HPG commander Laşer Rodî: Self-defense is crucial to counter capitalist modernity

Self-defense is a central concept of the grassroots model of democratic confederalism. In this ANF interview, People’s Defense Forces (HPG) commander Laşer Rodî talked about the social and philosophical dimension of self-defense and emphasized the need for self-protection against capitalist modernity.

“All anti-capitalist forces must act together”

Commander Rodî said: “Society can only destroy this system if it is united. Only when society acts together and defends social values ​​against capitalism would it be able to free itself from the tyranny of this system. All anti-capitalist forces must therefore act together. Because humanity’s greatest problem is the capitalist system. At this point it becomes clear how important it is to fight together. Society is always stronger than rule. Society has problems with fragmentation and disorganization. If society believes in itself, the system cannot win. Organization is the most important issue.”

“A self-defense system can be built with Öcalan’s paradigm”

Commander Rodî pointed out the importance of the ideology of the Kurdish people’s leader Abdullah Öcalan and continued: “The apoist [Öcalan] paradigm is based on a democratic, ecological and women-free society. The intellectual, ideological and philosophical problems that we raise can only be solved within this framework. This applies both to the Kurdish people and to the Near and Middle East as a whole. Rêber Öcalan has been offering perspectives in this regard for almost 20 years. The paradigm developed by Öcalan includes the solution of all intellectual, mentality-based, philosophical, ideological and sociological problems in the Kurdish society as well as in the societies of the Near and Middle East. It defends society, justice, morality and unity. A system of self-defense can only develop within the framework of this paradigm.”

“Revolution can only succeed through self-defense”

Commander Rodî continued: “This is how the modern form of revolutionary people’s war was developed by Rêber Öcalan. Revolutions in history have always developed as a result of the struggle of the people. The Kurdish people are now in the process of building their system and they are fighting a great struggle along this process. The people’s revolution can only succeed through self-defense. The Kurdish people must be aware of this. As Kurds, we are confronted with all possible forms of assimilation, repression and persecution. Every Kurd should understand its own reality and free himself from slavery. Our only goal is the revolution in Kurdistan. A sustainable liberation of Kurdistan. The Kurdish people should develop their self-defense in order to protect their social values. Every Kurdish youth should train and develop in self-defense.”

“The AKP-MHP regime tries to convey that it is still strong”

Commander Laşer Rodî underlined that the current phase is of the greatest importance for the Kurdish people as well as for the peoples of the Near and Middle East and added: “Northern Kurdistan in particular is facing an important phase. AKP-MHP fascism has reached its highest level. The regime directs its policy of extermination against society. Opposed to this is the struggle for freedom. Both the resistance of our party and the guerrillas and the resistance of our people are causing the regime great problems. AKP-MHP fascism is at its weakest point. Still, it tries to convey a message of strength. The regime tries to show its strength through massacre, repression and persecution. But it is going through its weakest phase. That is why there are bright days ahead of us.”

“Widen the fight”

Commander Rodî ended with the following remarks: “We can achieve these bright days by widening the struggle. The Kurdish people, especially women and youth, should not give in to the enemy’s genocidal policy and should intensify their struggle. We have to save society from the darkness of AKP-MHP fascism. The days of liberation are at hand, but it is necessary to struggle, get involved and work. If necessary, sacrifices must be made. On this basis we believe that everyone, every Kurdish patriot will fight and put an end to fascism.”