21.04.25 – 27.04.25

Kurdistan Conference
The DAANES and SDF have been strengthening their diplomatic position, meeting with delegations from Germany, France and US. In a major step towards Kurdish political unity, more than 400 delegates from Northern, Southern and Western Kurdistan gathered in Qamişlo for the Rojava Kurdish Unity and Common Stance Conference. The final declaration, read out by Foza Yûsif of PYD and Mihemed Ismail of ENKS affirmed “a shared view and position based on a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multicultural identity, committed to international human rights conventions, protecting women’s freedom and rights, ensuring their effective participation in political, social, and military institutions, guaranteeing the constitutional rights of the Kurds, and achieving a fair and comprehensive solution to the Kurdish issue within the framework of a united Syria.”

The following day, the new Syrian regime accused the SDF of violating the terms of the agreement between Mazlûm Abdî and Ahmed al Sharaa, by promoting federalism and establishing a de facto separate reality on the ground, against the spirit of that agreement.

Syrian-International Relations
Representatives of the new Syrian regime continue establishing ties with countries around the world. A shipment of wheat arrived in Latkiya, reportedly of Russian origin, the first shipment since the fall of the Assad regime. Al-Sharaa met with Iraqi government officials, discussing reopening the al Tanf border crossing, securing their border, the possibility of rehabilitating the Iraq-Syria oil pipeline to Syrian ports on the Mediterranean, and trade. Trucks began delivering grain to Syria from Iraq this week. South Korea & the Yemeni government will open embassies with Syria (a reversal of former Assad regime’s ties with North Korea and Houthi rebels, who ran the Yemeni embassy in Damascus under Assad). Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani raised new Syrian flag at the UN in New York. The IMF is discussing how they will “help” Syria to recover economically.

UK removed several sanctions on Syria, including Defense and Interior Ministries, following other EU and US sanctions which have been removed, but many sanctions remain in place. The US have issued 8 demands to the Al Sharaa regime in order to waive further sanctions for 2 years, including a public ban on any Palestinian political activity, proscribing the Iranian IRGC as a terrorist organisation, and allowing unilateral US military action on Syrian territory. Perhaps in a gesture towards these demands, the regime arrested 2 leaders of al Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement. However, the Syrian regime expressed disagreement over these demands as infringing on Syrian sovereignty.

Syrian Government Consolidating State Amidst Opposition Forces
In the coastal region, an Alawite force has been created under Rami Makhlouf, cousin of former dictator Bashar al-Assad; they claim to be only for protecting the people and call for international forces, especially Russia, to support them. Meanwhile a new Sunni-Jihadist group, Saraya Ansar al Sunnah, ideologically very close to IS, began carrying out killings of Alawites allegedly connected to the old regime. They do not accept the transitional government and are open to collaboration with IS; they also say they will attack the Druze in the south. In Der ez Zor countryside, attacks against SDF continue; ISIS has claimed several in the past 2 weeks, though not all.

Against this, and the fragile truces negotiated with SNA and SDF, the new regime is seeking to extend its presence throughout the country. The Interior Ministry seized a large shipment of weapons allegedly bound for Suweyda, amid operations seeking to crack down on weapon proliferation in the Druze south. In Aleppo governorate, a former commander of al Nusra Front, Abdul Rahman Salama, was appointed deputy supervisor of Afrin, Azaz, al Bab, Jarablus and Manbij, as part of the provinces plan to intensify administrative presence in the area.

Commemoration of 1915 Armenian Genocide
This week marked 110 years since the beginning of the Genocide of the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, which went on to target Syriacs, Assyrians and Chaldeans. In the forced displacement, during which around 1.5 million Armenians and up to 500,000 Syriacs, Assyrians and Chaldeans were killed, almost all of the Armenians of modern-day Turkey were force-marched hundreds of kilometers to the deserts of Syria. Many Armenians in Syria are descendents of those surivivors. Commemorations of the genocide were held in different towns and cities in North-East Syria, where the actions of modern-day Turkey in Syria and Artsakh were condemned as a continuation of the genocidal policies of the Ottoman Empire.

Reflections

The complicated tangle of overlapping interests in Syria and the region are continuing to change, as various states and bodies seek to press their advantage after the fall of Assad. The new regime in Syria is seeking to consolidate its position, amid the contradictory demands of states near and far. Iran is trying to salvage some of their tattered influence in Syria and Lebanon, but are under great pressure from the US, who simultaneously make heavy demands and not-so-discreetly threaten war. Israel is trying to prevent the emergence of a strong Syria, or the growth of Turkish influence. Turkey is trying to reach its fingers into every aspect of the newly emerging state.

The US is trying to mediate the conflicting interests of Turkey and Israel, aiming to avoid open conflict between them, while seeking to find an arrangement of the new Syria that suits them. The US seems to be supporting a large role for Turkey in the rebuilding of Syria, while trying to ease Israel’s concerns about their perceived threats. This is reflected in the Americans’ demands of the Syrian regime in exchange for sanctions relief, notably in the banning of all Palestinian factions in the country. While the new government sees this as an infringement on Syrian sovereignty, their arrest of Palestinian militia leaders suggests an amount of willingness to accomodate these demands.

In the face of all of this, al Sharaa is seeking new relations with many countries around the world, trying to get support from anyone who will give it. Their vision of sovereignty is heavily based on a strongly centralized model, and for all their claims that the new Syria will guarantee the rights of all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or confession, we know that the strongest guarantees of the rights and existence of any community are their autonomy and capacity for self-defense. The presence of DAANES and SDF at the negotiation tables today gives proof to that truth, as it is only through their assertion through self-defense and self-organization that they forced other parties to acknowledge the peoples of North East Syria and engage with them.

Of course, it is a well known tactic of imperial powers to divide their targets, to use minorities in order to divide and weaken a country, making it susceptible to their influence and aggression. Various countries in the region see a partition of Syria to their benefit, and are doing what they can to that end. The proposals of SDF and the Kurdish Liberation Movement in NES represent an alternative to such divisive tactics of imperialists and aggressors.

A truly pluralistic and confederal Syria, wherein each people takes its place with its own colour in a confederal unity, offers a hopeful path. It can bring an end to the sectarian strife so often fueled and weaponized by those powers who see in Syria only pawns for their geopolitical games and resources to plunder. It remains to be seen if al Jolani’s new regime will recognize the truth of this, or will sacrifice the Syrian peoples to foreign interests in order to secure his power.

Revolutionary greetings!

07.04.25 – 13.04.25

Further meetings between SDF and the Damascus administration
Following the 8 article agreement that was made on March 10 a second meeting was held between the two parts on April 12 to discuss it’s progress, this time in Hesekê. The efforts to reduce tensions in Syria and end current conflicts were centered in the meeting, with the importance of protecting Tishrin Dam from military attacks as a priority. It was symbolized through a joint visit to the dam by other delegates on the same day. In addition a proposal was made to establish a committee ensuring the return of displaced people.

Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah developments
The transfer of control over checkpoints in Aleppo is now underway, according to the agreement signed on April 1 between the General Council of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods and the Damascus administration. Transportation routes that were closed for four months have now reopened, and barriers have been removed through collaboration between local authorities. Suraqa Emorî, a representative from the General Security Authority of the Damascus government, stated that efforts to release detainees will begin following the removal of barriers and the reconstruction of checkpoints. This serves as an ongoing attempt to move from negotiations to addressing previous and existing tensions, and as of now Suraqa reports “…the process of releasing detainees from both sides is ongoing without interruption and is expected to be completed soon”.

Talks between Israel and Turkey
After the tensions last week both Turkey and Israel have met in Azerbaijan to discuss de-escalation of the situation in Syria. Talks concerned rules of non-engagement and to this day the topic is not concluded. This took place while Netanyahu was at the White House meeting with Trump, who in turn talked about his good relations with Turkey and how he “congratulated Ergodan for taking over Syria”.

USAID resumed for limited food programmes
While trying to push the envelope for how quickly one can hollow out US agencies (and consolidate power to loyalists) Trumps’ administration is now facing some hard limits and successful pushback. One result has been the reinstatement of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) food programmes for almost all countries previously receiving it. This happened due to the World Food Programme (WFP) warning that the cuts could “amount to a death sentence for millions of people facing extreme hunger and starvation.” Syria is among the countries whose aid is restored, while Afghanistan and Yemen remain excluded due to “concerns of benefiting terrorist groups.”

Afrin transition
The withdrawal of SNA forces from the territories of Afrin continues. The mercenaries are being replaced by the HTS, the new Syrian Army, and the SNA roadblocks are disappearing. Kurdish families who fled the Turkish invasion have started to return to the region.
In place of Ghazi Entebbe, al-Sharaa appointed Masoud Betal, who is Kurdish but not affiliated with the SDF, as head of the region.
The situation in Afrin remained critically difficult for the Kurdish population even after the fall of the regime. The region was overrun by SNA fighters, the Kurdish population was subjected to violence and killings, and cultural heritage was destroyed. The consequences of seven years of occupation by Turkey and its mercenaries and the forced resettlement of the Arab population from Turkey into Afrin cannot be undone in a few months. Nevertheless, the first steps towards the implementation of the 10 March agreements are taking place.

Barzani’s Kurdish Women’s Forum
On 13 April, the first Kurdish Women’s Forum opened in Erbil. Masoud Barzani spoke at the opening about the importance of women in the history of Iraqi Kurdistan.

The conference will address critical issues through five main themes:

Government and Parliament – Enhancing women’s representation and policy influence.
Party Organization – Strengthening women’s roles within KDP structures.
Elections and Regional Presidency – Ensuring fair participation in leadership roles.
Kurdistan Women’s Union – Expanding advocacy and support networks.
Social Media – Leveraging digital platforms for awareness and engagement.

Resolutions are to be implemented under Barzani’s supervision.

Damascus Appoints Former Pro-Turkish Commander as Deputy Defense Minister
On Saturday, the defense ministry announced several new appointments in the new Syrian Army, among them a new deputy for the Defense Minister: Fahim Issa. He is the former commander of the Turkish-backed Sultan Murad Division that operated under the SNA. Those appointments follow a trend of incorporation of past opposition figures into the ranks of the new Syrian Army. It is still unclear if it will result in factionalism or in the neutralization of those past-opposition figures.
SDF did not issue any statements about the new appointments.

# Reflections

We started writing these updates four months ago in anticipation of the regime’s downfall. Those were very eventful days and they brought with them a redistribution of forces in the region, heightened conflicts, uncertainty and hope. But, as is usually the case in the volatile world of fast information, the situation in Syria fades into the background amid other, sometimes more colourful and dramatic, world events. In this sense, working within the media landscape is always quite contradictory: stabilising the situation does not play into the hands of the main goal of the media – to draw attention to the problem. As a reader of these updates, this we’re sure is not an unfamiliar dynamic.

And yet stabilisation is imaginary. Syria is still a bone of contention between Turkey and Israel, who each have their own interests and defend them in different ways, but with the same outcome: destruction of infrastructure and loss of life – but still with tacit or loud encouragement from Western countries. Northeast Syria has to balance on the thin rope of diplomacy to move forward with its revolutionary goals.

The 10 March agreements are constantly called into question by the contradictions that characterise the HTS government: yes, we are now talking about Afrin passing into the hands of the new Syrian government and even have a Kurdish representative in the governor’s office. But what does this mean in the context of the composition of the new Syrian government, which is notorious for including representatives with Turkish citizenship or years of residence in Turkey?

When the hot phase of any physical conflict subsides, it’s easy to lose sight of reality and become entangled in endless diplomatic intricacies. Yet life on the ground continues, and no situation is ever truly final. While it would be misleading to suggest that everything is just beginning, given that the groundwork was laid centuries ago, a new round of tensions is certainly on the horizon. Whether the next hotspot erupts between Turkey and Israel, the US and Iran, amid a further transformation within HTS, or from an entirely unforeseen threat remains uncertain. What is clear is that, sooner or later, we will find ourselves drawn back into the heart of conflict.

Beneath these recurring crises lie the long-term challenges of rival empires vying for influence over Syria and the persistent upheavals spawned by the crisis of capitalism. However, recognizing these complex truths is also an opportunity: by understanding the past and the systemic roots of our current challenges, we empower ourselves to work toward transformative change. Every era of hardship has spurred new movements and ideas and more importantly; an ability to see and find each other. Not by ignoring the systems of oppression but by linking arms to challenge it.
Rather than resigning to an inescapable cycle, let us choose to engage, dream, and collaborate on building a more just and liveable future. History shows that even in the darkest times the seeds of life are sown. And while each generation has had their version of what felt like the end, our task now as always is to nurture them, together.

Revolutionary greetings! 🖤

01.04.25 – 06.04.25

Israel attacks and tensions with Turkey
Israeli troops in southern Syria were met with resistance when some armed individuals confronted their advances with light weapons. After a brief exchange of fire IDF soldiers withdrew from the area, hitting back with artillery shells and airstrikes leaving at least 9 dead. Several Israeli airstrikes hit locations in Damascus, Hama and Homs, where Turkey aimed to build a military air base. Israeli state sources said the attacks are a warning against Turkish expansion in Syria, referring to reported Turkish plans to take control of Tiyas airbase in Homs countryside with a view to deploy air defense batteries and drones. Turkish official channels strongly denounced the Israeli attacks, but also stated that Turkey has no intentions to escalate conflict and risk war with Israel. Thousands of Syrians from Daraa gathered at the funeral of those killed by Israeli airstrikes and elsewhere protests were held to denounce the Israeli aggression.

Agreement on YPG and YPJ withdrawal from Aleppo
Following agreements between the provisional government and SDF, negotiations to normalize the situation in the Kurdish neighborhoods of Aleppo became the first visible step of the military reorganization of Northern Syria. A convoy of hundreds of fighters left the historic Kurdish neighborhoods of Şêx Meqsûd and Eşrefiyê, waving YPG and YPJ flags, escorted by forces of the Ministry of Defense. The convoy moved to Tabqa and other areas under control of SDF. The negotiations included exchange of prisoners, with around 100 prisoners from each side already transferred. Political agreements include certain autonomy of the local political institutions and organizations, as well as representation in the political organs of the region. Military forces connected with the Ministry of Defense will have presence in the area, but local Kurdish security forces (Asayish) will remain in the neighborhoods to ensure protection of the population, with agreements to integrate them in the security and police institutions of Aleppo in the future. Local structures will persist until a permanent solution is reached within the ongoing negotiations for all north-east Syria and freedom of movement in the city will be ensured for all residents. Observers suggest that the Aleppo Agreement could serve as a template for similar understandings in other contested regions of Syria, particularly where different military and political actors maintain overlapping spheres of control.

Assyrian new year and declarations against the new constitution
The Assyrian new year – Akito – was celebrated all along northern Syria on the first of April, with Assyrians, Syriacs and Chaldeans gathering to dance and celebrate. The Assyrian community also made clear at those events that they are not sufficiently represented in the new Syrian state, with declarations and statements denouncing the lack of diversity and inclusivity in the new constitution. Major Assyrian cultural organizations believe minorities are under threat due to the salafist ideology underlying the new government.

Celebrations for Ocalan’s birthday and the foundation of YPJ
On April 4th many people celebrated the birthday of Abdullah Ocalan. In Rojava it is common to organize reforestation events, planting trees to restore forests and celebrate nature. This is also the day that YPJ was founded, marking 13 years of struggle in defense of the people of north-east Syria and against patriarchy. YPJ organized events highlighting the importance of women resistance and struggle and the value of Ocalan’s ideas in the revolution of north-east Syria. In Bakur, northern Kurdistan, people marched to Amara village, the birth place of Ocalan. On their arrival to Amara village they called for the Turkish state to act following the message of Ocalan and take steps towards democratization and engagement with the Kurdish political question.

Rehabilitation works in Tishrin Dam
Technical teams have begun maintenance and repair operations at Tishrin Dam, paving the way for the restoration of its services and electricity generation. The dam has been a strategic point in the clashes between SDF and SNA Turkish proxies, suffering critical damage from Turkish bombs and attacks against SDF. As the military conflict slows down and negotiations advance, the rehabilitation of such critical infrastructure is a major step that can help provide electricity to the Syrian people. Clashes between Turkish proxies and SDF are not totally halted, but such initiative may suggest that agreements can make way for restoring Syria energy capacity. This would not have been possible without the efforts and sacrifices of the many civilian convoys that kept vigil on Tishrin dam, preventing further damage to it by Turkish attacks. The vigil goes on after several months of uninterrupted presence, keeping watch on the dam and supporting the resistance of SDF against Turkish attacks.

—————

[Extra info: raw bulletpoints on the Aleppo agreements]

The local self-administration agreed with the Syrian state on matters of security and stability. Points of agreement:
– Recognition and Protection – Şêx Meqsûd und Eşrefiyê officially as Neighbourhoods of Aleppo repecting and protecting their particular cultural, social and political identity
– Self-administration and coordination
– Inner Security – Asayish stay and will collaborate with Syrian interior ministry
– Disarmarment and Troop Movement – all armed forces of SDF will go south of Euphrates (implementation started already, convoi travelled)
– Demilitarisation of Public Space
– Security Centres installed
– Freedom of Movement – for the inhabitants of the neighbourhoods for travels in and outside of Aleppo
– Education System – so far no changes until DAANES will make a further decision
– Coordination between Regions – by special committee
– Civil Services – civil insitituions will work alongside of and equal to those in rest of Aleppo
– Representation in Public Institutions – full and fair acess to representation for inhabitants
– Prisoner Exchange – Complete prisoner exchange based on principle of mutuality
– Persistence of Local Structures – until a permanent solution

24.03.25 – 31.03.25

Renewed clashes with Turkish proxies
Turkish attacks against SDF continued. The intensity of Turksih attacks decreased since the beginning of March, as negotiations about a ceasefire took place and negotiations for the integration of SDF in the new Syrian army developed. Nevertheless, new attacks in the west bank of the Euphrates river from SNA Turkish proxies this last week, proved that the end of hostilities is not yet a reality. SDF also published footage of three new Turkish military bases being build in Manbij countryside, with videos of alleged Turkish military convoys that include armored vehicles and advanced military equipment such as radars, circulating at night in areas under control of Turkish proxy forces. Rumors about direct negotiations between AKP (Turkish ruling party) and SDF circulate on social networks together with speculations about steps for peace talks between Turkish state and PKK, but until now there are no official announcements in such direction.

Formation of the “Syrian Equal Citizenship Alliance” or “Tamasuk”
In reaction to the provisional constitution that the transitional government recently presented, an alliance of more than 30 diverse political parties and civil society organized groups was formed. The main aim of this alliance, including the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) and other Kurdish, Christian, and Druze-affiliated groups, is to demand a new Syrian constitution that respects the diversity of Syria as well as promoting a decentralized and democratic Syrian State. The alliance founding statement present itself not as direct opposition to the government but working towards a unified Syria, willing to engage with all political forces, including the government of al-Sharaa.

New appointed fatwa supreme council and renewed transitional government
On Friday March 28 al-Sharaa appointed 15 members to the newly formed supreme Fatwa council. The council will oversee religious rulings on critical issues and will be lead by Osama al-Rifai, who have close connections with Turkish president Erdogan and the Muslim Brotherhood. Al-Rifai was appointed as Grand Mufti of Syria in 2021 and have been a prominent Islamic scholar in the opposition to al-Assad regime. Several notable HTS-affiliated scholars, including Sheikh Abdul Rahim Atun, former HTS-backed Supreme Fatwa Council member Anas Ayrut, and new Minister of Justice Mazhar al Wais, also sit on the new council.
On Saturday March 29 al-Sharaa also announced the list of the ministers of the new transitional government. HTS loyalists and other men close to al-Sharaa keep their positions in key cabinets, with some new names of technocrats that join the government in less critical ministries. The government remains therefore arab, suni and HTS dominated, including some tokenized members from ethnic minority groups. The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC, political body aligned with the DAANES) made a statement denouncing this new government as a continuation of the exclusion politics of the Syrian State, declaring that the DAANES have no obligation to implement the decisions of such government and that it will continue working for a democratic Syria.

First Kurdish Women’s Conference in North-East Syria
The inaugural Kurdish Women’s Conference was held in North-East Syria on March 23rd, aimed at amplifying the voices of Kurdish women within the evolving Syrian society and fostering a path toward a unified, democratic future. Approximately 300 delegates are participating, including representatives from political parties, intellectuals, authors, artists, journalists, and women from diverse organizations and movements. The conference features representatives from the women’s committees of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) as well as from Aleppo and Damascus. Among the topics was the importance of the continuation of YPJ and womens self-defense as well as rejecting the Damascus constitution. Suad Mistefa, mother of Martyr Hevrin Xelef, said that women cannot be deceived by this constitution and that the slogan “Jin, Jiyan, Azadi” will always win.

International sehids memorial
On March 24 a commemoration for international sehids took place in Qamsihlo, gathering dozens of internationals to remember the struggle of our internationalist fallen comrades. March 24 is the date that Elefteria Fortulakis, a woman from Greece, burned herself in 2006 to protest for the imprisonment of Abdullak Ocalan. It was the 5th year this commemoration took place in Rojava, with delegates from “families for peace” from Germany as well as other groups and organizations. The event also hosted the screening of the movie “Legerin – In search of Alina”, exploring the life of sehid Legerin, a doctor from Argentina who joined the guerilla in the Kurdish mountains and lost her life in a car accident in Rojava in 2017.

Eid celebrations
At the end of March, closing the Ramadan, the celebrations of Eid become an important event in all Muslim world. In Syria eid started on March 31st, and for 3 days families will be visiting relatives and friends, eating sweets and strengthening social bonds. Political organizations also celebrate eid visiting each other and building diplomatic relations. The new transitional government made a televised prayer all together from the presidential palace.

# Some thoughts, not really analysis

The celebrations of eid are an important reminder of the value of social bonds in this society, with kurdish and arab mothers and grandmothers spreading sweets and candies among kids on the streets. Every receiving guests and going to visiting their relatives and neighbors for three days. It also comes with the arrival of the spring, as well as the recent celebrations of newroz dancing around the fire. It also come together with the celebrations of Akito, the Assyrian new year, making a very lively days and cheerful days. News of agreements and peace talks combine good with the atmosphere of this festivity, combining well with hopes of peaceful times and the end of bloodshed in Syria.

For us it’s also an important time to join the local rhythm of this society, to visit friends and neighbors and receive the guests that come to visit us, putting in practice the lessons of hospitality and cultural fluency we learned over the years living and taking part of this revolutionary society. And yes, it’s true that there is a religious component in these celebrations, as Christmas does in christian countries, but we also learned to not focus on that aspect and to value these days for the human and social aspect they bring. Social relations are the key to sustain the networks of mutual aid that are foundational in our anarchist values, and every opportunity to strengthen these bonds of friendship and solidarity should be cherished and celebrated.

Revolutionary greetings!

17.03.25 – 23.03.25

Newroz piroz be!
This week all Kurdistan went to the streets for Newroz, the new year celebrations for many peoples in West and Central Asia, Caucasus and Balkans. It has a very significant meaning of resistance for Kurdish people. Throughout northern Syria big celebrations were organized by the DAANES, with music, political speeches and other cultural events. Many political and social organizations made statements to celebrate Newroz and to celebrate the achievements of the Kurdish liberation movement, as well as the revolutionary steps taken this year, and the recent statement of Abdullah Öcalan invigorated the celebrations.

Next steps on the agreements signed by Abdi-Shara’a
Following the agreements of cooperation signed by Mazlum Abdi and Ahmed al-Shara’a, the provisional goverment formed a committee to coordinate its implementation. Alongside discussions about the integration of SDF into the Ministry of defense and other topics related to security and military affairs, steps are also been taken in civilian affairs. UNICEF mediated a discussion between the DAANES and the Ministry of Education to develop a fair and accessible process for students across the region, mainly concerning Syrian universities and mechanisms for conducting secondary and preparatory certificate exams. Discussions about oil and gas fields and electricity plants are also taking place, with the Syrian Minister of Electricity Omar Shaqrouq giving at a press conference about energy infrastructure repairs in northeast Syria. Rumors and alleged conditions of SDF and the transitional government about the integration of SDF in the new Syrian army are spreading on some social networks, but as terms are being discussed no official announcements have been made this week.

Agreements between PYD and ENKS
Representants of PYD and ENKS held a meeting in Qamishlo with mediation of Mazlum Abdi and American officials. After the meeting both sides communicated they reached agreements to end the disputes between both organizations and to build a common delegation to negotiate with the Damascus provisional government. Both parties also expressed their common disagreement with the provisional consitution that was recently proposed by the provisional governmet, calling for a decentralized and federal Syria. They also stated that they will meet again after the celebrations of Newroz to continue negotiations.

Coastal insurgence
Incidents continue in the coastal areas of the Latakia province that saw the recent wave of insurgency. Revenge killings and kidnappings have continued over the past week, even as coordinated insurgent attacks and extrajudicial sectarian killings by interim government forces have decreased. Alawite media have widely reported on instances of violence committed against the Alawite community by Sunnis and government forces. Several thousands, mostly Alawites, left their homes seeking shelter from the attacks in Lebanon. Near 10.000 found temporary shelter in the Russian base at Hmeimim, but after the tensions lowered, Russian military personal urged them to leave the military base.

Clashes in Lebanese border
After a confusing incident on the border between Syria and Lebanon where some Syrians were killed, clashes took place. Forces of HTS connected to the Syrian Ministry of Defense (MoD) launched a raid into Lebanese territory, taking control of one small border town. The Lebanese army engaged in clashes, allegedly against smugglers or tribal armed groups. HTS-linked media blame Hezbollah for the incidents, but Hezbollah denied involvment. Over the week, clashes continued on and off, with discussions ongoing between Lebanese goverment and Syrian provisional government to secure the border and stop the clashes. Allegedly, Hezbollah used the tensions and confusion to launch raids on Syrian territory.

Deir Ezzor insurgency
Soldiers of the MoD launched several raids in the Deir Ezzor region, in areas under control of the provisional government. The raids followed a wave of insurgency and attacks against military points of the MoD, allegedly by smuggling networks and militias aligned with Hezbollah or with Iran. It seems there is no direct relation between the insurgency in Deir Ezzor and the insurgency in coastal areas, but in both cases Assad loyalist elements seem to be involved in one way or another.

Halt on Turkish attacks?
On Sunday 16th of May a Turkish drone attacked a family home in the Kobane countryside killing both parents and 7 children, with only two children surviving with serious injuries. Many protests denouncing the attack took place all across north-east Syria. Two days after the massacre, the attacks of SNA and the Turkish army slowed down to a point that in the last days, no new attacks are reported. This pause could be a temporary phenomenon, but it comes against the backdrop of the SDF-Syrian provisional government talks. Turkey and the SNA appeared to halt attacks on March 19, which was the same day that the Syrian interim government met with the SDF at al Shaddadi base in Hasakah Province to continue negotiations over the SDF’s integration into the Syrian army.

Israel attacks
Israel continued its attacks on Syrian military positions, further advancing their occupation in southern Syria. Some airstrikes are claimed to be targeting military installations in southern Syria, which were allegedly being repurposed by military personal, and becoming a potential threat to Israel. Military occupation forces entered several new villages of the Quneitra region. Besides the expansion of the military occupation, they launched airstrikes next to the Lebanese border, allegedly targeting Hezbollah militias. The Israeli air force also bombed the Palmyra military airport in central Syria in several raids.

# Analysis

As the spring arrives, the celebrations of Newroz light the fire of resistance. This is a time of hope for the kurdish people. The message of Abdullah Ocalan sparked expectations for a peace process and a possible road map for a democratization of Turkey. This also echoes in Syria, with renewed negotiations petween PYD and ENKS to make a joint Kurdish delegation to negotiate with Damascus. It seams that the years of denial of the Kurdish identiy, of assimilation and ocupation, may be reaching its end. The resistance of the Kurdih people against colonization, against the borders imposed by European colonizers in Middle East after the World war, against the assimilation and genocidal policies, seems to be growing ripe. But what does this mean at the end of the first quarter of the 21st century? The creation of a Kurdish state, dream of many Kurdish resistance movements from the last century, seems not possible in the current world order. In any case, the Abdullah Öcalan’s proposal of Democratic Nation is also rejecting such path, deeply questioning the role of nation-states and their capacity to build a free life and a democratic society.

The negotitions with the provisional government of Damascus, when analyzed with an anarchist perspective, seem very discouraging. The new draft of the Syrian constitution is far away from the revolutionary dreams that brought us to Rojava. However, it is worth to not hurry with conclusions.
Many political organizations criticized the proposed constitutional draft, with strong opposition from the institutions of the DAANES as well as from the Druze community. The current political agreements and positions will influence all involved actors. From all years of civil war in Syria it can be expected that hegemonic state forces will use all opportunities to create more strife and chaos. It opens doors for them to step in, assert themselves as legitimate players and pursue their goals. The negotiations between SDF and the Provisional government can be considered with that reality in mind. Revolutionary Northeastern Syria asserts itself in all fields possible and shows itself as a legitimate and viable political actor. It takes the image of revolutionary system here far beyond the “allies who defeated ISIS”, towards being seen as a model and a system to be implemented, or at least to be reckoned with. We also should distinguish political talks from ideological lines. ENKS-PYD agreement is a good example of that. This brings us to one of the lessons we as anarchists can find here. We observe that a revolutionary movement needs to have capacity of bringing various political actors to contribute to the liberatory changes. Skillful diplomacy of DAANES and SDF is a good example of this effort.

In the past we shared reflections on the challanges that HTS will face to assert itself as the new government of Syria. The recent wave of insurgency that shaked Latakia may be the extreme example of that. The occupations of Turkey in the north and Israel in the south, the unrest in Deir Ezzor, the claims for decentralization by the Druze community in the south and the kurds in the north, are just examples of the challanges that the post-Assad Syria is facing. The DAANES is a proof of how a decentralized system in Syria is not only possible but necessary. Still, HTS will try to hold their grip on the newly captured central power in Damascus, navigating a dangerous balance of forces that can easily derail. If the diplomacy can’t reach satisfactory solutions for all relevant actors, we know how easily (and how a fast) the tensions can escalate to new armed conflicts.

It is good to remember that the estimations of fighters of HTS before the offensive against the regime varied between 10.000 and 30.000 soldiers. At that time, the numbers of SNA were estimated between 30.000 and 80.000, while SDF is ranging between 100.000 and 120.000. In theory, all the main military forces in Syria agree that it is time for peace, to work together to rebuild Syria. To reach cohesive agreements means that all sides also need to make concessions. Assad is gone, and the future of Syria needs to be built on consensus and popular unity, including all the people in Syria and with the memory of all those who gave their life to make this day possible.

We also know that happy endings are just for movies. Life goes on and the struggle has to go on. We need to use the time we have to be ready for what will come tomorrow. We have a revolution to defend and we have a fight to win. We can’t simply wait and expect that things will play out as we wish. We need to make sure that the achievments of the revolution and the lessons learned here help us in the next battles to come.

Revolutionary greetings!