Revolutionary Rojava And The War On Isis Kairos: A Tale of Courage and Resilience

Revolutionary Rojava, also known as the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, has emerged as a shining beacon of hope amidst the chaos and destruction caused by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). In this article, we delve deep into the fascinating story of Rojava and its relentless fight against the brutal forces of ISIS.

The Birth of Rojava

The roots of Rojava's revolution can be traced back to the Syrian Civil War that erupted in 2011. As the conflict escalated, the Kurdish people in northern Syria saw an opportunity to establish an autonomous region based on principles of direct democracy, gender equality, and religious and ethnic inclusivity.

With their remarkable spirit and unwavering determination, the Kurdish-led forces formed the People's Protection Units (YPG) and Women's Protection Units (YPJ) to defend their homeland from the tyranny of ISIS.

Their Blood Got Mixed: Revolutionary Rojava and the War on ISIS (Kairos)

by Janet Biehl(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

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Rojava's revolutionary ideology, known as democratic confederalism, advocates for power to be decentralized and distributed equally among local communities. Inspired by the imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan's ideas, the people of Rojava took the bold step of implementing gender quotas, ensuring female representation in all elected bodies.

The War on ISIS Kairos

The rise of ISIS in 2014 posed an existential threat not only to the Kurdish people but also to the entire region. ISIS militants, armed with their extremist ideology and brutal tactics, were committing unspeakable atrocities, including mass killings, kidnappings, and the enslavement of women.

Rojava's courageous fighters, both men and women, stood firmly in the face of this unprecedented threat. They became a symbol of resistance and resilience, defending their land with unwavering determination. The international community watched in awe as the brave soldiers of Rojava fought valiantly against ISIS, becoming a formidable force on the battlefield.

The Turning Point

While Rojava's triumphs were numerous, one event stands out as a transformative moment in the war against ISIS. In 2014, the battle for the Syrian border town of Kobani became a focal point of the conflict. ISIS launched a relentless assault on the town, seeking to gain control and establish a base for further expansion.

The siege of Kobani lasted for months and captured the world's attention. In a remarkable display of international solidarity, a diverse coalition of forces, including the US-led coalition, provided air support to the Kurdish fighters on the ground. The resilience of the Kurdish forces, coupled with the international assistance, eventually led to the liberation of Kobani in 2015.

Rojava's Impact on the World

The victory in Kobani marked a turning point in the war against ISIS. Rojava's success sparked a global conversation about the revolutionary experiment taking place in northern Syria. Academics, journalists, and activists flocked to Rojava, eager to understand and witness the extraordinary social transformation unfolding before their eyes.

Rojava's commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment became a central focus of international discussion. Women in Rojava actively participate in all spheres of life – from politics and administration to military operations and community building. Their bravery and determination became an inspiration for feminist movements across the globe.

The multi-ethnic and multi-religious nature of Rojava's society also captured the world's attention. By embracing diversity and celebrating different cultures, Rojava provided a powerful example of peaceful coexistence in a region marked by division and sectarian strife.

Challenges and the Path towards Peace

Despite the remarkable achievements, Rojava continues to face numerous challenges. Turbulence in the region, including ongoing conflicts and geopolitical rivalries, threatens the stability of this nascent experiment in democracy and self-governance. The withdrawal of US forces in 2019, followed by a Turkish military offensive, further destabilized the region and posed significant challenges to Rojava's progress.

Nevertheless, the people of Rojava remain resilient and unwavering in their commitment to their revolutionary values. They strive to build a society where democracy and equality are not just lofty ideals but tangible realities.

Revolutionary Rojava and its war on ISIS Kairos symbolize the triumph of hope over despair, unity over division, and courage over fear. The story of Rojava serves as a reminder that even in the harshest of circumstances, the human spirit can defy the odds and create a better world.

As we reflect on Rojava's remarkable journey, let us celebrate the indomitable spirit of the Kurdish people and their unwavering commitment to justice, freedom, and peace.

Their Blood Got Mixed: Revolutionary Rojava and the War on ISIS (Kairos)

by Janet Biehl(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

FREE

In the summer of 2012 the Kurdish people of northern Syria set out to create a multiethnic society in the Middle East. Persecuted for much of the 20th century, they dared to try to overcome social fragmentation by affirming social solidarity among all the region’s ethnic and religious peoples. As Syria plunged into civil war, the Kurds and their Arab and Assyrian allies established a self-governing polity that was not only multiethnic but democratic. And women were not only permitted but encouraged to participate in all social roles alongside men, including political and military roles.

To implement these goals, Rojava wanted to live in peace with its neighbors. Instead, it soon faced invasion by ISIS, a force that was in every way its opposite. ISIS attacked its neighbors in Iraq and Syria, imposing theocratic, tyrannical, femicidal rule on them. Those who might have resisted fled in terror. But when ISIS attacked the mostly Kurdish city of Kobane and overran much of it, the YPG and YPJ, or people's militias, declined to flee. Instead they resisted, and several countries, seeing their valiant resistance, formed an international coalition to assist them militarily. While the YPG and YPJ fought on the ground, the coalition coordinated airstrikes with them. They liberated village after village and in March 2019 captured ISIS’s last territory in Syria.

Around that time, two UK-based filmmakers invited the author to spend a month in Rojava making a film. She accepted, and arrived to explore the society and interview people. During that month, she explored how the revolution had progressed and especially the effects of the war on the society. She found that the war had reinforced social solidarity and welded together the multiethnic, gender-liberated society. As one man in Kobane told her, “Our blood got mixed.”