Suad Mistefa, mother of Martyr Hevrin Xelef, said that women cannot be deceived by this constitution and that the slogan “Jin, Jiyan, Azadi” will always win.

📌 International şehïd memorial
On March 24 a commemoration for international şehîds took place in Qamişlo, gathering dozens of internationalists to remember the struggle of our fallen internationalist comrades. March 24 is the date that Elefteria Fortulakis, a woman from Greece, burned herself in 2006 to protest for the imprisonment of Abdullah Ocalan. It was the 5th year this commemoration took place in Rojava, with delegates from “families for peace” from Germany as well as other groups and organizations. The event also hosted the screening of the movie “Lêgerîn – In search of Alina”, exploring the life of şehîd Lêgerîn, a doctor from Argentina who joined the guerilla in the Kurdish mountains and lost her life in a car accident in Rojava in 2018.

📌 Eid celebrations
At the end of March, closing the Ramadan, the celebrations of Eid become an important event in all Muslim world. In Syria Eid started on March 31st, and for 3 days families will be visiting relatives and friends, eating sweets and strengthening social bonds. Political organizations also celebrate eid visiting each other and building diplomatic relations. The new transitional government made a televised prayer all together from the presidential palace.

💬 Some thoughts
The celebrations of Eid are an important reminder of the value of social bonds in this society, with kurdish and Arab mothers and grandmothers spreading sweets and candies among kids on the streets. Every receiving guests and going to visiting their relatives and neighbors for three days. It also comes with the arrival of the spring, as well as the recent celebrations of Newroz dancing around the fire. It also come together with the celebrations of Akito, the Assyrian new year, making a very lively days and cheerful days. News of agreements and peace talks combine good with the atmosphere of this festivity, combining well with hopes of peaceful times and the end of bloodshed in Syria. 

For us it’s also an important time to join the local rhythm of this society, to visit friends and neighbors and receive the guests that come to visit us, putting in practice the lessons of hospitality and cultural fluency we learned over the years living and taking part of this revolutionary society. And yes, it’s true that there is a religious component in these celebrations, just like Christmas in Christian countries, but we also learned to not focus on that detail and to value these days for the human and social aspect they bring. Social relations are the key to sustain the networks of mutual aid that are foundational in our anarchist values, and every opportunity to strengthen these bonds of friendship and solidarity should be cherished and celebrated.

Revolutionary greetings! 🖤

Weekly highlights 31.03.25 - 06.04.25 

📌 Israel attacks and tensions with Turkey
Israeli troops in southern Syria were met with resistance when some armed individuals confronted their advances with light weapons. After a brief exchange of fire IDF soldiers withdrew from the area, hitting back with artillery shells and airstrikes leaving at least 9 dead. Several Israeli airstrikes hit locations in Damascus, Hama and Homs, where Turkey aimed to build a military air base. Israeli state sources said the attacks are a warning against Turkish expansion in Syria, referring to reported Turkish plans to take control of Tiyas airbase in Homs countryside with a view to deploy air defense batteries and drones. Turkish official channels strongly denounced the Israeli attacks, but also stated that Turkey has no intentions to escalate conflict and risk war with Israel. Thousands of Syrians from Daraa gathered at the funeral of those killed by Israeli airstrikes and elsewhere protests were held to denounce the Israeli aggression.

📌 Agreement on YPG and YPJ withdrawal from Aleppo
Following agreements between the provisional government and SDF, negotiations to normalize the situation in the Kurdish neighborhoods of Aleppo became the first visible step of the military reorganization of Northern Syria. A convoy of hundreds of fighters left the historic Kurdish neighborhoods of Şêx Meqsûd and Eşrefiyê, waving YPG and YPJ flags, escorted by forces of the Ministry of Defense. The convoy moved to Tabqa and other areas under control of SDF. The negotiations included exchange of prisoners, with around 100 prisoners from each side already transferred. Political agreements include certain autonomy of the local political institutions and organizations, as well as representation in the political organs of the region. Military forces connected with the Ministry of Defense will have presence in the area, but local Kurdish security forces (Asayiş) will remain in the neighborhoods to ensure protection of the population, with agreements to integrate them in the security and police institutions of Aleppo in the future. Local structures will persist until a permanent solution is reached within the ongoing negotiations for all north-east Syria and freedom of movement in the city will be ensured for all residents. Observers suggest that the Aleppo Agreement could serve as a template for similar understandings in other contested regions of Syria, particularly where different military and political actors maintain overlapping spheres of control.

📌 Assyrian new year and declarations against the new constitution
The Assyrian new year - Akito - was celebrated all along northern Syria on the first of April, with Assyrians, Syriacs and Chaldeans gathering to dance and celebrate. The Assyrian community also made clear at those events that they are not sufficiently represented in the new Syrian state, with declarations and statements denouncing the lack of diversity and inclusivity in the new constitution. Major Assyrian cultural organizations believe minorities are under threat due to the salafist ideology underlying the new government. 

📌 Celebrations for Ocalan’s birthday and the foundation of YPJ
On April 4th many people celebrated the birthday of Abdullah Ocalan. In Rojava it is common to organize reforestation events, planting trees to restore forests and celebrate nature. This is also the day that YPJ was founded, marking 13 years of struggle in defense of the people of north-east Syria and against patriarchy. YPJ organized events highlighting the importance of women resistance and struggle and the value of Ocalan’s ideas in the revolution of north-east Syria. In Bakur, northern Kurdistan, people marched to Amara village, the birth place of Ocalan. On their arrival to Amara village they called for the Turkish state to act following the message of Ocalan and take steps towards democratization and engagement with the Kurdish political question.

📌 Repair works in Tishrin Dam
Technical teams have begun maintenance and repair operations at Tishrin Dam, paving the way for the restoration of its services and electricity generation. The dam has been a strategic point in the clashes between SDF and SNA Turkish proxies, suffering critical damage from Turkish bombs and attacks against SDF. As the military conflict slows down and negotiations advance, the rehabilitation of such critical infrastructure is a major step that can help provide electricity to the Syrian people. Clashes between Turkish proxies and SDF are not totally halted, but such initiative may suggest that agreements can make way for restoring Syria energy capacity. This would not have been possible without the efforts and sacrifices of the many civilian convoys that kept vigil on Tishrin dam, preventing further damage to it by Turkish attacks. The vigil goes on after several months of uninterrupted presence, keeping watch on the dam and supporting the resistance of SDF against Turkish attacks.

Weekly Highlights 07.04.25 - 13.04.25

📌 Further meetings between SDF and the Damascus administration
Following the 8 article agreement that was made on March 10 a second meeting was held between the two parts on April 12 to discuss it's progress, this time in Hesekê. The efforts to reduce tensions in Syria and end current conflicts were centered in the meeting, with the importance of protecting Tishrin Dam from military attacks as a priority. It was symbolized through a joint visit to the dam by other delegates on the same day. In addition a proposal was made to establish a committee ensuring the return of displaced people.

📌 Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah developments
The transfer of control over checkpoints in Aleppo is now underway, according to the agreement signed on April 1 between the General Council of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods and the Damascus administration. Transportation routes that were closed for four months have now reopened, and barriers have been removed through collaboration between local authorities. Suraqa Emorî, a representative from the General Security Authority of the Damascus government, stated that efforts to release detainees will begin following the removal of barriers and the reconstruction of checkpoints. This serves as an ongoing attempt to move from negotiations to addressing previous and existing tensions, and as of now Suraqa reports "...the process of releasing detainees from both sides is ongoing without interruption and is expected to be completed soon".

📌 Talks between Israel and Turkey
After the tensions last week both Turkey and Israel have met in Azerbaijan to discuss de-escalation of the situation in Syria. Talks concerned rules of non-engagement and to this day the topic is not concluded. This took place while Netanyahu was at the White House meeting with Trump, who in turn talked about his good relations with Turkey and how he "congratulated Ergodan for taking over Syria".

📌 USAID resumed for limited food programmes
While trying to push the envelope for how quickly one can hollow out US agencies (and consolidate power to loyalists) Trumps' administration is now facing some hard limits and successful pushback. One result has been the reinstatement of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) food programmes for almost all countries previously receiving it. This happened due to the World Food Programme (WFP) warning that the cuts could “amount to a death sentence for millions of people facing extreme hunger and starvation.” Syria is among the countries whose aid is restored, while Afghanistan and Yemen remain excluded due to "concerns of benefiting terrorist groups."

📌 Afrin transition
The withdrawal of SNA forces from the territories of Afrin continues. The mercenaries are being replaced by the HTS, the new Syrian Army, and the SNA roadblocks are disappearing. Kurdish families who fled the Turkish invasion have started to return to the region.
In place of Ghazi Entebbe, al-Sharaa appointed Masoud Betal, who is Kurdish but not affiliated with the SDF, as head of the region.
The situation in Afrin remained critically difficult for the Kurdish population even after the fall of the regime. The region was overrun by SNA fighters, the Kurdish population was subjected to violence and killings, and cultural heritage was destroyed. The consequences of seven years of occupation by Turkey and its mercenaries and the forced resettlement of the Arab population from Turkey into Afrin cannot be undone in a few months. Nevertheless, the first steps towards the implementation of the 10 March agreements are taking place.

📌 Barzani's Kurdish Women's Forum
On 13 April, the first Kurdish Women's Forum opened in Erbil. Masoud Barzani spoke at the opening about the importance of women in the history of Iraqi Kurdistan.

The conference will address critical issues through five main themes:

• Government and Parliament. Enhancing women’s representation and policy influence.
• Party Organization. Strengthening women’s roles within KDP structures.

• Elections and Regional Presidency. Ensuring fair participation in leadership roles.
• Kurdistan Women’s Union. Expanding advocacy and support networks.
• Social Media – Leveraging digital platforms for awareness and engagement.

Resolutions are to be implemented under Barzani’s supervision.

📌 Damascus Appoints Former Pro-Turkish Commander as Deputy Defense Minister
On Saturday, the defense ministry announced several new appointments in the new Syrian Army, among them a new deputy for the Defense Minister: Fahim Issa. He is the former commander of the Turkish-backed Sultan Murad Division that operated under the SNA. Those appointments follow a trend of incorporation of past opposition figures into the ranks of the new Syrian Army. It is still unclear if it will result in factionalism or in the neutralization of those past-opposition figures.
SDF did not issue any statements about the new appointments.

💬 Reflections
We started writing these updates four months ago in anticipation of the regime's downfall. Those were very eventful days and they brought with them a redistribution of forces in the region, heightened conflicts, uncertainty and hope. But, as is usually the case in the volatile world of fast information, the situation in Syria fades into the background amid other, sometimes more colourful and dramatic, world events. In this sense, working within the media landscape is always quite contradictory: stabilising the situation does not play into the hands of the main goal of the media - to draw attention to the problem. As a reader of these updates, this we're sure is not an unfamiliar dynamic.

And yet stabilisation is imaginary. Syria is still a bone of contention between Turkey and Israel, who each have their own interests and defend them in different ways, but with the same outcome: destruction of infrastructure and loss of life - but still with tacit or loud encouragement from Western countries. Northeast Syria has to balance on the thin rope of diplomacy to move forward with its revolutionary goals.

The 10 March agreements are constantly called into question by the contradictions that characterise the HTS government: yes, we are now talking about Afrin passing into the hands of the new Syrian government and even have a Kurdish representative in the governor's office. But what does this mean in the context of the composition of the new Syrian government, which is notorious for including representatives with Turkish citizenship or years of residence in Turkey?

When the hot phase of any physical conflict subsides, it’s easy to lose sight of reality and become entangled in endless diplomatic intricacies. Yet life on the ground continues, and no situation is ever truly final. While it would be misleading to suggest that everything is just beginning, given that the groundwork was laid centuries ago, a new round of tensions is certainly on the horizon. Whether the next hotspot erupts between Turkey and Israel, the US and Iran, amid a further transformation within HTS, or from an entirely unforeseen threat remains uncertain. What is clear is that, sooner or later, we will find ourselves drawn back into the heart of conflict.

Beneath these recurring crises lie the long-term challenges of rival empires vying for influence over Syria and the persistent upheavals spawned by the crisis of capitalism. However, recognizing these complex truths is also an opportunity: by understanding the past and the systemic roots of our current challenges, we empower ourselves to work toward transformative change. Every era of hardship has spurred new movements and ideas and more importantly; an ability to see and find each other. Not by ignoring the systems of oppression but by linking arms to challenge it.

Rather than resigning to an inescapable cycle, let us choose to engage, dream, and collaborate on building a more just and liveable future. History shows that even in the darkest times the seeds of life are sown. And while each generation has had their version of what felt like the end, our task now as always is to nurture them, together.

Revolutionary greetings! 🖤

Today, the anarchist movement remembers Dmitriy Petrov, Finbar Cafferkey and Andrews Cooper, who fell in battle near Bakhmut in 2023. Their names now stand with those of other comrades who have died on many fronts of our struggles over the past decades: among them the anti-fascist movement, the Maidan, the revolution and civil war in Syria, police violence, resistance to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and others.

With the deaths of like-minded and like-hearted people, our understanding of the complexity of revolutionary struggle grows. The reality of death and grievous loss confronts us all, and we see the need to have a strong culture of remembrance at the level of the entire movement. After all, all we have is each other. But it is not a little, it is a great wealth.

Our hearts grieve for those who have fallen in the struggle for freedom. Having died tragically on the battlefield, our comrades continue to live on in our memory and in the revolutionary cause to which they dedicated their lives. At the same time, we ask ourselves, why did it happen this way? What if the comrades had not gone on the attack that day? What if they had been on a different part of the front? What if the shells that took their lives had not hit them? These are endless questions. We can learn some lessons from everything, but in the end, we realise that tomorrow we may die, too. We can do a lot to prevent this from happening, but not everything can be prevented. Still, the most important thing we have in our hands is the power to decide to take our place in the fight, shoulder to shoulder with the rest of us. We all have something to live for and something to die for.
In Northeast Syria, walking into families’ homes, one often sees pictures of fallen people — comrades, şehîd, who gave their lives in the struggle. Almost every family has many şehîd, and their memory is sacredly honoured here. It is not just a tribute, it is part of life.

Every month in the region, there are events dedicated to the memory of şehîd. On these days, people come together to remember the fallen heroes, tell stories about their lives and devotion to the common struggle. The funeral process here is also special. Families, friends, and the whole community come together to say farewell to fallen comrades. Gathering thousands listen to speeches by the families of şehîd and friends, carry decorated coffins to the cemeteries of fallen revolutionaries. It is a collective process. People together, the whole crowd, give their loved ones to the earth, rowing the earth with dozens of hands. People sing songs, cry and organise the graves — everything is done together.

This culture of honouring şehîd is a powerful motivator to continue the struggle. It is a reminder that freedom comes at a high price, and that we need to remember those who have sacrificed for it. It is not just a mourning, it is an inspiration to keep fighting for a better future. But it is also a responsibility: by joining the struggle, we commit ourselves to continuing the cause of those who have died along the way. Our task is to take the flag of revolution from their hands and bring closer the world for which they fought.

The culture of remembering the fallen in the anarchist movement is becoming an increasingly important part of it. Our movement seeks to defend its ideas and proposals, insists on their acuteness, and brings them to the front line of resistance to invasions and aggression. This inevitably leads to painful losses in our ranks. Yes, there is grief, anxiety, and loss. But there is also great strength in the faces and memories of our departed comrades. They set us an example, becoming a compass in the storm of struggle. They are often the ones who lead new people into the revolutionary movement. Dedication and willingness to take risks show sincerity and attract people to pay attention to the essence of our struggle.

Continue reading (English below) here

Weekly Highlights 14.04.25 - 20.04.25

Hawl Camp Operations
SDF and Asayish carry through search and sweep operations to identify ISIS sleeper cells in Hawl camp, capturing 16 ISIS members so far. Co-ordinations with Syrian and Iraqi governments to return displaced persons to their homes are ongoing. Jihan Hannan, Co-Director of Hawl Camp warns: “The real danger lies in the radical ideas carried by children and women who have become victims of ISIS,”, rather than the presence of weapons and individual ISIS fighters.

Alleged Coup Attempt of Former Syrian Regime Thwarted
According to Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab, government forces intercepted what was described as an attempted coup allegedly planned by former regime officers targeting the transitional leadership of President Ahmad al-Shara. The ministry attributed the disruption to improved intelligence and coordination with defense and security agencies, although details such as timing and the involvement of specific individuals remain unclear. The incident highlights ongoing internal tensions amid Syria’s evolving political landscape and the confident and capable face the transitional government wants to project while at the same time facing no shortage of external as well as internal enemies.

Refugees Return to Syria
Turkey reports that 175,512 Syrian refugees returned already from Turkey to Syria since the fall of Assad. According to UNHCR 400,000 Syrians have returned from neighboring countries since the fall of the Assad regime. In addition more than 1 million internally displaced people (IDPs) within Syria have also returned to their homes.

Displaced Families Return to Homes in Deir ez-Zor
Several families moved back to Deir ez-Zor in the course of a program by AANES to let IDPs voluntarily return to their places of origin.

US Aims to Halve Its Troops in NES
Statement was made on April 18 from Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell to bring the U.S. footprint in Syria down to less than a thousand U.S. forces in the coming months. Rather than being called a "withdrawal" they use the language of "consolidation". While there has been long standing tensions between Trump and Pentagon on this issue, to the point where his first Defense secretary Jim Mattis resigned in protest, the current policies seems to split the difference between vulgar rants on X and US self serving interests abroad.
The statement ends with a call on the international community to repatriate their nationals and that US still has significant capabilities in the region with a continuous ability to adjust.

Al-Shara continues diplomatic visits abroad
Ahmad Al-Shara and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani held their first known meeting since the HTS takeover in Damascus, discussing joint border security and economic cooperation. Iraqi officials emphasized the need for a comprehensive political process in Syria and highlighted the importance of protecting its diverse social and religious fabric while countering threats like ISIS.

Platform for Unity of Kurdish Women
Representatives of 24 women organizations from all four parts of Kurdistan founded the Platform for Untiy of Kurdish Women in Sulaymanya aiming to strengthen national unity of women of Kurdistan as a precondition to peace.

Yezidi New Year
This year's celebrations of Red Wednesday, the Yezidi New Year, emphasized themes of resilience, freedom, and the importance of cultural preservation in the wake of years of marginalization and violence. In Dokar village the holiday with its traditional symbolism of rebirth and the arrival of spring was attended by many.

End For Water Crisis In Sight?
Renewed political coordination between SDF and the Syrian transitional government gives a glimpse of hope to stabilise new sources of water for the residents of NES. Alouk Water Station in Ras al-Ain (Sere Kaniye) might be turned operational again also for NES use, after Turkish occupation and war led to depriving of NES from this source as well as its shutdown in 2023.

Germany Stops Export of Eurofighters to Turkey
According to a media report, the German government is blocking the delivery of about three dozen Eurofighter jets to Turkey. A key reason for this decision is the arrest of Ekrem Imamoğlu, the ousted mayor of Istanbul, which has drawn sharp criticism of President Erdoğan from German officials. They describe the situation as an "attack on Turkish democracy," justifying the halt of the arms deal.

May 1st Committee Zurich Invites Ocalan to Be Main Speaker
The committee sent a letter to Imrali inviting Ocalan,to at least be symbolically at a distance the main speaker in this year's May First in Zurich.

Analysis

Operations in Al Hawl camp highlight the global consequences of colonization in so-called Middle east and Asia. Emergence of modern radical Islamist movements is directly connected to military and political strategy of global state powers in recent decades.
ISIS is no exception. Its criticisms of capitalism and western imperialism came with a brutal program of rape and genocide in war-torn Syria and Iraq. There was not much else that could be done than defeating ISIS militarily, and SDF succeeded in that. However, military victory did not resolve the problems that gave birth to ISIS in the first place. In his Manifesto for Democratic Civilization, Abdullah Öcalan observed:

"Even if we could win multiple victories with armies as mighty as those of Alexander, it would most certainly not be the victory of freedom. Military victories cannot bring freedom; they bring slavery; they can only be valued when won in defense of self, friends, and comrades. On the contrary, I find defending myself against such victories as necessary as defending myself against power itself. If I had my own armies, I would consider defending myself against their victories as the greatest struggle."

We can see this reflection in the current situation of ISIS in Syria. Incredibly valuable and necessary military defeat of ISIS did not erase the ideas on which the Caliphate stood. Today, Al Hawl camp shows us the value of continued struggle in the social sphere of education, rehabilitation and reconciliation. The same reflection can bring us to think about the defense of the revolution in the current political turmoil of Syria and its surroundings: it is not the military capacity which is the greatest or most important strength of this revolution. Its ideas are that strength.

And still, war continues to loom over Syria. With US troops reducing their numbers and possibly withdrawing in the future, ISIS doubling down on underground activities, Israel and Turkey dividing spheres of influence, rising tensions in the overall region and a fragile pause in fighting in the Northeast of Syria, the search for a political solution and way forward can crash against many dead ends. Nevertheless, current agreements, meetings and other developments give the self-defense forces of the revolution a much-needed break. Another round of escalation might not be too far away.

Weekly Highlights 21.04.25 - 27.04.25

Kurdish Unity Conference
The DAANES and SDF have been strengthening their diplomatic position, meeting with delegations from Germany, France and US. In a major step towards Kurdish political unity, more than 400 delegates from Northern, Southern and Western Kurdistan gathered in Qamişlo for the Rojava Kurdish Unity and Common Stance Conference. The final declaration, read out by Foza Yûsif of PYD and Mihemed Ismail of ENKS affirmed "a shared view and position based on a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multicultural identity, committed to international human rights conventions, protecting women's freedom and rights, ensuring their effective participation in political, social, and military institutions, guaranteeing the constitutional rights of the Kurds, and achieving a fair and comprehensive solution to the Kurdish issue within the framework of a united Syria."

The following day, the new Syrian regime accused the SDF of violating the terms of the agreement between Mazlûm Abdî and Ahmed al Sharaa, by promoting federalism and establishing a de facto separate reality on the ground, against the spirit of that agreement.

Syrian-International Relations
Representatives of the new Syrian regime continue establishing ties with countries around the world. A shipment of wheat arrived in Latakia, reportedly of Russian origin, the first shipment since the fall of the Assad regime. Al-Sharaa met with Iraqi government officials, discussing reopening the al Tanf border crossing, securing their border, the possibility of rehabilitating the Iraq-Syria oil pipeline to Syrian ports on the Mediterranean, and trade. Trucks began delivering grain to Syria from Iraq this week. South Korea & the Yemeni government will open embassies with Syria (a reversal of former Assad regime's ties with North Korea and Houthi rebels, who ran the Yemeni embassy in Damascus under Assad). Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani raised new Syrian flag at the UN in New York. The IMF is discussing how they will "help" Syria to recover economically.

UK removed several sanctions on Syria, including Defense and Interior Ministries, following other EU and US sanctions which have been removed, but many sanctions remain in place. The US have issued 8 demands to the Al Sharaa regime in order to waive further sanctions for 2 years, including a public ban on any Palestinian political activity, proscribing the Iranian IRGC as a terrorist organisation, and allowing unilateral US military action on Syrian territory. Perhaps in a gesture towards these demands, the regime arrested 2 leaders of al Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement. However, the Syrian regime expressed disagreement over these demands as infringing on Syrian sovereignty.

Syrian Government Consolidating State Amidst Opposition Forces
In the coastal region, an Alawite force has been created under Rami Makhlouf, cousin of former dictator Bashar al-Assad; they claim to be only for protecting the people and call for international forces, especially Russia, to support them. Meanwhile a new Sunni-Jihadist group, Saraya Ansar al Sunnah, ideologically very close to IS, began carrying out killings of Alawites allegedly connected to the old regime. They do not accept the transitional government and are open to collaboration with IS; they also say they will attack the Druze in the south. In Der ez Zor countryside, attacks against SDF continue; ISIS has claimed several in the past 2 weeks, though not all.

Against this, and the fragile truces negotiated with SNA and SDF, the new regime is seeking to extend its presence throughout the country. The Interior Ministry seized a large shipment of weapons allegedly bound for Suweyda, amid operations seeking to crack down on weapon proliferation in the Druze south. In Aleppo governorate, a former commander of al Nusra Front, Abdul Rahman Salama, was appointed deputy supervisor of Afrin, Azaz, al Bab, Jarablus and Manbij, as part of the provinces plan to intensify administrative presence in the area.

Commemoration of 1915 Armenian Genocide
This week marked 110 years since the beginning of the Genocide of the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, which went on to target Syriacs, Assyrians and Chaldeans. In the forced displacement, during which around 1.5 million Armenians and up to 500,000 Syriacs, Assyrians and Chaldeans were killed, almost all of the Armenians of modern-day Turkey were force-marched hundreds of kilometers to the deserts of Syria. Many Armenians in Syria are descendants of those survivors. Commemorations of the genocide were held in different towns and cities in North-East Syria, where the actions of modern-day Turkey in Syria and Artsakh were condemned as a continuation of the genocidal policies of the Ottoman Empire.

Reflections

The complicated tangle of overlapping interests in Syria and the region are continuing to change, as various states and bodies seek to press their advantage after the fall of Assad. The new regime in Syria is seeking to consolidate its position, amid the contradictory demands of states near and far. Iran is trying to salvage some of their tattered influence in Syria and Lebanon, but are under great pressure from the US, who simultaneously make heavy demands and not-so-discreetly threaten war. Israel is trying to prevent the emergence of a strong Syria, or the growth of Turkish influence. Turkey is trying to reach its fingers into every aspect of the newly emerging state.

The US is trying to mediate the conflicting interests of Turkey and Israel, aiming to avoid open conflict between them, while seeking to find an arrangement of the new Syria that suits them. The US seems to be supporting a large role for Turkey in the rebuilding of Syria, while trying to ease Israel's concerns about their perceived threats. This is reflected in the Americans' demands of the Syrian regime in exchange for sanctions relief, notably in the banning of all Palestinian factions in the country. While the new government sees this as an infringement on Syrian sovereignty, their arrest of Palestinian militia leaders suggests an amount of willingness to accommodate these demands.

In the face of all of this, al Sharaa is seeking new relations with many countries around the world, trying to get support from anyone who will give it. Their vision of sovereignty is heavily based on a strongly centralized model, and for all their claims that the new Syria will guarantee the rights of all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or confession, we know that the strongest guarantees of the rights and existence of any community are their autonomy and capacity for self-defense. The presence of DAANES and SDF at the negotiation tables today gives proof to that truth, as it is only through their assertion through self-defense and self-organization that they forced other parties to acknowledge the peoples of North East Syria and engage with them.

Of course, it is a well known tactic of imperial powers to divide their targets, to use minorities in order to divide and weaken a country, making it susceptible to their influence and aggression. Various countries in the region see a partition of Syria to their benefit, and are doing what they can to that end. The proposals of SDF and the Kurdish Liberation Movement in NES represent an alternative to such divisive tactics of imperialists and aggressors.

A truly pluralistic and confederal Syria, wherein each people takes its place with its own color in a confederal unity, offers a hopeful path. It can bring an end to the sectarian strife so often fueled and weaponized by those powers who see in Syria only pawns for their geopolitical games and resources to plunder. It remains to be seen if al Jolani's new regime will recognize the truth of this, or will sacrifice the Syrian peoples to foreign interests in order to secure his power.

Revolutionary greetings! 🖤

Weekly Highlights 28.04.25 - 04.05.25

📌 Clashes in Druze regions
After an audio of a Druze sheikh insulting prophet Mohammed spread in social networks, extremist Sunni groups attacked checkpoints on Druze areas, targeting Druze self-defense forces as well as checkpoint of the General Security Services (GSS) of the Ministry of Defense. The audio was confirmed fake, but clashes escalated with dozens of dead and many injured. Druze leaders condemned the attacks, some blaming the transitional government and comparing it with the massacres in coastal areas. 
Among those killed in clashes there is a leading figure of "Men of dignity", the biggest local Druze force, currently in negotiations with the provisional government to integrate forces in the new Syrian army. Several fighters of the GSS were also killed, as more forces were deployed in the region to deter further attacks against Druze population. Delegates of the provisional government held meetings with Druze leaders to deescalate the situation.

📌 Israeli bombing campaign
With the tensions surrounding the clashes on Druze regions, Israel bombed some positions where clashes were taking place. They also launched a wider bombing campaign targeting military positions of the GSS. One of the bombs was dropped a few meters away of the presidential Palace in Damascus. Israel ministery of Defense declared that the bombing was a warning to stop the attacks against Druze population, announcing plans for further attacks and expansion of their military campaign if the provisional government doesn't protect minorities. Many military positions around Syria were targeted, destroying military infrastructure and injuring military personnel. Some Druze civilians were also killed in one of the bombings of Israel. Many governments strongly condemned the attacks of Israel, including UN delegates, denouncing how Israel interference is threatening the stability of Syria.

📌 Stalling of the negotiations with NES
No new steps were taken in the negotiations after the agreements of March 10 were signed by Mazlum Abdi and Ahmed al-Shara. The damascus government criticized the conference of Kurdish national unity, accusing it of an effort to create division and separatism. Calls of the DAANES for a federal Syria are not being listened to by the central government, that sees the efforts to sustain the self-government structures as a threat to their model of centralized government. GSS forces have been deploying in the suroundings of Tishreen dam, even if no clashes are taking place there since mid April. SDF is also increasing security in the region, building up tensions that can spark future conflicts.

📌 ISIS leader captured in Deir Ezzor
SDF captured a senior leader in the Islamic State (ISIS) in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria. The continued work to monitor and target high rank ISIS insurgents, with support of the international coalition. The arrested leader served as the head of an ISIS cell focused on extorting money from civilians. A large cache of weapons and ammunition was also captured during the operation.

📌 Turkey building gas pipe in Idlib
The ministeries of energy of Syria and Turkey announced new agreements to provide energy to Syria. A new gas pipe is being build in Idlib, with promises to supply up to 6 million cubic liters of gas to power plans in Syria, with promises of a second pipe line also being build. A general framework agreement on energy cooperation between Syria and Turkey is expected to be signed soon.

💬 Evaluation
    
The clashes in Suweyda and the attacks on Druze regions, south of Damascus, are a trigger warning for all minorities in Syria. The recent massacres against Alawites are still very present for many, especially for those who oppose the power grab of al-Sharaa. Maybe because of that, the central government seems to be reacting much faster that they did in the coastal regions, with rapid deployment of security forces to prevent a spiral of violence going out of control. 

Kurdish areas are closely following the events, knowing that if this can happen to the Alawites and the Druze, the Kurds may be next. These incidents may affect the negotiations about integration of SDF in the new Syrian army, because if the transitional government can't prevent attacks on minorities, autonomous means of self-defense are the only way to ensure security. The tensions are also to be noticed in Tishreen dam, where military presence is building up in both sides of the river.

The Israeli attacks are using the incidents in Druze regions as an excuse to promote their agenda, destroying military infrastructure and justifying their armed operations in Syria. Turkey is among the strongest voices against the Israeli attacks, fueling tensions between the two major competing powers for influence in the region. 

For someone with a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Syria has been drowning in war for over a decade, with military force being the dominant force that shaped the present. It is not easy to escape that spiral of violence, and even after the regime has fallen, demilitarization of a conflict is a very complicated process. 

Looking at the rest of the world, at how many states are racing to increase their military budgets to unseen levels, it is more clear every day that we are moving globally towards war. This is not something we wanted to see, but we also have a responsibility to understand what is happening around us and react to it. We need to be ready for what is coming, and start working today to build the means of resistance that we will need tomorrow. When the war starts, it is often too late, and only those who are ready to face the challenges that arise can bring their proposals on the table.

Revolutionary greetings! 🖤

Weekly Highlights 05.05.25 - 11.05.25

📌 Visit al-Sharaa in France
Al-Sharaa visited France to have a meeting with Emmanuel Macron. News reported Macron’s proposal to strengthen the cooperation of the new government with SDF in the fight against ISIS. In the press conference after the meeting, The French president congratulated the common efforts of Syria’s transitional government and the Syrian Democratic Forces that resulted in the agreements of the 10th of March, calling it “an important stage in Syria’s history”. Macron called for a continuation of "the gradual lifting of European economic sanctions" if the new Islamist authorities stabilize the country. He added that USA should follow the same path and also should, "as long as possible", not withdraw American troops from Syria.
Demonstrations organized by Syrian migrants took place in France to denounce the meeting with the former leader of HTS. This meeting happened a week after a declaration from the foreign affairs ministry condemning the massacres perpetuated on the Druze population of Suweida. The declaration urged the Damascus transitional government to take back the control of a situation caused by "outlawed groups".

📌 New appointment in Damascus forces
On May 5th (Monday), Damascus transitional government appointed Ahmad al-Hays (Abu Hatem Shaqra) as new leader of the 86th division, responsible of security of the areas of Deir Ezzor, Raqqa and Hasaka. In 2018, he was implicated in the trafficking of Yazidi women and children and in recruiting former ISIS members. He is also responsible of the brutal murder of Hevrin Khalaf in 2019, who was the general secretary of the Future Syrian Party. Ahmad Al-Hayes is on the U.S. sanctions list accused of grave human rights abuses and links to the Islamic State (ISIS). A statement from the DAANES condemned the appointment. Kongra Star, the main structure of the women’s movement in Syria called for accountability, requiring the revocation of Al-Hays appointment and an apology to the family of Hevrin Khalef. On Thursday, the U.S. State Department strongly criticized the transitional Syrian government for this appointment in a press conference.

📌 Continuation of the tensions in Suweida
The tensions that started last week in the region of Suweida escalated. On thursday, forces connected to the military council of Suweida carried out an ambush on a car of the security forces of Damascus. The escalating violence pushed 300 students to be evacuated out from their university in emergency. Agreements are being made for Security forces of Damascus recently deployed in the area to withdraw, letting local police security forces from Suweida to take care of security. Different groups from the Druze community are calling for restraint and cooperation with Damascus government, while the military council of Suweida seems determined to fight for the defense of the Druze autonomy.

📌 Victory on Tishreen
The DAANES put an end to the rotations of civilians convoys going to Tirshin to support the SDF forces fighting. In the final statement of the last civilian convoy, victory was declared. The resistance of the dam stopped the attacks of turkish proxy forces, preventing the invasion of Kobane and further war against the DAANES territories. They remembered and thanked all those who gave their life in the defense of the dam, both civilians and military, as well as all those injured in the resistance.
Forces connected to the transitional government continue to be deployed in the surrounding villages, as SDF also continues reinforcing the region. For now, the military conflict is over, but clashes can restart in a near future if the negotiations don't reach satisfactory agreements for both sides. 

📌 PKK 12th congress
Between the 5th and the 7th of may, PKK held its 12th congress. Proposals and perspectives from Abdullah Ocalan were read and discussed, together with a report of the PKK Central Committee.

PKK commemorated the martyrs of the revolution and called on "patriotic people and all democratic socialist forces to properly embrace and live in accordance with all the national and democratic values". They announced that more details about the the congress will be published in the coming days.

💬 Evaluation
    
The resistance in Tishreen declared victory over the attacks of Turkish proxies, concluding almost 4 months of civilian vigil. People from all territories of the DAANES, from Kobane to Deir Ezzor, joined this popular initiative to defend the dam and stop the enemy advance. The combination of military defense and civilian resistance is a clear example of how the revolutionary principles of this revolution are put in practice. It shows the will and determination of the people of North-East Syria, ready to fight to protect their land and defend the achievements of the revolution. It also shows the value of diversity of tactics, how different elements can combine and support each other if they share common revolutionary aims. 

The appointment of Abu Hatem Shaqra as leader of the 86th division is bold decision that will have serious implications. The Damascus government making such appointment is an attempt to exercise power and demonstrate authority over North-East Syria, questioning SDF and the inhabitants of North eastern Syria. It is a direct and conscious provocation from a newly born authoritarian regime, that will for sure undermine the already challenging negotiation for integration of SDF in the new Syrian army. Abu Hatem Shaqra's connection to the turkish secret services is beyond question: he was the commander of a turkish backed group (Ahrar al-Sharqiya) and joined several meetings organized by the MIT during the Afrin war. For turkey, positioning SNA commanders like Abu Hatem Shaqra or Fahim Issa (nominated at the head of the ministry of defense of Syria a month ago) in the higher ranks of the new Syrian Army is a way to ensure influence and to guarantee the alignment of the new Syrian army with Turkish interests. His appointment also questions the US, which has his name on a terrorist list and already made statements condemning such decision.

The visit of al-Sharaa in France may seem a contradictory event, specially when UN and  many French politicians opposed such a visit. The French president made special permission for him, allowing the head of the transitional government to visit Europe for the first time. For al-Sharaa, this trip is another step towards legitimacy, probably hoping that other European states will follow the French example, also gathering support for the EU to lift economic sanctions on Syria. The French president emphasized their wish for the Syrian transitional government to strengthen collaboration with SDF, knowing that many international ISIS fighters in NES prisons have French nationality. Discussions about the new Syrian government taking control of ISIS prisons, as Turkey already proposed, necessarily rings the alarms for many countries. Intelligence services all over the world are worried about the future of those experienced salafist militants, especially if the current islamist government takes control of those prisons. Even if we can't be sure about it, this was probably one of the main reasons that motivated French state to invite al-Shara.

News about the recent congress of PKK are also raising questions about what implications will it have not only for Syria, but for all parts of Kurdistan. As for now not much information is available on what agreements were reached in the congress, but it is expected that official statements will soon be published.

Revolutionary greetings! 🖤

Weekly Highlights 12.05.25 - 19.05.25

📌 Deir Ezzor security operations and ISIS activities
After continued attacks on SDF checkpoints in eastern Deir Ezzor, SDF deployed additional forces to carry out a wider security operation. More than 10 ISIS linked individuals have been arrested after an extensive intelligence research, focused not just on sleeping cells, but targeting also networks of weapons and oil smuggling often connected with ISIS activities. Despite the defeat of the caliphate, insurgent activity of ISIS in the desert areas of central Syria continued. Since the collapse of the al-Assad regime, sunni fundamentalist groups are disappointed with the moderate politics of the transitional government of al-Sharaa. ISIS is exploiting those frustrations to recruit insurgents into their ranks, increasing their activities and expanding their networks. Syrian authorities also claim the arrest of an ISIS cell in Aleppo, as a reaction to a deadly attack of the fundamentalist group on a public security facility that resulted in the death of a security officer.

📌 Trump - Al-Sharaa meeting in Saudi Arabia
Trump announced in Riyadh that he will lift the sanctions on Syria, presenting it as “a new opportunity” for the Syrian government to restore stability. The declaration came during his speech at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh, where Trump is on a high-profile tour on middle east. After that announcement, a face to face meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa took place, together with Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Erdoğan, who joined online. The White House announced their request for Syria to expel Palestinian terrorists groups and to join the Abraham agreements (agreements of normalization of relations between Israel and Arab nations). Another major request was for the Syrian government to assume full responsibility for ISIS detention centers of northeast Syria, currently under control of SDF. The previous request of US for lifting sanctions of removing foreign islamists from government positions was not mentioned. Al-Sharaa invited U.S. companies to invest in Syria’s oil and gas sectors.

📌 More HTS and SNA appointments in government positions
The government of al-Sharaa continues to appoint important figures of HTS in key positions of the transitional government. This include Abdul Qader al Tahhan (Abu Bilal Quds) as Deputy Interior Minister for National Security Affairs, Hakim al Deiri (Dia al Din al Omar) as General Security Services (GSS) Director of Latakia Province and Muhammad Taha al Ahmad as Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab Affairs. Also this week a meeting with leading commanders of SNA was held nearby Serekaniye. They discussed about integration of different SNA groups in the new Syrian army, without requiring them to reform or restructure their forces. This brings important questions for the future of the M4 strip area between Serekaniye and Gire Spi, occupied by Turkish proxies since 2019. Thousands of families are waiting to return to their homes after they were expelled by the Turkish military operations more than 5 years ago.

📌 PKK ceasing activities
After a two day congress held in Irak, PKK announced that it will cease activities under such name and that the organization will disband. This statement follows the call of their imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, calling for a peace process and the resolution of the Kurdish question over political means. Turkish state welcomed the statement, but announced that it will continue its ground military operations on areas under control of PKK. Turkish President Erdoğan made declarations calling for the process of dissolution and disarmament to also involve the Syrian and European branches of the organization. 
Mazloum Abdi, head of SDF, welcomed the announcement of PKK describing it as a “historic and courageous” decision, marking what he called a pivotal moment for politics and peace in the Middle East.

“The PKK’s decision to dismantle its organizational structure, end the armed struggle, and adopt democratic politics based on the call of leader Abdullah Öcalan is commendable. We are confident this step will pave the way for a new phase of politics and peace in the region.”

💬 Evaluation
For more than six and a half months we have been reporting about the ongoing situation on Syria, with special focus on the development of the revolutionary process of north-East Syria. The region has been experiencing deep political changes and transformations, that we try to analyze combining the information that gets published with our experiences and sources on the ground.
We reached a point were this task is getting heavier for us, not being able to fully grasp the meaning of the unfolding events. In these circumstances, we consider it appropriate to re-evaluate our tasks and our role as anarchists in north-east Syria. We want to provide accurate evaluations, in line with our political perspectives and coherent with the principles of critical solidarity that characterize our vision of internationalism. 
The implications of what we are witnessing stretches beyond what we expected. We need to be careful about what we share with you all, and we will need some time to reflect what is happening in the new Syria that is being made, what implications does it have for Kurdistan and for Middle east and how this will affect the rest of the world. Overall, we need to reflect what lessons we, as well as other revolutionary movements, can learn from this situation.

Revolutionary greetings 🖤