Kurds in Syria face imminent threats from Turkish aggression, prompting urgent calls for Israeli support amidst fears of ethnic cleansing. With the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) striving for stability after defeating ISIS, they navigate complex geopolitical dynamics while striving for protection against ongoing attacks from Turkish-backed militias. The lack of recent concrete support from Israel raises concerns among Kurdish leaders as they seek allies in safeguarding their communities.
On December 18, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar engaged in discussions with Jens Plotner, Foreign Policy and Security Advisor to the German Chancellor, emphasizing the critical need for international protection of minorities in Syria, particularly the Kurdish population facing threats. Many Kurds express a desire for Israel to extend support beyond mere statements, as fears grow regarding potential Turkish aggression amid Syria’s ongoing chaos.
In the northeastern regions of Syria, Kurds apprehensively recall Turkey’s previous military incursions, notably the 2018 Afrin offensive, which resulted in the forced displacement of over 150,000 Kurds. The aftermath saw these displaced individuals seeking refuge in inadequate conditions, as they continue to worry about the escalating threats from Turkish-backed militias. The systematic ethnic cleansing of Kurdish communities from territories including Afrin and Serekaniye highlights longstanding fears of further violence that cannot be ignored.
Currently, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) oversees most of this region, with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) serving as the principal military force, which was established with U.S. backing to combat ISIS. Despite successfully defeating ISIS, the SDF now faces multiple adversaries, including Turkey, which seeks to undermine their authority, alleging connections to the PKK, deemed a terrorist organization by Ankara. Coupled with external pressures, the SDF grapples with the moral complexity of relations with a new regime in Damascus that at least professes a desire for inclusivity towards Kurds.
Turkish military operations, including airstrikes and artillery assaults targeting Kurdish-controlled areas, threaten the stability of cities like Kobani, Qamishli, and Raqqa. Additionally, the SDF’s recent withdrawal from Manbij raises alarms among locals regarding the resurgence of harassment from the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), further complicating an already precarious situation.
As Kurds in Syria ponder their future, they express hope that international actors, particularly Israel, will not only voice support but also engage in meaningful action. They urge for aerial assistance for the SDF, wary of potential threats from groups aligned with Turkey and Qatar, similar to extremist factions such as Hamas. While some speculate about possible covert collaborations between Israel and Kurdish representatives or the U.S. Coalition, the overarching concern remains whether Israel will provide substantive help to protect Kurdish interests, especially as Turkish aggression and systematic hostilities persist.
In light of the geopolitical shifts following Russia’s and Iran’s retreat from Syria, Turkey has seized the opportunity to assert its influence over the region, compelling Kurds, particularly in Kobani—a city that notably resisted ISIS—to seek assurances of support. The challenges posed by Ankara’s strategic maneuvering highlight an urgent need for Kurdish empowerment and protection through robust international engagement, including potential Israeli support.
The complexities of the conflict have reordered alliances and fostered concerns that require urgent international attention, particularly Israeli involvement, as evidenced by historical precedents of Kurdish resilience against multifaceted threats.
The article discusses the increasing concerns of Syrian Kurds about the potential for renewed Turkish military aggression in their territories as they seek international support, particularly from Israel, to safeguard their communities. It examines the historical context of Kurdish displacement, the formation of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a key player against ISIS, and the geopolitical dynamics present in eastern Syria, where Turkey aims to eradicate Kurdish influence. The narrative is set against the backdrop of Turkey’s strategies in the region and the implications of an evolving Syrian leadership that shows more willingness to engage with Kurdish representatives, contrasting sharply with Ankara’s hostility.
In conclusion, the plight of the Kurdish population in Syria amidst escalating threats from Turkey necessitates urgent international support, particularly from Israel. As Kurds express a desire for substantive action from Israel beyond mere rhetoric, the need for protective measures against ethnic cleansing and violence grows increasingly vital. The historical resilience of Kurdish communities, coupled with their strategic importance in the fight against ISIS, underscores the necessity of robust international engagement to ensure their safety and autonomy in a volatile region.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
