Duran Kalkan, a member of the Abdullah Öcalan Academy of Social Sciences, shared a comprehensive assessment with Medya Haber TV. The first part of this in-depth analysis can be read here, the second here, and the third here.

The global capitalist modernity system is using Israel as a strike force. In line with the interests of supranational capital in the Middle East and their efforts to establish an energy corridor, they are reshaping the political structures that emerged with World War I.

This signifies Israeli hegemony. They will carry out every kind of attack to achieve this. Israel is not acting alone; the U.S. is behind it, and they are acting together. NATO is involved, the U.K. is involved. The system is essentially run jointly by the U.K., the U.S., and Israel. And Germany, France, all of Europe are also backing it. They've openly declared their support. This clearly shows that they want to eliminate anyone who does not submit. They imposed a surrender condition on the current Iranian regime, which Iran claims to have rejected. But Iran shouldn’t have allowed the process to reach a state of imposed surrender.

Once things reach that point, you can’t just say, “This is being forced on me, what can I do?” You needed to see it in time, develop policies in time, take precautions. You had to eliminate the conditions that made such an intervention possible. And how? By fostering a mindset and politics in Iran that would prevent such an intervention. Historically, Iran had the foundations for this. It is a society open to democracy, a central region where freedom-oriented ideas have developed most strongly. A very socially cohesive people. They should have been given room to breathe. From women to the broader public—there has been so much repression. Your repressive acts justified by saying “this is my belief, that is my belief” eventually bring about such attacks. And then you're left saying, “What can I do?”

There was a way out—it wasn’t impossible. Some democratic reform, transformation could have been done. Women rose up two years ago with the slogan “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” (Woman, Life, Freedom). The youth supported it. Society supported it. People just wanted to live more freely. I said it back then too: What more do you want? They devoted themselves to your rule. And they’re still working. Just let them live a bit more freely. Don’t they have any rights? But no.

They clung to a rigid, dogmatic system. This is where that leads. These are the outcomes of religious extremism, nationalism, sexism, and positivist scientism in the Middle East. This mentality produced this outcome.

Yet, Kurds made efforts. Other peoples made efforts. They demanded solutions. There were alternatives. Leader Apo (Abdullah Öcalan) developed solutions—democratization, democratic nation. Yes, Islam should exist, but it should be democratic. Leader Apo even put forth the Medina Charter as a foundational document and called for democratization. But no one listened. None of it was taken seriously. A rigid rule was imposed. Now Iran is facing off against the world.

Clearly, the system is determined. It will change this regime. There are no alternative paths left. This could have been prevented—and it should have been.

Israel’s security lies in a democratic Middle East union

On the other hand, Israel says, “I will ensure my security by crushing my opposition.” Similarly, the Iranian regime says, “I will ensure my security by crushing the people.” The logic is the same. But security doesn't work that way. Security comes together; no one has it alone. If the Jewish community is to live freely, then the surrounding people must also be free. If the peoples of the Middle East are free, only then can Israel live freely in democratic unity with them. Otherwise, you enslave all peoples and expect to be free yourself? That doesn’t work.

They should orient themselves more toward socialism. Jews were instrumental in developing the ideology of socialism. They said, “A society that oppresses others cannot be free.”

Yes, a military result will come now. Clearly, trade and energy routes will produce some outcomes. They’ll act on those. But this won’t be freedom for the Jewish people or security for Israel. As we always say: real security lies in the concept of the democratic nation, in a democratic Middle East union.

The solution proposed by Leader Apo is the only one that can realize democratization and a free life.

Rojhilat society’s stance is a good one

The Kurdish people have been the most sensitive and proactive on this issue. They faced oppression in the past and resisted. Recently, they’ve said, “If oppression continues, we will resist.” But importantly, they’ve always maintained a space for developments that could bring about democratization. They’ve shown they are not supporters of violence or destruction. The stance of Kurdish society, particularly in Rojhilat (Eastern Kurdistan), has been a good one.

They accepted nothing short of a free life and remained insistent on gaining democratic rights. When necessary, they resisted. But they also put great effort into ensuring this happens through democratic, political means.

Now is the time to build national unity around the congress

Now, the correct stance is absolutely this. In this context, I can say: our call to all Kurdish movements could be this—this is a new situation. Developments in Iran represent a new situation for Rojhilat and all of Kurdistan. For years, we’ve been calling for national unity from the frontline. We said, “Let’s realize this at the Kurdistan National Congress.” Now is the time to work for that congress, to build national unity around it. If we can’t do it now, then when?

Therefore, all Kurdish organizations and all patriots must follow such a political path. Efforts must be made for Kurdish National Unity. Individual or organizational concerns must be set aside—everyone should contribute. Especially now, the political parties, organizations, and institutions of Rojhilat Kurdistan must unite and act with one voice. They must be able to do this.

There are calls in this direction. PJAK made a statement, issued a call. We find that call appropriate and meaningful.

For example, all Kurdish organizations, all patriots should take the same stance. If they unite now, they will achieve great gains. Let them create Kurdish National Unity on the path of free life and democratic politics—they will be the biggest beneficiaries in this turbulent environment. That’s a certainty.

This is our call to all parties, without distinction—to all who consider themselves patriotic groups and organizations: now is the time to act together.

The people must prioritize their own security

Finally, for the people of Rojhilat Kurdistan: this is clearly a dangerous situation. It’s unclear what might happen. People must be very alert and cautious. They must be organized and prepared. Society must prioritize ensuring its own security in the face of conflict. It must strengthen solidarity and communal life. But as much as possible, they should not be drawn into conflicts. They should act cautiously. They must never stray from the path of national democratic development. They must build their national unity, build their organization.

They must prioritize relationships and alliances based on creating a joint democratic governance with all Iranian peoples. A Democratic Union of Iran is very important. The people of Rojhilat Kurdistan led a major uprising in Iran in the past two years with the slogan “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî.” They must also lead the process of building a democratic union. They must believe in themselves. They must not enter unnecessary conflicts but must always take security precautions.

And they must know and trust that Kurds from all four parts of Kurdistan and the diaspora are behind them. They stand with the people of Rojhilat Kurdistan. They will support them to the end. In this sense, trust must be placed in the Kurdish people and their freedom- and democracy-oriented forces.