The ‘Femmes contra DAESCH’ (Women against ISIS) documentary in which French journalist Pascale Bourgaux, who closely follows the war in Rojava, focuses on YPJ fighters was broadcast on LCP, known as the channel of the National Assembly and Senate. Bourgaux is also the author of the 2016 book ‘Moi Viyan, Combattante contre DAESCH’ (I am Viyan-a fighter against ISIS).

The documentary, which was filmed in May and November, 2015 and broadcast before, promotes the struggle of YPJ fighters for women’s liberation and against ISIS and in south Kobanê.

Bourgaux, French Institute of International and Strategic Relations expert on Islamic movements Kader Abderrahim, former French army officer and the author of ‘Mourir pour Kobanê’ (Dying for Kobanê) Patrice Franceschi and French-Kurdish journalist Allan Kaval participated in the discussion section of the program on LCP.

“THE STRUGGLE THEY PUT UP DESPITE LACK OF OPPORTUNITIES LEFT ITS MARK ON ME”

Pascale Bourgaux drew attention to the determination of Kurdish female fighters, and recalled that they end their own lives in order to avoid being captured by ISIS members. Bourgaux noted that YPG-YPJ forces that were trying to secure south Kobanê during the first period of filming in May 2015 had already reached the Euphrates river during November 2015's filming.

Pascale Bourgaux stated that the struggle YPJ fighters gave in post-Kobanê period with light weapons and inadequate resources left its mark on her, and emphasized that YPJ fights against ISIS for the freedom of Kurdistan and women’s liberation.

“ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT BATTLES IN KURDISH HISTORY IS IN ROJAVA”

Journalist Allan Kaval emphasized the PKK’s impact on Rojava and stated that the organization’s emphasis on women’s liberation shows itself in YPG and YPJ guerillas. Kaval emphasized that one of the most important battles in Kurdish history took place in Rojava, even though the region is the smallest part of Kurdistan.

ABDERRAHİM: KURDS WILL CONTINUE TO BE PRESENT IN DIFFERENT BALANCES OF POWER

Known for his work on Maghreb and Islamism, Kader Abderrahim stated that France and Britain are responsible for the Kurdish and Palestinian issues for their actions of more than 100 years ago. Abderrahim argued that gang groups such as ISIS emerge due to the lack of a solution to these issues.

Abderrahim noted that Kurds will continue to be present in different balances of power in the Middle East that is currently divided.

“WEST MUST SUPPORT; THERE CAN BE NO RETURN TO THE STATUS QUO”

Patrice Francesci remarked that Kurdish fighters not only fight against ISIS but also struggle for women’s liberation. Francesci emphasized that Western countries must support Kurdish fighters and this should not be limited to the capture of Raqqa.

Francesci emphasized that there could be no return to the status quo after the defeat of ISIS with or without Western support to the Kurds, and noted that Kurds succeeded in working closely with the US, Russia, France and other foreign powers in the Middle East.