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Kurdish Leader Returns to Afrin, Celebrates Nowruz Homecoming

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Abdul Rahman Omar returned to Afrin, Syria, after eight years in exile from a Turkish offensive against Kurdish fighters.
The homecoming followed a deal integrating Kurdish forces into the Syrian army, allowing displaced Kurds to return.
Omar celebrated Nowruz, the ancient Persian festival, for the first time since his return.
Under interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Kurdish rights were strengthened as Kurdish became official and Nowruz was made a national holiday.

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Story summary

Abdul Rahman Omar returned to Afrin, Syria, after eight years in exile from a Turkish offensive against Kurdish fighters.
The homecoming followed a deal integrating Kurdish forces into the Syrian army, allowing displaced Kurds to return.
Omar celebrated Nowruz, the ancient Persian festival, for the first time since his return.
Under interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Kurdish rights were strengthened as Kurdish became official and Nowruz was made a national holiday.