There’s been a lot of talk about the defeat of ISIS, a victory largely attributed to the Kurdish forces in Iraq and Syria, particularly the YPG/YPJ. However, ISIS has resurged, reclaiming territory with the help of the Turkish army and Russia’s passive support, which has allowed Turkey to conduct airstrikes, even targeting hospitals, within Syrian-Kurdish airspace. This has led to the capture of Afrin, the displacement of the YPG/YPJ, and the exodus of the Kurdish population.
Some might argue that it’s not ISIS, but the FSA or “Syrian rebels” who have invaded Afrin. However, regardless of the name they operate under, they are essentially a collection of Islamist factions assembled by Erdogan. This includes elements of Al-Nusra, ISIS, and other extremist groups as detailed in this article.
A former ISIS fighter even revealed to journalist Patrick Cockburn that the majority of those fighting against the YPG in Afrin are indeed ISIS, albeit with modified tactics thanks to Turkish training. Essentially, these are Islamist extremists seeking retribution against those who had previously defeated them and are now targeting the Kurdish population. This raises concerns about potential atrocities and ethnic cleansing. Will there be a repeat of Kurdish/Yazidi women being sold into slavery? To what extent will Erdogan’s ethnic cleansing campaign go? Will it be limited to expulsion or will it escalate to massacres? History shows that Turks have a dark past when it comes to such acts.
It’s crucial to read [this article](this article) for more context. Additionally, [this piece](this other one) explains why the Kurds were ill-equipped to resist the invasion and explores potential future scenarios. The situation is deeply concerning, as highlighted in this article.
The Kurds have once again been let down by the West, which has turned a blind eye to their plight. They need to be wary of further betrayals. The DFNS appears to be a gamble, and trusting Arabs or Turkmen seems ill-advised. The YPG/YPJ should consolidate their forces in Kurdish-majority areas in the north and deny Arab/Turkmen forces any foothold there. The only armed presence in the north should be the YPG/YPJ and Assyrian militias, prepared for attacks from both Turkey and Arab forces.
Beyond Syria, Kurds must be prepared for conflict. Every YPG/YPJ casualty at the hands of Turkish forces or their proxies should be avenged tenfold. Those who enable Turkey’s actions against the Kurds, both domestically and internationally, bear responsibility. Every Turkish nationalist who stands with Erdogan is complicit in the atrocities being committed.
Turkish nationalists, unfortunately, constitute a significant majority both within Turkey and in the diaspora. In Germany, for example, they outnumber Kurds three to one. While some Turks have embraced Western values and recognize the Armenian Genocide and Kurdish rights, many remain staunch nationalists and Islamists. Coupled with the influx of Islamists into Europe, the stage is set for a conflict between Turkish nationalists and Islamists against Kurds on European soil. Given their numerical disadvantage, Kurds in Europe must rely on superior organization and tactics. They have been at the forefront of combating Islamist extremism in the Levant and now need to replicate that in Europe. I urge the Kurdish youth in Europe to prepare for this fight—to organize, train, and acquire the means to defend themselves.
Recent weeks have witnessed [attacks](some attacks) targeting Turkish establishments in Germany, including cultural centers, mosques, and businesses. This should be just the start. These actions should escalate in both scale and intensity. The Islamists who threaten our society must be confronted and neutralized. Their indoctrination centers should be eradicated. Turkish nationalists who, despite residing in Germany for decades, still cling to their Turkish identity should be compelled to return to Turkey. The fight for Kurdish rights and the fight for a free and humanistic Europe are intertwined, as we share common enemies and objectives.
The death of [this individual](this young British International Brigadist) in a Turkish airstrike is heartbreaking. Glory to Martyrs, Heroes never die.
