Kurds in Syria Seek Tangible Support from Israel Amid Threats from Turkey
Kurds in Syria are increasingly anxious regarding Turkey’s military threats, recalling past assaults that led to mass displacement. Their hopes for support from Israel revolve around a desire for concrete military and diplomatic action rather than mere verbal acknowledgment. The SDF remains a key player in resisting ISIS but faces ongoing attacks from Turkish-backed forces, highlighting a critical need for international assistance to protect Kurdish regions in Syria.
On December 18, 2023, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar articulated the necessity for international involvement in safeguarding minorities in Syria, particularly the Kurdish minority which is currently facing significant threats. Many Kurds express a desire for tangible support from Israel beyond mere verbal acknowledgment of their plight, reflecting a deep-rooted fear of renewed aggression from Turkey.
The historical context surrounding the Kurdish situation in Syria is alarming; in 2018, Turkey launched an assault on the Afrin region, resulting in the displacement of over 150,000 Kurds, many of whom subsequently sought refuge in harsh conditions. More recently, as civil strife in Syria continues, Kurds are apprehensive that Turkey might exploit the chaos to initiate further military offensives against Kurdish-populated cities such as Kobani.
Administrative control in eastern Syria is primarily held by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) along with its military wing, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Supported by the United States since 2015 in the fight against ISIS, the SDF includes a diverse coalition of ethnic groups but is largely composed of Kurdish fighters. Nonetheless, Turkey continues to undermine this coalition, branding the SDF as a terrorist entity due to its alleged links with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
Today, the SDF faces incessant hostilities, including drone strikes from Turkey and assaults by Turkish-backed militias. The SDF has effectively liberated and controlled substantial territories which includes the vital areas along the Euphrates River. Despite these achievements, the persistent threat emanating from Turkey and its endorsed militias, along with potential political shifts from the Damascus government, creates an atmosphere of uncertainty.
Kurds are now questioning the extent of support they will receive from Israel, articulating their fears of potential Turkish backing of extremist factions reminiscent of Hamas. Hints of covert coordination between Israel and the SDF suggest possible support mechanisms, yet the Kurds seek clarity on Israel’s commitment to their cause. Their hope lies in potential international pressure on Turkey to honor ceasefires, which currently appear unreliable given Turkey’s continuous aggression.
The SDF has proven to be a formidable ally against ISIS; however, its collaboration with U.S. forces has placed them under duress from Turkey, keen to remove both the SDF and U.S. military presence from Syria. Additionally, with the evolving geopolitical landscape post-Iranian and Russian engagement, Turkey appears poised to exert greater influence, potentially leading to more aggressive territorial claims.
The city of Kobani stands as a resilient symbol of Kurdish resistance, having successfully rebuffed an ISIS siege earlier in the decade. However, the ongoing Turkish military presence and border fortifications threaten the region’s stability. Kurds hope that Israel’s involvement could play a crucial role in countering Turkish ambitions and protecting the Kurdish identity and safety in the volatile eastern Syrian landscape.
The Kurds in Syria find themselves in a precarious situation, facing the dual threats of regional power dynamics and ongoing military aggression from Turkey. The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have gained prominence for their crucial role in combating ISIS, but are now at risk of being overshadowed by external forces seeking to dominate the region. Historical incursions by Turkey have led to significant humanitarian crises for the Kurdish population, necessitating urgent international attention and support.
The current plight of the Kurds in Syria underscores an urgent need for international advocacy and intervention to safeguard their rights and territories. The hopes placed on Israel’s support reflect a yearning for comprehensive, actionable assistance to deter aggressors like Turkey. As the situation evolves, it is imperative to monitor the potential implications of external support for the SDF in maintaining stability in eastern Syria, ensuring the protection of the Kurdish minority.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
