A new era has begun in Syria with the overthrow of the Assad regime. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) brought names who were involved in many crimes in the conflict process since 2011 to the temporary administration of the country. While high-level figures from European countries meet with HTS officials in Damascus every day, uncertainty about the future of the country continues.

 

On the other hand, attacks and threats against the people living in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, which has been acting along the "Third Way" line since the outbreak of the civil war in 2011, continue. Turkey and its affiliated Syrian National Army (SNA), taking advantage of the overthrow of the Assad regime, have been carrying out intensive attacks on the cities of Northern and Eastern Syria in recent weeks. Turkey has also accelerated its diplomatic relations to prevent the recognition of the status of North and East Syria.

 

Foza Yousif, a member of the Co-Presidency Committee of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), which has the widest social support in North and East Syria, evaluated the recent developments with Mezopotamya Agency (MA).

 

Stating that the developments in Syria have affected all political dynamics, Foza Yousif said, "There have been great changes in Syria both politically and socially. These changes affect all political forces as well as North and East Syria. On the one hand, there are forces supported by Russia and Iran, and on the other hand, there are groups supported by Turkey and Israel. Arab states also have various initiatives in the region. However, we can clearly state that any discussion on a solution that does not include North and East Syria cannot succeed. The strategic and political position of our region must be taken into consideration. Everyone should attend the meetings to be held."

 

Stating that HTS has built an administration only with the names under its control, Foza Yousif said, "The administration that HTS has established so far consists entirely of names loyal to itself. There is no place for anyone from different identities or beliefs, and there is no representation of women. This situation is a serious source of fear for women. When we look at the history of HTS, it is impossible not to worry. In areas such as Homs, attacks were organized especially against women and Alawites, and these attacks are still continuing. Syria is turning into a new Afghanistan today. People are tortured under the name of punishment on the grounds that they are associated with the Ba'ath regime. This situation poses a great threat not only for the people of North and East Syria, but also for the whole of Syria."

 

'THE CAUSE OF THE WAR IS TURKEY'S ATTACKS'

 

Pointing to Turkey's relations with HTS, Foza Yousif said, "Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan openly stated that they have relations with HTS dating back to 10 years ago. At that time, HTS was on the terrorist list. This shows that Turkey is acting in co-operation with HTS and is a partner in what is happening. Turkey's aim is to turn Syria into its own province. Turkey targets the territorial integrity of Syria. Turkey has established military bases in the areas controlled by the Free Syrian Army. One of the biggest reasons why the war in Syria is still going on is Turkey's attacks. Turkey's policy aims to darken the future of the Syrian peoples."

 

'WE ARE THE GUARANTEE OF SYRIA'

 

Emphasizing that the problems in Syria can be solved through dialogue, Foza Yousif stated that Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) held important talks at this point. Foza Yousif said, "Talks were held between SDF and HTS to solve the problems. From the beginning, we have been advocating that Syria's problems should be solved by its own internal dynamics. We think that a centralised administration model is not right, on the contrary, a democratic system would be a better solution for all peoples. North and East Syria has a 14-year experience of autonomous administration. A decentralised administration model will be a solution to the problems of all peoples and beliefs in Syria. The Kurdish people are an essential element in this system. The Autonomous Administration model is the best solution for Syria to attain a democratic structure."

 

Foza Yûsif stated that talks have been going on for some time between Kurdish political parties to solve the problems and against the attacks. Foza Yousif said, "We plan to hold a meeting soon and unite all Kurdish parties around a common view. We expect the ENKS to participate in this process. There is a historical opportunity for the Kurds and we should utilise this opportunity properly. Turkey's aim is to carry out dirty policies to prevent Kurds from taking part in the future of Syria. However, our 14-year experience of self-government and the SDF's struggle against ISIS show that these plans will not succeed. We are the guarantee of Syria's territorial integrity. The women's revolution and the common life model of the peoples are a source of hope for the future of Syria."

 

Foza Yousif added, "We must read the historical opportunities well and take the right steps. If we are united in the struggle against occupation and democratic solution, we can guarantee the rights of the peoples. Our struggle for a democratic Syria will continue."

 

MA / Delal Akyüz