Ongoing Struggles for Syria's Kurds Amidst Changing Political Landscape

The conflict in northeast Syria persists with Kurdish forces battling against both the remnants of ISIS and military pressure from Turkey. While celebrations mark the 10-year anniversary of the breaking of ISIS's siege in Kobane, concerns loom over their autonomy and safety.

To access the Kurdish region of Rojava in northeast Syria, one must traverse a precarious floating bridge over the River Tigris. The journey reveals oil fields marked by pumping jacks, indicating the region's resource wealth. The Kurds have carved out a self-declared autonomous zone here since the onset of Syria's civil war in 2012, yet their future remains precarious following the recent political upheaval in the region.

In January, residents of Kobane commemorated the ten-year anniversary since Kurdish forces, empowered by US support, thwarted an Islamic State (IS) siege that threatened the city. The historical significance of the day was palpable, while the city still bore marks of devastation. Women, once vital to the city's defense against IS, stood guard at checkpoints, emphasizing the essential role of female fighters in the struggle.

Newrouz Ahmad, recalling her brother's death during the IS attack, expressed a somber duality in the celebrations: "It is a joyful day, but also a painful one." Despite claiming victory over IS in 2019, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have struggled to maintain peace, facing ongoing Turkish military operations aimed at securing the border.

Turkey views the SDF, particularly its factions like the People's Protection Units (YPG), as extensions of the PKK, a group it has long categorized as a terrorist organization. The latest military offensive from Turkish-backed forces threatens to destabilize territories held by the SDF, with figures reporting that Turkish airstrikes have devastated energy infrastructure vital for local populations.

Kobane’s residents are once again on alert; Kurdish military commands are preparing for potential sieges, a stark reminder of the unrest they seek to avoid. The sense of vulnerability is coupled with fear that any displacement may reignite an IS resurgence, with thousands of captured fighters still in detention.

Amidst the chaos, calls for peaceful negotiations with the newly instated Syrian interim government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa reflect the complex political dynamics in play. However, Sharaa's alliance with Turkey complicates potential agreements with Kurdish forces. As Kurdish leadership finds itself sidelined in national dialogues, General Mazloum Abdi of the SDF warns that their struggle against both Turkey and IS remains ongoing: “In reality, we are still at war with Turkey and its proxies.”

For women who fought valiantly against IS, such as YPJ spokesperson Roksana Mohamed, their roles in governance remain uncertain, with fears that new leadership may sideline their rights. “If our rights are not respected, how can we be expected to lay down our arms?” she questions.

As the international community watches closely, the situation in northeastern Syria continues to evolve, caught between promises of peace and the grim realities of conflict. The Kurdish fate hangs in the balance — will they gain recognition in a new Syria or be forced into another cycle of war?