Salih Muslim: We want solutions, not hostility

The situation in Syria has changed dramatically since 27 November. In a rapid advance, the Al-Qaeda offshoot Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has conquered a large part of Syria including Damascus. Turkey is behind the offensive, whose jihadist proxy force, the “Syrian National Army” (SNA), supported the capture of Aleppo and then turned against the Democratic Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria (DAANES). The canton of Afrin-Şehba has now been destroyed; tens of thousands of people have been displaced. Meanwhile, the self-governing districts of Şêxmeqsûd and Eşrefiyê are holding out in HTS-occupied Aleppo. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have apparently managed to convince the jihadist alliance not to take action against the Kurdish districts during negotiations. This is likely to have angered Turkey greatly. It remains to be seen whether HTS has deviated from the Turkish agenda for the long term. In an interview with ANF, Kurdish politician Salih Muslim (PYD) gave an assessment of the current developments.

What does the new situation that arose with the attack on Aleppo on 27 November mean for Syria?

These attacks are carried out by HTS, formerly known as al-Nusra. The SNA was or is also involved in the offensive. HTS is organized and disciplined, whereas the so-called SNA is a mercenary force created by the Turkish state that is fed by hatred of the Kurds. It receives its orders from Ankara. Within the SNA there are many groups, all of which are criminal gangs. In short, the attack was launched jointly by the SNA and HTS, but it is controlled and led by the latter.

What are the lines of conflict? Are new alliances being formed?

Russia, Hezbollah and Iran form one front. On the other side, is the HTS, which has good relations with the Turkish state. And then there is us, the dynamics of Syria, which operates under the umbrella of the Autonomous Administration.

Under the current circumstances, is there a possibility that ISIS will also become more active in the region?

Of course. As soon as the offensive started, ISIS attacks began. ISIS has taken control of villages and areas in the east of Homs and is expanding its sphere of influence elsewhere. It was already present in the desert regions. Since these areas are located directly on the border of the autonomous region, ISIS poses a direct threat to us. In this situation, our forces will spread to Deir ez-Zor.

If the scales shift in the direction of the formation of a new government in Syria, will HTS take a corresponding position? Has your view of HTS changed?

Since the beginning of the Syrian war, everyone has repeatedly talked about a political solution. The Kurds were kept out of the talks about such a solution because the Turkish state was in the lead. No solution could be found because they did not want to sit down with us. Now the situation is changing. HTS is expressing itself differently. If HTS changes in practice and is no longer under the command of the Turkish state, we can talk and negotiate with each other. HTS speaks of unity and says it has learned from the mistakes of 2012 or the past; it propagates a Syria with different identities, both religious and ethnic. According to most interpretations and assessments, a federal system of three regions is sought for Syria. There is talk of a federal structure that will be created from a Sunni region in the west, a Kurdish region in the east and a region consisting of the regime areas. I do not know to what extent it will be realized, but it is clear that a new era will definitely begin.

Are there any talks or contacts between you and HTS?

There are some talks about mediators and the coalition. We had contacts in Aleppo to prevent fighting in the Kurdish neighborhoods. There are such contacts, and they say they have no intention of attacking us, but we do not know what will happen in the future.

According to various opinions, the jihadist offensives in Syria are due to the weakening of Iran and Russia. It is also claimed that there is an international agreement in which Russia is involved. What do you think happened?

I think we are talking about a well-prepared plan here. As soon as the Gaza war began, everyone predicted that new developments would follow. It is the beginning of the construction of the so-called Greater Middle East Project. This project is being implemented. The balance in the new Middle East will change. I think recent developments show this. Israel has dealt heavy blows to Hamas and Hezbollah. It has reshaped Lebanon. Now Syria is to be reshaped.

What influence does Israel have on the current developments in Syria?

It is not about direct influence, but Israel as a major power. For example, the weakening of Hezbollah is the reason why Aleppo fell. This is the result of Israel’s attacks. Whether you like it or not, the attacks and the current situation are connected.

When you think of Syria, two other powers immediately spring to mind: Iran and Russia. What do you think of their position?

Iran has always talked about expansion and Islamic conquest. But I think it is now turning inwards a little.

And Russia?

I can’t say, but there are high costs involved when Russia stands up and fights for others. Russia is already under great pressure with Ukraine. Russia will certainly be forced to review its relations with that country because of Turkey’s blackmail policy.

What do you think are the US plans?

The US is pursuing its Greater Middle East Project. This is a NATO project in which the US is leading.

How will the Autonomous Administration’s relations with the US and Russia develop in the light of the changed situation?

How these relations develop depends on the attitude of these states. There are a few facts that must be noted. Up to now, no solution has been found for Syria because the Kurds have been kept away from any debate about a solution. Now they are forced to take the Kurds into account in the solution. In addition, it has been recognized that the Kurdish question is an issue of the entire Middle East. Without solving the Kurdish question, the problems in the Middle East cannot be eliminated. Everyone has understood that it is imperative to solve this question. The Autonomous Administration is a party and part to the solution. Continuing to cultivate hostility would be nothing other than denial of reality. The Kurds in Syria see themselves as part of the country and want a solution. They are not hostile towards anyone. Therefore, the powers involved in the Syrian war should now behave rationally and accept this reality and coexistence. This applies most strongly to Turkey.

What do Israel’s messages regarding the Kurdish issue mean?

There is a reality that no one can ignore. The Jewish people are part of the Middle East. One may disagree and criticize some of Israel’s policies, but that does not change the reality. If it had seen us as natural allies, it would have done what was necessary already. This certainly has not happened.

Will the Astana talks continue?

I do not think the Astana talks will continue. We were invited in advance of the first Astana talks, but Turkey’s actions prevented everything. Astana has taken a different path. It has developed in a different direction, and what we are seeing in Syria right now is the result. If things had really gone as we discussed at the beginning, there could have been a solution. I do not think the talks will continue after current events.

What about the SDF’s presence west of the Euphrates, in Minbij and Deir ez-Zor?

Manbij is part of the self-governing areas anyway. It should not be compared to Aleppo or Tall Refaat. Our forces are defending Manbij.

What do you think is the solution to the crisis?

When the revolution began in Syria, we adopted the values ​​of the revolution. We defended the solution in the spirit of a democratic nation and organized ourselves accordingly. We have built a self-government in which all faiths and peoples participate. We created an example of coexistence. The other sides in this conflict did not accept this. The Turkish state was at the forefront of this against us. The war was imposed on us and this war continues to this day. We resisted this and now everyone has realized that our project is legitimate and sustainable. Of course, self-defense is very important to us. We implement it and strengthen it. We created an important practice as an example for the oppressed peoples. I think the social contract we have developed is exemplary.