Over the last 50 years, the people of Syria have suffered greatly under the single-party system of the Baath regime. The regime consistently ignored the voices of its people, suppressing independent thought and organized action. It regarded individuals with ideas and the ability to organize as threats. This approach, upheld by the nationalist mindset that propped up the Baath regime led by Bashar al-Assad, eventually led to its downfall.

Today, extremist Islamist groups like HTS (Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham) and factions associated with the Turkish state continue to oppress the region’s people.

The question remains: Can a new Syria be rebuilt without the Kurds? The Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) is actively working to protect the rights of all peoples in shaping Syria’s future.

Former co-chair of the Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria’s Foreign Relations Office, Bedran Çiya Kurd, spoke about the latest developments in Syria.

The Baath regime’s legacy and Kurdish struggle

Bedran Çiya Kurd described the devastating impact of the Baath regime’s policies on the Kurdish people and other non-Arab communities, saying: “The Bashar al-Assad regime fell after years of oppression and authoritarianism. In Northeast Syria, we have always analyzed this truth: the Syrian regime refused to understand the realities of the country and ignored the demands of its people for decades. It denied the rights of Syria’s diverse communities, and in the end, it collapsed. 

Meanwhile, the Turkish state has collaborated with ISIS militants to launch attacks on the Kurdish people. Through its invasions of Aleppo, Tall Refaat, Shehba, and most recently Manbij, it subjected our people to extreme suffering. 

Instead of defending its borders, the Baath regime’s forces left the Syrian people vulnerable to massacres. Unopposed, militant groups advanced as far as Damascus. The future of the people remains uncertain. However, we are working with the people to rebuild Syria’s future. We will never submit to invading and aggressive forces. We must live honorably in our homeland. The world must understand this: a lasting solution in Syria is impossible without the Kurds. The Kurdish people and the Autonomous Administration play a pivotal role in Syria, and this reality cannot be denied. 

Before 2011, the Kurds in Syria were stateless and without rights. Today, if a solution is sought, the Kurds must be part of the negotiation. As the Autonomous Administration, we remain committed to representing our people.”

Unity as the path to justice and rights

Highlighting the importance of unity among the Syrian peoples, Çiya Kurd said: “As Kurds, we must continue to show the same resistance against invaders as we have since 2014, and with even greater strength. Now is the time for unity and solidarity. Without justice and democracy, life in Syria will remain difficult. We must unite to secure our rights. 

Armed groups like HTS and factions linked to the Turkish state lack the power to determine Syria’s future. These groups are controlled by the AKP-MHP government, which makes them direct enemies of the Kurdish people. Their presence in occupied cities leads to the confiscation of Kurdish homes and property. 

The Kurds are the foundation of peace and a democratic state in Syria. Today, we stand at a historic and significant crossroads, albeit one fraught with danger. For years, divisions have been sown among the people of Syria. However, the people of Syria, with their diversity and unique characteristics, represent an example of the Democratic Nation paradigm. We will not accept or engage with policies that do not prioritize the interests of the Syrian people. The Autonomous Administration is a model of governance for the people.”

Syria’s future will shape the Middle East

Çiya Kurd underlined the heavy responsibility on the Autonomous Administration in Syria’s reconstruction, and said: “After all the efforts to resolve Syria’s crisis have failed, the Autonomous Administration has emerged as a model for all the peoples of Syria and the Middle East. It is a guarantee of peace in Syria. This project was established to preserve Syria’s unity and strengthen the representation of its people on the international stage. 

We hope that in the future, Syria will be a democratic, just, and egalitarian country that defend its people with all their history, identity, and culture. Only through a democratic solution can the damage inflicted upon Syria be repaired. Syria’s future will shape the map of the Middle East. With peace and the strengthening of our defense forces, Syria will rise again as a strong country with its economic wealth. 

On this basis, we salute the resistance of the Syrian peoples and reaffirm our commitment as the Autonomous Administration to working alongside the people.”