The international community continues to comment on the attacks on Rojava carried out by groups affiliated with the Turkish state-backed Syrian Transitional Government. Statements have strongly condemned the occupation attacks and called for the protection of Rojava’s autonomous status and the model it has established.
Cédric Wermuth, Co-Chair of the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland (SP), one of the country’s leading political parties, spoke to ANF about the issue.
Attacks can never be accepted
Wermuth said that the regime change in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime has failed to meet the hopes it initially raised for the country’s future, adding that the attacks on Rojava are clear evidence of this. He said: “Unfortunately, we see that the hopes we had at the beginning of this regime change, that there would be a more proactive and productive integration within the country, have not materialized. The practices of the regime are an indication of this.”
He also strongly criticized the attacks targeting Rojava and said that assaults aimed at undermining the region can never be accepted. Wermuth said: “We see that this regime has carried out attacks against Rojava, which we have supported until now. What is happening is not only a security issue but has also turned into a humanitarian crisis. This situation poses not only a humanitarian disaster that is increasingly deepening but also a danger for the political project in Rojava. Yet the model that has emerged in Rojava is an example for the entire region.”
Rojava is a model for the entire region
Wermuth emphasized that Rojava has been targeted both by forces in Syria and by authoritarian regimes because of the democratic model it has developed. He also said: “The political model in Rojava is an extraordinary and progressive experience, particularly in terms of gender equality and democratic governance. Its basic functioning is built upon these values. Rojava presents an example of how a multiethnic and multicultural society can be organized in many countries across the Middle East. For this reason, Rojava is heavily attacked by such regimes. Despite all these attacks, I believe that the Kurds still have a chance to preserve a certain level of autonomy. All progressive forces in Europe must struggle for this.”
An unacceptable betrayal
Wermuth described the West’s stance in the face of the attacks on Rojava as a betrayal and recalled the Kurds’ struggle against ISIS. Wermuth said: “The fight against ISIS was carried out with the support of Kurdish fighters. Even after the defeat of ISIS, the Kurds continue to hold thousands of jihadists under control. Despite this, the Kurds have not received sufficient support. In the name of European values and ethical principles, they contributed to defending the borders of Rojava. Yet today we are witnessing an unacceptable betrayal.”
We must protect Rojava
Wermuth also criticized Europe’s approach toward Rojava and called on European governments and civil society to protect the region’s autonomous status and its model. He added: “European governments and civil society organizations must rise up in response to what is happening in Syria and protect the Kurds. Rojava and the model it has developed must be protected. This is necessary not only for humanitarian reasons but also for geopolitical reasons.”
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