{"id":1232,"date":"2024-12-14T17:57:48","date_gmt":"2024-12-14T17:57:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/?p=1232"},"modified":"2024-12-14T18:07:35","modified_gmt":"2024-12-14T18:07:35","slug":"recommendations-of-a-forum-held-in-qamishli-about-kurds-in-the-new-syria-challenges-and-opportunities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/?p=1232","title":{"rendered":"Recommendations of a Forum Held in Qamishli about \u201cKurds in the New Syria: Challenges and Opportunities\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">The <span style=\"color: #800000;\"><strong><em>DeFacto<\/em><\/strong><\/span> Dialogue Platform and the <em>Arta<\/em> Foundation for Media and Development organized a dialogue forum in Qamishli titled <em>\u201cKurds in the New Syria: Challenges and Opportunities.\u201d<\/em> The forum resulted in several recommendations for Kurdish political actors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Participants included officials from Kurdish political parties, civil activists, media professionals, and writers from the region, who presented various perspectives and suggestions for Kurdish political parties on navigating the post-Assad era.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #800000;\"><strong>Participants\u2019 Contributions: A New Scene in Damascus\u00a0 <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">The international community is monitoring the performance of the newly-formed government and the extent to which Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) adheres to its commitments.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">The situation differs from Iraq in 2003, where there was direct American rule. In Syria, even the United Nations has yet to intervene directly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">To inspire confidence, residents of Aleppo\u2019s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods were treated like all other Syrians. The HTS&#8217; position there was not antagonistic, but Turkey and the Syrian National Army (SNA) factions launched attacks aimed at causing confusion and division among decision-makers in northeastern Syria.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">The foundations of the democratic Syria we aspire to have not yet been established. The scene remains very unclear.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">The term \u201cminority protection\u201d is being discussed but lacks clear definition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Developments are moving rapidly, and even international actors are acting hastily. This requires swift action, as the current opportunities and conditions may not persist in the future.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800000;\">Axis 1: Unifying the Kurdish Front and Strengthening Political Representation<\/span> <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Resume the intra-Kurdish dialogue process, which previously made progress under the supervision of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander and the international coalition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Open a new chapter to unify Kurdish political discourse with responsibility, avoiding exclusion or denial of each other\u2019s struggles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Overcome internal Kurdish disputes by unifying independent Kurdish-Syrian political decision-making and aligning with the broader Kurdish position to support the Kurdish cause in Syria, which would benefit all of Syria.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Form a unified Kurdish delegation to Damascus, representing political parties, intellectual leaders, legal experts, and media professionals. Separate, undisclosed delegations should be avoided.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Clearly define the Kurdish project for a democratic, pluralistic, and transparent Syria that guarantees women\u2019s rights and resolves the Kurdish issue domestically.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Democratic solutions abound: federalism, decentralization, and drafting a constitution that guarantees solutions are viable paths.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Understanding the government\u2019s position on the Kurds requires dialogue in Damascus. If the government avoids discussing Kurdish issues, it risks accountability for failing its commitments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">While readiness for dialogue and avoiding hostility are positive, some steps need caution. Kurds must seek solutions on their terms, as adversaries will always attempt interference.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800000;\">Axis 2: Protecting the Achievements of the North and East Syria Project\u00a0<\/span> <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Safeguard previous achievements in North and East Syria and utilize them to support democratic goals in the new Syria.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Maintain relations with Syrian communities and democratic forces.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">The risk of the country sliding back into authoritarianism or extremism threatens all Syrians, as does undermining coexistence among Syrian communities, which equally jeopardizes the Kurds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">A fundamental factor for agreements includes coexistence, religious tolerance, and women\u2019s rights, as committed to by the new authorities in Damascus. These align with the project of the Autonomous Administration.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800000;\">Axis 3: Dialogue and Societal Initiatives<\/span> <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Mobilize popular and political movements to contribute to shaping the new framework. Relying solely on external pressures will not guarantee change.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Include social figures and intellectual leaders in consultations regarding the region\u2019s future.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Clarify the Kurdish position to local communities, emphasizing that all groups share a common destiny. Kurdish strengths, such as the SDF, the Autonomous Administration, and the Kurdish National Council, are not tools to act against other communities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Respond to initiatives countering calls to exclude Kurds or separate them from the broader Syrian populace.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #800000;\"><strong>Axis 4: Preparing for Political and Future Changes<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Strive to unify Kurdish and broader national political discourse concerning the shifts in Damascus.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Elevate the fight against ISIS to a strategic level with long-term partnerships.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Agree on addressing potential questions in Damascus, such as the relationship between the Autonomous Administration and the central government and providing reassurances to Turkey.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">The Kurdistan Workers&#8217; Party (PKK), given its sacrifices in previous stages, should clarify its stance to protect the Kurds and the communities of North and East Syria.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Maintain a Syrian national discourse and prioritize Syria\u2019s future during this critical phase.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #800000;\"><strong>Axis 5: Media and Combating Hate Speech<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">The Syrian regime\u2019s security apparatus has spent years fostering hatred and instilling fear among Syrians. While Kurds have generally refrained from responding to hate speech, mechanisms to counter distortions and misinformation in communities and on social media must be strengthened.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">The Autonomous Administration must adopt transparency, informing the public about agreements and steps taken. Media strategies should accompany each development to prevent the spread of misinformation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Divisive rhetoric emerged from the perception that the removal of the regime threat diminishes the necessity for partnerships with Kurds and the Autonomous Administration. However, shared interests in coexistence and solutions for the national project demand continued collaboration.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Improve media discourse to amplify Kurdish voices and explain their project to others. Previous communication strategies have fallen short of expectations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Enhance political discourse to adapt to current changes, emphasizing that Kurds are stabilizing forces amid the upcoming transformations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The DeFacto Dialogue Platform and the Arta Foundation for Media and Development organized a dialogue forum in Qamishli titled \u201cKurds in the New Syria: Challenges and Opportunities.\u201d The forum resulted in several recommendations for Kurdish political actors.\u00a0 Participants included officials from Kurdish political parties, civil activists, media professionals, and writers from the region, who presented [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1233,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"jnews_override_counter":[],"jnews_post_split":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[94],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[84],"class_list":["post-1232","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-recommendations"],"authors":[{"term_id":84,"user_id":5,"is_guest":0,"slug":"admin9090","display_name":"admin9090","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/0115cd93beece6d5f95fbe9b2d0973c523785793e08ffb9254f68083c0722130?s=96&d=mm&r=g","author_category":"","first_name":"","last_name":"","user_url":"","job_title":"","description":""}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1232","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1232"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1232\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1236,"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1232\/revisions\/1236"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1233"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1232"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1232"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1232"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/defacto-sy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fppma_author&post=1232"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}