Introduction
The explosive rise of the ‘Islamic State’ has created a radical new element in the Middle East.
IS brutalities have shocked the world. The rapid IS advance into Iraq exposed the rotten sectarian nature of the Iraqi state. IS threatens all existing states, as some of them are now starting to realise.
The imperialists are huffing and puffing and trying to find a formula to get back in. But what has dealt IS its biggest check is not the imperialists but the freedom struggle waged by the revolutionary wing of the Kurdish movement.
Furthermore, the ‘democratic confederalism’ model of the Rojava liberated zone offers an inclusive, democratic example to the whole Middle East, whereby people of different ethnicities and religions can live harmoniously together and build a secure, prosperous life.
That’s what is at stake in current battle for Kobani.
‘Martyrs do not die’
With near-continuous fighting across Rojava, death and martyrdom is common. Yet despite all the inescapable sadness of the funerals, they are turned into celebrations of the struggle. People chant ‘Don’t cry. Martyrs never die’, ‘Long live Apo’ and other revolutionary slogans. (‘Apo’ is Abdullah Öcalan, the jailed leader of the PKK.)
Where do the Kurds live? — 2
Turkey: Latest estimate is that there are 20 million Kurds, 27% of its 75 million total population. This is way higher than previous estimates. A large group like this cannot be simply made to disappear or denied education in their own language (the current situation).
What do the Kurds want?
Following World War I, there were hopes that the Kurds would get their own country but that came to nothing. The imperialists had other plans and the rising Ataturk regime in Turkey was implacably opposed to Kurdish aspirations. Kurdish history ever since then has been punctuated by revolts (Iran, Iraq, Turkey).
- Iraq: Kurdistan Regional Government controls an autonomous region within Iraq. Following early military KRG setbacks, independence is probably now off the agenda.
- Syria: The Kurds are not pushing for independence but want strong autonomy within a democratic republic
- Turkey: The PKK has dropped its previous call for independence; it wants strong autonomy within a democratic republic.
- Iran: Kurds want autonomy within a democratised Iran.
It is worth pointing out that in religious matters, the Kurds are very diverse. Majority are Sunni but Shia minority, also Alevis, Yezidis, Jews, even some Christians. There are Kurds in IS but most Kurds have a very strong national consciousness which comes before religious affiliation.
Rise of ‘Islamic State’
The map of the extended battlefield shows the main cities andtowns (from Aleppo to Mosul and Kirkuk).
What has given IS its apparent strength? Actual IS numbers appear quite small (a maximum of 20,000 fighters). But Sunni Arab disaffection with extreme sectarian Nouri al-Maliki regime in Iraq, also with Bashar Assad regime in Syria, has provided it with allies and collaborators.
Rojava: What is it?
There are three ‘cantons’ (non-contiguous). Kobanê may well disappear under the IS assault. Al-Hasakah and Qamishlo are shared with the Assad regime — live and let live.
Unrelenting struggle against IS gangs
Battles taking place around Kobani, Til Kocher/Rabia, Sinjar, Jazaa. At the end of August the YPG declared victory in the battles around Jazaa. Some 450 IS thugs had been killed but also 53 YPG fighters died. In one incident 10 women YPG fighters were cut off and died fighting to the last bullet.
A lot of the YPG-YPJ dead are young people, men and women in their late teens and early twenties. They have put everything on the line for Rojava and what it means, both for the Kurds and the other peoples of the region, and the social vision it represents.
A people in arms
According to Abdullah Öcalan, women and men should play an equal role in the society; no society can be free unless women are free. Around one-third of the defence forces of Rojava are women. They are fighting for their people and to win their rights in society. They are also ideologically trained so that they understand the importance of their fight in the whole society, not only for Kurdistan but also for all women in the Middle East.
Women
The PKK always set example on this with significant proportion (about one third) of women fighters (and martyrs). Women in the Rojava fighting forces (about one third in both YPG-YPJ) have set a tremendous example (‘demolishing taboos’). This is not the case in the KRG peshmerga (either in KDP or PUK). The struggle against domestic violence is given a big prominence throughout Rojava.
Turkey and the ‘Kurdish question’
Erdogan has made overtures to the Kurds; he says it is a top item on his agenda. In March 2013 the PKK made a peace deal with Turkish government.
But government is now building military posts all over Kurdistan, attacking Kurdish community schools. Turkey suppors IS: gives its thugs transit without restriction, hospital care, weapons. There is currently a boom in trade with Syria, mainly Toyota utes and flat tops. This support is critical for IS, without it they would be in real difficulties. Turkey refused to join the US 'coalition' or promise to do anything meaningful against IS.
Erdogan's big fear is a democratic Kurdish autonomous region on the border.
Advance of HDP
Significant gains made by Selahattin Demirtas and HDP in August presidential election.
Kurdistan Federal Region
The KRG is controlled by the KDP and the PUK: These are pro-capitalist parties. There is a lot of foreign (especially Turkish) investment, also lot of corruption and rise of poverty.
There are two types of leaderships.
- The KDP: in 2012 Massoud Barzani got $400,000 per month as KRG president (paid for out of the Iraq federal budget); his son Masrour secretly paid $10 million for a mansion in the US.
- The PYD: earlier this year, the 17-year-old son of PYD co-chair Saleh Muslim died fighting in the ranks of YPG. The female PYD co-chair Assiyah Abdullah is in Kobanê with the defence forces.
Our tasks in Australia
We have to spread the truth about what is going on. As usual, the mainstream media coverage is very crappy. Most of the left seems oblivious to what is happening or simply want to ignore it. Some anarchists are enthusiastic but their dogmas can get in the way.
This is a living social revolution. We have to do all we can to develop real solidarity with Rojava.
