In North and Eastern Syria where a vision of hope has emerged for the peoples in the Middle East, specifically for the Syrians, many political steps were taken during 2018. The North and Eastern Syria Self-Administration which was established this year, has developed into a key alternative for Syria’s future. The Syrian Democratic Council (MSD) tried to engage in dialogue both with the democratic opposition and the Syrian government to resolve the Syrian crisis.

Syrian Democratic Council (MSD) co-chair Emine Omer spoke to the ANF and evaluated the progress made in North and Eastern Syria, and stressed that their council is the only force that has an alternative for answering the Syrian conflict. “This project has been implemented in 32% of the Syrian territory, yet we are trying to spread the project for the whole of Syria,” said Omer.

MILITARY ACHIEVEMENTS

“Various military accomplishments were experienced in Syria during 2018, yet we cannot say the same for the political aspect. The crisis got even deeper now,” said Omer.

“There have been significant victories in the fight against terrorism on the military front in 2018, however the political stage has not been similar. ISIS has been cornered in a small part of the country, yet this campaign was not transferred into political triumph,” Omer added.

PROXY WAR HAS COME TO AN END

Emine Omer reminded that Russia has continued its support for the Syrian regime in 2018, and continued: “All major forces currently present in Syria regard their interests above the Syrian people’s interests. Russia’s support for the Syrian regime continued, it played a central role for retaking control of a swathes of land by the Syrian regime. The proxy war conducted earlier gave place to direct conflicts in 2018. In other words, it gave way to the direct fight of the forces on the ground.”

RUSSIA’S POSITION

Omer underlined that during the same period of time, many bargains over the Syrian lands were made. She said even though the Syrian regime made gains militarily the problems which led to the Syrian crisis, still remain.

“In other words, 2018 was the year of bargains. For example, Afrin was made into a subject of bargaining in return of Eastern Ghouta. Another bargain was over the expulsion of Iran from the region in return for Daraa. Looking at the region, you can initially see that regime has reclaimed a vast area, yet the majority of these lands were controlled as result of bargain. At the same time, the fundamental concerns which led to the crisis and war in Syria, are still in place,” said Omer.

USA’S POSITION

Emine Omer stated that the United States of America tries to define a new line for its policy in Syria, “The tried to legitimize its presence in Syria based upon three topics, the fight against ISIS, restricting Iran’s influence, and reaching a political solution. The campaign against ISIS is now about to conclude, yet the US is now trying to define a new policy. These will soon be understood,” said Omer.

SYRIAN CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE

MSD co-chair mentioned that the subject of Syria’s new constitution that is crucial for resolving Syrian crisis, made one of the top matters of the year.

“Developing a new constitution for Syria was on the agenda this year. This was a Russian recommendation which was announced in Sochi summit. Yet no progress has been made in this regard and the constitution committee has been able to convene. That is because every party to this war is trying to shape the committee in accordance with their interests. Instead of those who have been on the ground and made sacrifices for the country, those outside the field are being addressed. For instance, Turkey does not want to see the Kurds represented in the committee, and like all other political processes, Turkey vetoes the Kurds,” added Omer.

HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN SYRIA

Emine Omer emphasized that the humanitarian situation in Syria is deteriorating, adding; “Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have died, hundreds of thousands have been injured, over six million Syrians sought refuge outside the country, over five million Syrians were internally displaced. There are major economic inadequacies to provide shelter and economic support for the victims. The answer to all of these issues is political, yet no one has taken any step forward.”

THE PRIMARY GOAL IS TO LIBERATE AFRIN

Emine Omer pointed out to the fact that Afrin’s occupation is not accepted and their primary task is to liberate Afrin. “The utmost challenge in 2018 was the occupation of Afrin by Turkey and affiliated terrorist elements. Our people were forced to migrate, and are now living in IDP camps under dire circumstances. This was not easy for us, yet the MSD’s priority is Afrin’s liberation. As decided upon, Afrin will be on the top of our discussions,” added Omer.

MEETINGS WITH OTHER PARTIES

Emine Omer underlined that during 2018 they had met both the Syrian regime and the democratic opposition to resolve the current crisis, “On the other hand we established the North and East Syria Self-Administration. We held the MSD’s annual congress in which the council’s responsibilities and functions were expanded. There were meetings with the Syrian regime as well as the democratic opposition, and several workshops were organized. We believe that the only solution available is political, and it needs to be local to Syria. We have always expressed our readiness for dialogue,” added Omer.

THE ONLY ANSWER TO THE CRISIS

“I can say this with confidence, the only ones who have a project to resolve the crisis in Syria, is the MSD. So far we have explained our project, and from now on we will concentrate to spread this project to all Syria. The project is already implemented in over 32% of this country, everyone could candidly see how democratically it is running. This project has proved to be effective, it is essential that the international community supports this project. With our policies we would like to have a voice in Syria’s future. Our work to this end will relentlessly continue next year,” added MSD co-chair Omer.