Following the overthrow of the Syrian regime on 8 December, the situation in the region continues to evolve. While international powers are trying to implement a new plan for Syria through the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Turkish state and its affiliated militia groups, which are among the primary supporters of this jihadist group, continue their invasion attacks on the Autonomous Administration regions of Northern and Eastern Syria.

Paolo Ferrero, former Italian Minister of Social Solidarity and former secretary of Rifondazione Comunista, spoke to ANF about the developments in Syria and the attacks on the Kurds.

‘Not a new Syria but a destruction project’

Paolo Ferrero said that the Assad regime was already weak and was overthrown with the direct support of Turkey and Israel and indirect support from the U.S. He added: "They have disrupted the existing balance in Syria. I believe this new situation will not lead to a new Syrian government, but to the destruction of Syria. I say this because Israel is annexing the entire Golan Heights and neighboring areas in Lebanon. Turkey is also trying to do the same in northern Syria. Moreover, although jihadist terrorist groups are portrayed as having formed a government, in reality, they have no sovereignty. Just like the Islamic State was used against the Kurds, they too are being manipulated and used as tools."

‘The project to destroy Syria through Turkey is active’

Ferrero pointed out that the project to destroy Syria through Turkey is being carried out and emphasized that seeking a solution for Syria through HTS is futile. He said: "Given the history and ideology of this jihadist group, it’s very difficult to envision a solution for Syria with them. Turkey wants to implement its plans through this group and other armed groups affiliated with it. As in the past, it is clear that these groups are being used against the Kurds and Rojava. We will see if the U.S. intervenes. As for Russia, like Iran, it seems to be standing on the sidelines. If the U.S. and Turkey want to normalize the situation, talks may be possible. However, if Turkey insists on forcibly changing the situation in Syria, then military action may be the only option, as so far, no real discussion about a solution has taken place. The military power balance in Syria is shifting in favor of the jihadist model because this model reflects the interests of Turkey, Israel, and to some extent the U.S. These powers want to divide Syria into small ethnic, religious, or cultural states in order to better control the region. This situation is part of a long-term vision to maintain these powers' dominance in Syria."

‘They don’t want to accept the Kurdish reality’

Ferrero said that Turkey’s main goal is to implement a new Ottoman policy in the region and highlighted that the attacks on Rojava are aimed at preventing the acceptance of the Kurdish reality by Erdoğan and his regime. Ferrero said: "Moreover, Erdoğan nurtures a rigid and intolerant nationalism that rejects any form of autonomy for the Kurds. Turkey doesn’t want the Kurds to be in a position where they can freely express themselves or govern themselves."

‘The Rojava model is a true revolution’

Ferrero reminded that for half a century, an understanding that does not accept any differences has held power in Syria, and said: "The proposal and model of a democratic region that unites different religions, cultures, and ethnic groups in Kurdistan is truly revolutionary in the current context. The existence of the Assad regime was based on the denial of this pluralism. Despite the knowledge of this reality in Syria, we see that groups that pursue an exclusionary vision of a state based on a single religion, like the jihadists, are being supported."

Ferrero added: "It is crucial for us to do everything we can to support the Kurdish people in Western countries and elsewhere. Attacks on the Kurds are unacceptable. They should be left free to govern themselves. We must put pressure on Turkey and the U.S.

The Rojava model, inspired by the ideas of Abdullah Öcalan, offers an important alternative for a pluralistic and participatory democracy.

However, democratic forces are opposed to this idea because they support the authoritarian democracy that dominates the West today. The Kurdish people are not only defending the right to live and self-govern but also have a vision to solve humanity’s problems. If we follow this path of participatory and pluralistic democracy, it will be possible to move away from the logic of war. Otherwise, war will remain inevitable."

‘They want to destroy Kobanê, the symbol of resistance’

Ferrero said: "Turkey, which sees the victories of the Kurdish people as an insult to themselves, is trying to destroy the symbol of Kurdish resistance, Kobanê."

‘We must defend Rojava for the future of humanity’

In his concluding remarks, Ferrero said: "It is of vital importance to apply pressure on Turkey and the U.S. to end this situation, which reminds us of what Israel is doing to the Palestinians. These great powers think they can impose their will on the people. Rojava is not just a positive experience for the Kurds; it is also important for humanity. This model represents an important practical step showing that living together is possible despite differences. Rojava presents a concrete and realistic proposal for harmonious coexistence among different ethnic groups, religions, and political orientations. This is why we must defend Rojava. It represents a potential model for the future of humanity, where peace prevails over war. By defending Rojava, we will be defending a model for the future of humanity."