The article explores the Kurdish community’s urgent calls for tangible support from Israel amidst rising threats from Turkey and its allied forces in Syria. Historical context illustrates past assaults, highlighting a desperate need for international protection and assistance to prevent further ethnic cleansing of Kurds.
On December 18, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar engaged in discussions with Jens Plotner, the Foreign Policy and Security Advisor to the German Chancellor. Sa’ar highlighted the necessity for the international community to safeguard minorities in Syria, particularly the Kurdish population currently facing heightened threats. Many Kurds express their hope that Israel’s support will transcend mere verbal affirmations, questioning if tangible assistance will materialize amidst the growing tensions in eastern Syria.
The Kurdish community in Syria is experiencing anxiety over potential Turkish offensives, recalling the 2018 assault on Afrin, where Turkish-backed militias forcibly displaced over 150,000 Kurds. The plight of displaced Kurdish individuals continues to grow due to recent attacks in Tal Rifaat, prompting fears of further ethnic cleansing. The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and its armed wing, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), now govern much of eastern Syria following their victory against ISIS in 2019. However, Turkey opposes the SDF, accusing it of being aligned with the PKK, a group Ankara categorizes as terrorist. Despite these claims, evidence indicating the SDF’s threats to Turkey remains scarce.
Currently, the SDF controls several significant cities, including Kobani and Raqqa, and actively collaborates with US forces. Nevertheless, they face persistent threats from Turkey and its affiliated Syrian National Army (SNA), which is notorious for its human rights abuses. The SDF’s withdrawal from Manbij has exacerbated local frustrations toward the SNA’s harassment. In light of these ongoing conflicts, many Kurds speculate whether Israel will extend its support beyond positive rhetoric, contemplating possibilities such as aerial support for the SDF.
Kurds express concerns that regional antagonists, particularly Turkey and Qatar, may fortify groups similar to Hamas in eastern Syria, thereby further destabilizing the area. Speculation regarding potential discreet cooperation between Israel and the SDF indicates a glimmer of hope, yet Kurds urgently seek clarity on Israel’s intentions. Despite previous short-lived ceasefires brokered by the US, consistent attacks from Turkey undermine efforts for peace.
The effective collaboration between the SDF and US forces has drawn Turkish ire, inadvertently granting Turkey greater influence in the region. As the geopolitical landscape in Syria evolves, Kurdish communities remain vigilant, especially in Kobani, a city representing Kurdish resilience against ISIS. The heightened threats from Turkish aggression loom large as Ankara leverages its NATO membership to gain tacit international approval for its actions in northern Syria. For this reason, Kurds deem Israeli support as crucial to their survival in the face of ongoing adversity.
The article discusses the precarious situation of Kurds in Syria, particularly how they are advocating for support from Israel amidst growing threats from Turkey and its supported factions. The Kurdish population has suffered significantly due to previous attacks and ethnic cleansing efforts, raising concerns about future assaults as Turkey’s influence in Syria expands. The SDF, viewed as a vital ally in the fight against ISIS, now finds itself under attack, intensifying the urgency for international security assurances, especially from allies like Israel.
In summary, the Kurds in Syria face dire threats from ongoing Turkish military actions and regional instability. Their calls for more substantial support from Israel echo their fears of further ethnic cleansing. The SDF stands as a vital ally against ISIS, yet persistent assaults from Turkey and the SNA highlight the urgent need for reliable international support. Israeli assistance could prove essential in safeguarding the Kurdish community and maintaining regional stability.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
