Reactions from the international community continue against the occupation attacks targeting North and East Syria carried out by mercenaries affiliated with the Turkish state, including the ISIS and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). French Senator Rémi Féraud, one of France’s leading politicians, spoke to ANF and shared his assessment of the developments.
Silence is unacceptable
Senator Rémi Féraud said he finds the attacks carried out by Turkish state-backed jihadist groups against Rojava unacceptable and alarming. Senator Féraud said: “The media presents a very sanitized picture by ignoring the deeply Islamist and jihadist character of the new Syrian regime. Last week, I addressed the government in the Senate through a parliamentary question. I warned against France’s silence and inaction. This situation was both unacceptable and deeply worrying. There now seem to be some developments, but unfortunately, they have come far too late.
It is clear that Erdoğan, the jihadists, and the new Syrian regime took advantage of the complex international situation, with attention focused on Greenland, Ukraine, and Iran, to make a move against Rojava.”
A planned and deliberate attack
Senator Féraud said the jihadist Syrian regime attacks that began in Aleppo and spread to Rojava were carried out within an international framework led by Turkey. He said:“Erdoğan does not accept a Kurdish autonomy in northern Syria, close to Turkey’s border. He equates everyone with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and therefore labels them as ‘terrorists.’ He plays a significant role in supporting Islamist groups and the new Syrian regime. It appears that at the beginning of January, other countries, including France, were caught unprepared. The attacks on Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo were a precursor to the assaults on Rojava.
Today, Kobanê is under siege and facing near starvation. If nothing changes, other Kurdish regions in northern Syria will be under threat tomorrow as well. All of this is being carried out in a planned, determined, and deliberate manner. Erdoğan’s determination is clear.”
Kobanê is a symbol for everyone
Senator Féraud said that Kobanê has come under heavy attack and added: “Kobanê is not only a symbol for Kurds, but also for the West. Ten years have passed since the defeat of the ISIS by the Kurds and the liberation of Kobanê. Kobanê remains a symbol and continues to hold its importance in Western public opinion.”
Autonomy must be recognized
Senator Féraud said he was impressed by the mobilization of Kurds and Kurdish communities across Europe and called in particular for France to take a firm stance on recognizing the autonomy of Syrian Kurds. He said: “The right of Kurds to self-determination must be emphasized. Reducing everything to Syria’s sovereignty and unity is not sufficient. We must push for a decentralized Syria in which different components are respected. Not only Kurds, but also Alawites, Druze, and Christians are in a very difficult situation and are facing far greater persecution than is acknowledged in France.
I want to join the mobilization to protect and support the Kurds. Leaving them alone, even though ten years have passed since the war against ISIS, is a very clear mistake.”
The United States betrayed the Kurds
Senator Féraud also addressed what he described as the betrayal of the Kurds by United States President Donald Trump, stressing that the French president must take a firmer stance. Féraud said: “This must be stated clearly in public, sustained over time, and organized in coordination with the international community and the Kurdistan Regional Government. In the United States, many members of Congress and senators also mobilized against Trump’s decision. A few years ago, when Trump decided to withdraw American troops from northeastern Syria, he was unable to fully carry it out because there was strong mobilization.”
A danger for Europe as well
Senator Féraud recalled that the 2015 Paris attacks were planned from Syrian territory and said the attacks on Rojava also pose a risk for Europe.
Féraud said, “Thousands of jihadists could be released because of these attacks. It is claimed that French jihadists have not escaped, but I am not certain of this. This constitutes a direct risk in terms of terrorism in Europe as well, and it requires action.”
A clear stance must be taken against Erdoğan
The senator said a firm position must be adopted against Turkey, which he described as the power behind the attacks on Rojava, and added: “It is necessary to be firm toward Turkey; otherwise, what has happened in Cyprus, Karabakh, and Syria will happen again. Turkey is a large country, a member of NATO, and of geostrategic importance. But if we are not firm against the imperialism of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we will not be able to protect the Kurds from the will to erase them. This is why a firm stance must be taken against the Turkish president.”
Rojava is a model, we must protect it
Senator Féraud underlined the importance of the Rojava model for the region and issued the following call for its protection: “In France, I will struggle to protect Rojava, the Kurds, and a more democratic, more egalitarian model of society. The Rojava model is indispensable for the Kurds and represents a genuine hope for the entire Middle East. I am worried and saddened by the attacks, but I am impressed by the mobilization carried out for the Kurds.
Across Europe, demonstrations are taking place every week, and the public making its voice heard and pushing governments to act is decisive. We must take action to protect Rojava.”