Abdullah Öcalan’s forthcoming historic statement is awaited with great anticipation. According to reports in the media, unless significant obstacles arise, it is expected to take place today, Thursday. This announcement is being closely followed not only by the Kurdish people but also by their allies and states in the region, as the Kurdish geopolitical strategy has become a key factor in the Middle Eastern equation. For this reason, the statement is expected to serve as an intervention in favor of the peoples of the region, countering the forces that seek to reshape it according to their hegemonic interests.

This call will undoubtedly constitute a strategic move in the Middle East. Those who have read Öcalan’s writings and seek to understand his new paradigm will grasp the depth and scope of this call, welcoming it with great enthusiasm. However, for those who have not studied the paradigm or approach it with a superficial understanding, it may be challenging. This is because the call aims to lay the foundations, tools, and framework for a profound historical, philosophical, sociological, and political transformation.

Determination and courage are essential

The deepening crises on a global and Middle Eastern scale also contain significant opportunities. However, these opportunities do not exist inherently within the crises themselves; they must be seized and transformed. Öcalan’s call aims to turn this atmosphere of crisis into an advantage for the peoples of the region. The fundamental requirement for this is to be fearless and, even when everything seems unfavorable, to remain determined and courageous in doing what is right. This is the core of Mr. Öcalan’s persistent approach.

A process based on mutual steps

Reports suggest that the anticipated process will not resemble previous ones. It is well known that past experiences have led to significant knowledge and lessons. In this context, what is usually said at the end must now be stated from the outset: Contrary to the political and psychological calculations of Turkey’s special warfare strategy, statements from the Imrali delegation indicate that the progress of this process will rely on mutual steps taken by both sides. For this reason, if the necessary steps are not taken, the process could quickly collapse. Past experiences serve as guiding lessons for the new period. At this stage, it is crucial to analyze the process from this perspective, to be prepared for all possibilities, and to develop the necessary measures accordingly.

A more conscious approach to the process is essential

This process will differ from the 2013 negotiation period. While that period brought certain gains for the Freedom Movement, it was not sufficiently prepared and failed to evolve into a comprehensive transformation initiative. At the time, the necessary level of military, political, and diplomatic preparedness was not fully achieved. The struggle aspect of the process was not deepened, nor were adequate measures developed for different scenarios. This time, it is imperative to approach the process with greater awareness, drawing lessons from past experiences.

Öcalan is resolute and clear

In this new period, both internal and external conditions for the process are more favorable compared to 2013. Across the Middle East, state systems are unraveling, creating new opportunities for revolutionary struggle. While many states and political movements are either collapsing or experiencing a period of decline, the Freedom Movement, despite facing various challenges, has continued to develop in all areas, maintaining its military, political, and diplomatic strength. Mr. Öcalan is fully aware of this new era. Believing in the influence of the existing organized power, he is taking timely initiative to actively intervene in this process, driving change and transformation. In this regard, he is unwavering and clear in his stance.

Primarily an intervention for restructuring

This process aims to complete the transformation and change that the Freedom Movement began but was disrupted in 2002. At its core, this is first and foremost an intervention within the Freedom Movement itself. Change and transformation represent a restructuring effort. So far, the Freedom Movement has cultivated immense knowledge, consciousness, and powerful dynamics that extend beyond the Kurdish people. Wherever Kurdish communities exist, significant advancements have been made in awareness, culture, art, literature, media, and politics. The movement has established an international foundation, evolving into a structure that leads the common struggle of the peoples.

A paradigmatic move

This immense accumulation of knowledge and dynamic forces now necessitates the transformation of the Freedom Movement itself. The momentum for change, which has already surpassed the movement’s previous framework, has reached a stage where the actor itself must also evolve. In the Middle Eastern equation, this internal transformation means that the movement will have the capacity to influence the strategic and political shifts of all internal and external actors. For this reason, Öcalan’s historic call underscores that this transformation is inevitable and that the organization must undergo restructuring. This process will serve as a paradigmatic move that will make the Freedom Movement stronger and more effective. The transformation and restructuring that began in the 2000s has now produced 26 years of accumulated experience and knowledge. Rather than creating a void, this accumulated experience will generate a new dynamism that will shape politics and accelerate developments in the Middle East.

Readiness for possible scenarios

Being prepared for this transformation process and potential scenarios requires drawing lessons from past experiences while avoiding narrow, superficial, dogmatic, liberal, individualistic, and self-serving interpretations. Additionally, it will be essential to develop an ideological, propaganda, and political struggle against both internal and external influences, as well as the manipulative narratives of special warfare propaganda.

The process should be transformed into an opportunity

The Kurdish people have demonstrated a cautious and calculated approach in this process by utilizing their political awareness and experience. This is a positive stance; however, caution should not translate into a restrictive or defensive position that narrows the scope of the process. On the contrary, this period should be seen as a strategic move, an opportunity to expand and accelerate momentum. It must be understood that this initiative is being developed as a means to shape politics in the Middle East and drive mass-scale transformation and growth.

Those who have not read should study the defenses

Those who have read Öcalan’s defenses will better understand the process, while those who have not should read and strive to comprehend them. With this move,  Öcalan aims to transform the paradigm into concrete organizational tools, activating social dynamism and political engagement.

The guiding force is Öcalan

The Imrali delegation, political structures, and civil society organizations have undertaken responsibilities and conducted visits to contribute to the socialization of this process. The Kurdish people and their allies must understand these steps correctly. It is evident that discussions and negotiations should take place with various parties. However, meeting with certain groups does not mean that their sinister stances will change. At the very least, it should be understood that such meetings aim to remove obstacles posed by some parties. The true force behind solutions and political direction is Mr. Öcalan, and no one else. Engaging in dialogue does not imply that these forces have abandoned their harmful positions or deceptive facades. This must be clearly recognized to prevent misinterpretations and to stop certain groups from manipulating the process to their advantage.

This call is a turning point

This historic call is not only a pivotal moment for the Freedom Movement but also for all the peoples of the Middle East. The responsibility now is to grasp the essence of this call correctly, strengthen the arenas of struggle, and deepen societal transformation while being prepared for all possible scenarios.