ROJAVA: WHY DEFEND IT? WHAT IS IT?

Rojava — the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria is a de facto autonomous region in northeastern Syria. It consists of self-governing sub-regions in the areas of Afrin, Jazira, Euphrates, Raqqa, Tabqa, Manbij and Deir Ez-Zor.

Since taking form in 2011 with the start of the Syrian revolution, Rojava has birthed a unique social organization model rooted in social equality, ethnic pluralism, and anti-sectarianism. The territory is unique to the region, especially when it comes to women’s advancement. It is the only society in the region that draws on the strengths of its entire population.

The territory’s defence forces — the People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) — played a central role in defeating the Islamic State for which they have sacrificed 13,000 martyrs. Rojava stood for all of humanity in the war against ISIS, bringing peace and stability to the area. For this the USA considers Rojava a key ally.

On Oct. 6th, after a phone call with Turkish President Erdogan, Trump announced that he was withdrawing American troops from Syria’s border with Turkey. This cleared the way for a Turkish invasion of land previously held by the Kurds. The invasion has killed hundreds of civilians, SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces), and YPG fighters. Trump thus rewarded those who were key to the success in the war against ISIS by leaving them at the mercy of a barbaric Turkish invasion committing genocide and ethnic cleansing. The Turkish invasion has produced a wave of arson, looting, kidnapping, and roadside executions, and has driven 300,000 people from their homes. The invasion has continued even through the so-called “ceasefire”.

The US Rojava Solidarity Coalition is an autonomous group of activists rooted in principles of justice, inclusion, equity, respect for humanity and a commitment to mutual aid. We want to tell Rojava that the world is standing in solidarity with you, Kurdistan, and the Kurdish people.

"We are your mountains"