In an extensive interview to RojNews, PJAK Co-Chair Peyman Viyan shared her views on the Iran-Israel war, the Kurds' stance, and possible solutions.

Peyman Viyan explained their view of the current war as follows:

'This war will determine the fate of the Middle East for all sides'

“This war in the Middle East may escalate and grow because it will determine the fate of the Middle East for all sides. There are hegemonic powers and nation states in this war, which is a fight between hegemonic powers and nation states.  On the other hand, there is a people who seek their own governance in their own hands. Therefore, this war is not progressing as the hegemonic powers or the nation-states have envisioned. There is also an alternative power: the power of the people… This power is defined as the third line or power. It is based on the will and leadership of the people. Therefore, we can say that this war will bring about significant changes.”

‘The regime has not responded positively to objections’

“As of 2010, a war was waged through proxy forces affiliated with states. Now, the war has begun directly between states,” said Peyman Viyan, adding: “This war against Iran is the result of Iran’s despotic policies, which insist on dictatorship, remain closed to change, insist on torture and execution to the end, suppress internally, and externally base themselves on the Shiite Crescent, which has been broken. Society and the people are disturbed by these policies. The regime has taken no steps to respond positively to these objections."

‘Iran was given two choices’

Peyman Viyan continued: “They gave Iran two choices: war or surrender. Of course, they wanted Iran to surrender completely. When that didn't happen, they resorted to general pressure and a war strategy. Iran is the Middle East. Therefore, the design of Iran or intervention in Iran means the design of the entire Middle East and intervention in the Middle East. This war is developing as a result of that.

The nation states in the region have left almost nothing in the name of the essence of Islam. There are other examples: ISIS, the Taliban, those who have now come to power in Syria... They want to renew their masks and implement their new plans and projects.”

‘The problems cannot be resolved through war’

Peyman Viyan said, “We believe that the problems of the people cannot be resolved through war,” and continued: "The Middle East needs a democratic system. The Middle East is the cradle of humanity, philosophy, and democracy. Unfortunately, it has now become a land of war, conflict, migration, and massacres. This is the result of the nation-states that brought massacres to the Middle East. Nation-states in the Middle East were built through war and massacres. Now they are destroying it through war and massacres.

‘The Democratic Confederalism system is the best remedy’

We say that it is time for the peoples to live together in a multi-colored, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious society. The Democratic Confederalism system is the best remedy that can be implemented as an alternative system. The peoples of the Middle East need a “system of peoples” to be freed from war, massacres, and conflicts.

A third line, a new system, is needed in the Middle East. The segment that will best lead this system, guaranteeing both its own freedom and that of society, is women. The nation states of the Middle East have perpetuated themselves through the blood and massacres of their peoples.

Now is the time for solidarity and cooperation among peoples. We must come together, form joint committees, and develop our own solutions. Neither nation states nor hegemonic powers have any plans for resolving the problems in the Middle East.

The sole objective of hegemonic powers is the underground and surface resources of the Middle East. Therefore, if people develop a program for life now, they can protect their wealth and culture. We are now in a period where the peoples of the Middle East can take the lead.”

‘Iran has two weak points’

Pointing out Iran's weak points, Peyman Viyan continued: “Iran has two weak points: the first is the Kurds, the second is women. These two groups have the potential to overthrow the regime. If we pay attention, Israel is striking Iran; however, Iran is still sharing messages against women saying, ‘Pay attention to the headscarf.’ Its entire fear is that a new uprising will begin under the leadership of women.

On the other hand, its other major fear is Kurdistan itself. The regime has militarized all of Kurdistan's borders with Revolutionary Guards. The aim is to prevent the potential for a revolution from erupting. For this reason, we say that a new process could be a process for all the peoples of Iran."

‘The only community that can lead change is the Kurds’

Peyman Viyan stated, “The only community that can lead change in the Middle East is the Kurds. This is true in all parts of Kurdistan, including Eastern Kurdistan. The only alternative power in Eastern Kurdistan is PJAK. Everyone sees PJAK's potential to lead the people and its readiness to do so. All external states are well aware of this truth."

Asked if the US and Israel have requested direct dialogue with them, Peyman replied, “No, there has been no such request for direct talks.”

‘Turkey is directly involved in this issue’

Peyman Viyan pointed out that the Turkish state wants to incite conflicts, especially in areas where Kurds and Azeris live, and said: “Some cities in Eastern Kurdistan are multi-ethnic. Azeris, Armenians, Assyrians, and Kurds live side by side. They want to foster division among the peoples. Conflicts are being deliberately created in regions where Kurds and Azeris live together.

Turkey is directly involved in this issue. Turkey is the country that fears most that the Kurds will gain status in Eastern Kurdistan. It is creating conflict between the Kurds and the Azeris. They are trying to develop Pan-Turkism in Iran. Pan-Turkists affiliated with Turkey are trying to cause constant problems among the peoples.

They are trying to develop this, especially in the Urmia area. They want to destroy solidarity among peoples. Therefore, there are certainly some dangers. But we are prepared.

People are more aware than ever before. The people know who can lead them. As I said, there are obvious dangers of intervention. But there is also a force here with enormous potential to counter this.”

‘We are going through a very sensitive and historic process’

Lastly, Peyman Viyan delivered the following message to the Kurdish public:

“We are going through a very sensitive and historic process. This is a decisive moment. Those who fail to organize themselves and maintain their unity will miss this historic opportunity. If the regime or forces intervening in the regime gain strength, they will once again subject the people to oppression. Therefore, our fundamental expectation of our people is that they remain united in their homes, on the streets, and in all areas of their lives. They must learn how to defend themselves. They must establish defense committees and discuss how they can defend themselves. They must know how to protect their health by forming health committees. They must determine their politics and know what alternatives exist to the power they prefer. We are currently in a period where our people must struggle 24 hours a day; they must be prepared for this. The people need to govern themselves. They must build a democratic system. To become democratic, they must lay the foundations by establishing communes and committees. While doing this, people must know that we are ready. I declare that we stand with our people in every sense to crown this process with victory.”