unity of peoples is a fortress against sedition, sectarianism

Pivotal moments in history have always been turning points that reshape the consciousness of peoples and establish the principles of dignity and justice. In this context, with the approach of the twenty-first anniversary of the Qamishlo uprising on March 12, 2004, this uprising remains one of the most significant milestones in the history of the Kurdish people.

It formed a cry against injustice and established the principle that rights are seized, not granted. This uprising was not just a fleeting reaction; it was a spark that ignited the spirit of struggle and contributed to the establishment of the autonomous administration project, which has today become a model of resistance and political and social organization.

A lesson from history: How to ignite discord

The events of March 12 began in the city of Qamishlo during a match between the clubs al-Jihad and al-Fatwa, when the Ba'athist regime at the time exploited ethnic differences and incited conflict among the fans. Provocative chants were used, and the situation escalated to direct gunfire on Kurdish civilians, resulting in the martyrdom of 38 people and the arrest of thousands, turning this massacre into a widespread popular uprising.

Today, with the rising tensions in the Syrian coastal regions, we find that the tools of sedition have not changed. The incitement that was directed against the Kurds in 2004 is being reused in the same way against the Alawites and other components of Syrian society, in order to ignite an internal conflict to undermine the unity of the people. However, the lesson learned from history is that solidarity and awareness are the strongest weapons in confronting any attempt to tear apart and stir up sectarian strife.

The role of martyrs in building the future

Hamdeen Nabi, one of the eyewitnesses, recounts how the Ba'athist regime deliberately stirred chaos and moved the fans of both teams to unusual places in the stands, in a calculated plan to ignite a bloody conflict between Arabs and Kurds. How similar today is to yesterday, as the same media and political tools are used to create a rift among the components of Syrian society. However, the experience of the March 12 uprising has proven that the unity of the people is capable of thwarting any divisive plot to prevent the repetition of past tragedies.

In his turn, Marai Mohammed, the father of one of the martyrs of the uprising, likened what is happening today to what happened in 2004, warning that the plan is the same: to stir sectarian strife and undermine internal stability. However, he affirms that the will of the people is stronger than any attempt to extinguish the flame of freedom, saying: "No regrets, for rights are not granted, but taken. We saw the fruits of this uprising in 2011 when the youth rose to defend their rights, and today, the Kurds have become an essential part of the international equation, all thanks to the sacrifices of the martyrs."

Solidarity is stronger than any conspiracy plotted against the components and peoples.

The true balm for the wounds of sectarian division lies in building a society governed by secularism and social justice, which fortifies the community against attempts at division. What happened in Qamishlo in 2004 and what is happening today in the Syrian coast confirms that the enemies of the people do not stop sowing the seeds of discord. But history proves that solidarity is stronger than any conspiracy. The battle is not between the components of society, but between those who seek freedom and dignity and those who want to ignite strife to preserve their power. It is a battle between the oppressor and the oppressed.

In light of these challenges, initiatives are emerging that reflect the will for change and the building of a better future. The agreement reached on March 10 between the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces and the head of the Damascus Authority is considered a positive step towards Syria's future, which can only be built through unity and cooperation. Only through unity and justice can we overcome hardships and build a future worthy of the sacrifices of the Syrian people.

T/S

ANHA