Syria and Iraq becomes part of the state's ethics, not an exception managed by cannons and aircraft."

 Leader Abdullah Ocalan's Initiative and the Path to a Political Solution

Regarding what is required of Turkey, he said, "It would have been more appropriate to heed Leader Abdullah Ocalan's initiative calling for peace and a democratic society, as it presents a historic opportunity to end decades of conflict and open the door to genuine reconciliation with the Kurds, instead of hostile policies that have only brought isolation and tension. What is required first is recognition of the rights of Kurds in Turkey, by abolishing discriminatory laws, ensuring political representation, and recognizing their cultural and linguistic identity. This is because democracy cannot be exported abroad while it is being undermined at home. Ankara must also recognize the rights of neighboring people, foremost among them the Kurds, to determine their political and cultural destiny without tutelage or interference. This recognition means accepting diversity as a source of strength, not a threat."

He added: "Instead of the logic of hegemony, adopting an approach of partnership and dialogue with the democratic forces in North and East Syria would be more effective than supporting mercenary gangs or using military force as a negotiating tool. This approach also requires an ethical foreign policy that views the stability of the neighborhood as a common interest, not an arena for settling scores or imposing influence. The first step towards change begins from within, with reconciliation with the Kurdish community within Turkey, which is the natural gateway to reconciliation with the regional environment. When Ankara realizes this reality, it can transform from a state in crisis into a democratic regional model to be emulated."

The Kurdish People's Options in Syria

The Syrian writer spoke about the Kurdish people's options, saying: "In light of Turkey's hostile policies, the Kurdish people in Syria have essential options to defend their rights, most notably establishing a comprehensive democratic model in North and East Syria, building alliances with other components, and actively participating in international forums to document violations and defend the cause. Grievances alone are not enough; they must be transformed into an influential legal and moral narrative, while avoiding reckless reactions that could be exploited to justify escalation. Investing in culture and identity remains a silent, yet profoundly impactful, resistance option, because people who fortify their memories make it difficult for others to erase them and establish a sustainable soft power in the long term."

Iskandar stated that despite the deep tensions, scenarios for improving relations between Turkey and the Kurdish people in Syria are conceivable, provided that certain internal and regional equations change and that there is a political will that transcends the security mentality. If Turkey experiences a fundamental political change, represented by the rise of democratic forces that believe in pluralism and people's rights, this will naturally be reflected in its foreign policy, including its relationship with the Kurds. This is because democracy does not remain confined within its borders, but rather exports its ethics abroad.

Regional and international powers could also play a mediating role between Turkey and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), especially if this is linked to shared security issues, such as counterterrorism and border control, which would ease tensions and pave the way for gradual understandings. If the region stabilizes and shared economic opportunities emerge, such as trade, energy, or reconstruction, these interests may tempt Turkey to adopt a more pragmatic policy that promotes cooperation and reduces hostility. On the other hand, international pressure, especially from the European Union and the United States, may lead Turkey to modify its behavior and adopt a less hostile rhetoric toward the Kurds.

Syrian writer Diaa Iskandar concluded by saying, "Ultimately, these scenarios remain hostage to political will and the ability to transform historical pain into an opportunity to redefine the relationship, not based on domination or fear, but rather on mutual recognition and coexistence."