Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) Co-Chair Ahmet Karamus spoke to ANF ahead of Newroz, which will be celebrated under the slogan “Kurdistan Alliance,” evaluating the overall picture shaped before the holiday, including the risks and possible opportunities for Kurds arising from the war between Israel, the United States, and Iran; the political alliances developing among Kurdish parties in Eastern Kurdistan (Rojhilat); the stage reached in Rojava’s new integration process; the attacks targeting Southern Kurdistan (Başur); and the ongoing peace process in Northern Kurdistan (Bakur), along with the political position of Kurds across the four parts in the new century.
Ahmet Karamus addressed the impact of the clashes between the United States, Israel, and Iran on the region and said: “Everyone has, to some extent, assessed the possibility of such a war and the likely outcomes that may emerge. This war has affected the entire region to a certain degree. Our previous assessments showed that this war is not limited only to a conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Because our earlier evaluations indicated that this is a Third World War and that it will continue for a certain period. The aim of this war is highly significant in terms of changing the existing status quo, altering all the status and borders across the Middle East, and building a new order.”
Karamus also addressed the impact of the current war on Kurdistan. He said: “We now find ourselves right in the middle of such a war. This war affects Kurdistan to some extent, and it is especially necessary to see that the war is directed at Iran, and that this must be evaluated in a much more specific way in terms of Eastern Kurdistan. By ‘specific,’ it is necessary to make an assessment in line with the particular conditions of Rojhilat. This war is taking place over Kurdistan. Because this situation affects Rojava, it affects Southern Kurdistan, and it affects Eastern Kurdistan. To some extent, this war also affects Turkey. Therefore, its serious impacts on Northern Kurdistan must also be taken into account. Because Turkey’s stance and attitude, especially toward this war, show differences.”
Kurds must act together
Karamus assessed the evolving political situation in Eastern Kurdistan within the context of the war and said: “This situation may affect Iran as a whole. Iran’s existence is on the agenda; in other words, whether the current state borders will remain is a matter of debate. In this respect, because it affects the Kurds, this situation will present a very significant picture for them. For Eastern Kurdistan, it may represent both an opportunity and an achievement, while also carrying certain risks. This process marks a very important stage, particularly in terms of the current political environment in Eastern Kurdistan, the condition, position, strength of political parties, and their ability to act together. This process is critical in terms of where Iran and the current war are heading. Existing political parties must be very well prepared and must assess the situation seriously.
In terms of the analyses and evaluations to be carried out, it is very important for Kurds to act together, this may take the form of unity of forces or political alliances. It is crucial that the five or six existing political parties, organizations, and institutions act together. This alliance and strategy must include all parties; a common strategy must be put forward. What this strategy aims for, what it seeks to achieve, and what the position and demands of the Kurds are must be clearly defined. The program and objectives must be set out clearly.
Eastern Kurdistan must take into account both the gains and the risks. If this process is managed correctly and if action is taken in line with the ‘third way’ strategy, the Kurds will play a very significant role. This role should be reinforced through a common strategy, taking into account our past experiences and the outcomes in Rojava.”
Gains must be under constitutional guarantee
Karamus also assessed the Rojava integration process and the agreement reached with Damascus, drawing attention to the fact that the parties interpret the integration provisions differently, and said: “From the perspective of the Damascus administration, integration may mean assimilation, or the role and form that the Kurds will gain through integration may be interpreted differently from that of the Damascus administration. In an integration process without constitutional guarantees, no concrete steps have yet been taken.
Some of the gains achieved should be considered together with the conditions highlighted by the current conjuncture. The attacks of January 6–7, 2016 were aimed at eliminating the gains in Rojava, but the process developed differently. We do not foresee these gains to be long-term unless they are secured under the future constitution of Syria. In this respect, agreements must be supported by constitutional guarantees.
The integration process presents a contradictory and complex situation. Dialogue between the parties continues, but as long as the war goes on, concrete steps should not be expected. The outcomes of this war will affect Rojava. Gains must be under the guarantee of the constitution.”
Southern Kurdistan is under threat
Karamus also drew attention to the fact that Southern Kurdistan is affected by the war directed at Iran and is being constantly pushed toward conflict under pressure and continued: “Attacks targeting Southern Kurdistan are ongoing. Missile and unmanned aerial vehicle attacks continue in Erbil (Hewlêr), Sulaymaniyah (Silêmanî), and other areas. There are different assessments regarding the source of these attacks. Groups formed by Shiite factions in Iraq that support Iran may be responsible, including the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi) or other organizations. Southern Kurdistan is subjected to these attacks on a daily basis. From last night to this morning, nearly 20 attacks took place. The economy, military fields, and bureaucracy have been affected.
If ground attacks are added, Southern Kurdistan will find itself at the center of the war front. This situation creates a major danger and puts the gains at risk. If the war expands on the ground, the dangers and risks will increase. Kurdistan, in all four parts, is caught between risks and threats.
Unfortunately, Kurdish parties are not fulfilling their responsibilities regarding a common stance and strategy. In Southern Kurdistan, there are political contradictions and dysfunctions within the parliament. Political fragmentation continues in other parts as well.
As the KNK, we have repeatedly issued warnings and called for joint action. So far, no concrete steps have been taken. Dialogue, a common stance, and a shared strategy must be established urgently. This is of vital importance for Eastern Kurdistan, Southern Kurdistan, Northern Kurdistan, and Rojava.
If actions continue to be guided by an old mentality and factionalism, serious dangers and losses will emerge. If Kurds do not act together, they cannot achieve gains. Immediate action must be taken to address the issue of unity, and dialogue and negotiations must be carried out. A national congress or an inclusive conference must be organized.
As the KNK, our preparations and dialogues are ongoing. Previous conferences that produced a common stance set an example, but today, sufficient momentum is not being observed.”
Let us build the spirit of unity at Newroz
Ahmet Karamus reminded that the Kurdish people stopped the attacks against Rojava by demonstrating a model of joint resistance and collective struggle in all areas of life, emphasized the importance of celebrating Newroz with this spirit, especially in the diaspora, and made the following call:
“Kurds must celebrate Newroz by acting together. We believe that this unity will strengthen the ground for the future and the conditions for acting together. Kurds in the diaspora should also join this movement of unity. Newroz is a national holiday and a day of resistance; it is one of our greatest symbols. Uniting around this symbol and demonstrating our strength will increase the morale and motivation of our people.
I celebrate the Newroz of all people of Kurdistan and hope that they act together. Kurds must demonstrate their own strength and unity.”