-
In an interview with Rudaw, Joost Hiltermann, Program Director for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at International Crisis Group, says that the situation in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava) today is similar to what it was like in Iraqi Kurdistan in 1991.
Hiltermann who has visited Rojava on different occasions says that people in the Kurdish areas of Syria live in relative stability but deprived of essential services and it is controlled by a single party, in this case the PYD.
He says on a visit to Syria one could see that the area “has been neglected for a long time but development could take place in the future,” because Rojava has resources such as oil and wheat.
Militarily, says Hiltermann, the Democratic Union Party (PYD) which has been in control in Rojava for several years, isn’t willing to share power. But, he suggests, it has to share power politically and administratively.
He adds that the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Syria (KDPS) and other parties and “are going through a very difficult time right now.”
“But in order to resolve those issues between the PYD and other parties there has to be an understanding between the KRG and the PKK in Qandil.” Hiltermann argues.
He also believes that good fighters the PYD men may be, they are not very experienced in governing the area.
“We have spoken with them about the importance of power sharing, especially politically,” he says. “These are people who have been hardened by the fight against Turkey in the past, but they are not good at administering. So they need to work with the local population and professionals who have been trained.”
“But unfortunately because they are imposing their political control with an ideology that many people do not accept many of the capable administrators are not willing to make the switch.” Hiltermann believes.
In the interview, Hiltermann thinks that despite the right to self-determination and independence, the Kurds of Iraq may not get independence at this time as the realities of the region do not allow it and he argues that President Masoud Barzani recognizes that reality.
Comments
Rudaw moderates all comments submitted on our website. We welcome comments which are relevant to the article and encourage further discussion about the issues that matter to you. We also welcome constructive criticism about Rudaw.
To be approved for publication, however, your comments must meet our community guidelines.
We will not tolerate the following: profanity, threats, personal attacks, vulgarity, abuse (such as sexism, racism, homophobia or xenophobia), or commercial or personal promotion.
Comments that do not meet our guidelines will be rejected. Comments are not edited – they are either approved or rejected.
Post a comment