The Assault on Kurdish Autonomy in Northern Syria

The recent military assault on the Kurdish forces in northern Syria, supported by Turkey, marks a significant setback for the Kurdish autonomous zone known as the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES). This offensive, led by the Syrian army under President Bashar al-Assad, resulted in the retreat of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Kurdish militia that has been a key ally of the United States in the fight against ISIS since 2014.

“No Friends but the Mountains”

The Kurdish people, numbering between 30 to 45 million, have long sought self-determination and statehood, a pursuit that has faced numerous obstacles since the early 20th century. The Treaty of Sèvres in 1920 initially promised Kurdish autonomy, but this support waned with the rise of Turkish nationalism under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Since then, Kurdish minorities in Turkey, Iraq, and Syria have experienced systematic oppression, with their aspirations for independence largely unrecognized by Western powers.

“No Friends but the Mountains”

As a result of the recent assault, the SDF has been confined to two small enclaves around the Kurdish-majority towns of Qamishli and Hasakeh, as well as Kobane. These areas are now bordered by hostile Turkish forces to the north. The SDF also manages detention camps housing approximately 24,000 to 26,000 dependents of ISIS fighters, with many of these individuals being children. The fate of these detainees remains uncertain, especially as reports indicate that hundreds of prisoners may have escaped during the assault.

“No Friends but the Mountains”

The United States has faced criticism for its perceived abandonment of the Kurdish allies, who have been instrumental in combating ISIS. The lack of media coverage and political attention from Western governments highlights a longstanding disinterest in the Kurdish plight. Critics argue that this neglect reflects a broader pattern of betrayal, as the Kurds have historically been left to fend for themselves in the face of regional aggression.

“No Friends but the Mountains”

Opponents of the assault, including Kurdish leaders and human rights advocates, have condemned the Turkish government's role in supporting al-Assad's forces. They argue that the military support provided by Turkey, including intelligence and weaponry, exacerbates the humanitarian crisis and undermines the stability of the region. The potential release of ISIS detainees into the general population raises further concerns about security and the future of the Kurdish territories.

“No Friends but the Mountains”

There are discrepancies regarding the number of detainees and the extent of the Kurdish-controlled areas post-assault. While some reports indicate that the SDF has retreated significantly, others suggest that they still maintain a presence in certain regions. Additionally, the exact number of ISIS prisoners who escaped during the assault remains unclear, complicating the assessment of the situation.

“No Friends but the Mountains”

• “America and the West have once again betrayed their Kurdish allies.” — Quillette Article

“No Friends but the Mountains”

• “The assault on the Kurds in northern Syria is just the latest chapter in this history.” — Quillette Article

“No Friends but the Mountains”

• “But the fates of the remaining detainees and of their tens of thousands of dependents—wives and children of ISIS fighters, who hail from dozens of Asian, African, and European states and whom nobody wants—remain unclear.” — Quillette Article

“No Friends but the Mountains”

This situation underscores the ongoing complexities of Kurdish autonomy and the geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, as the Kurdish struggle for self-rule continues to face formidable challenges.

“No Friends but the Mountains”