Kurds in Syria Seek Israel’s Support Amid Growing Threats from Turkey

Kurds in Syria seek tangible support from Israel as they face threats from Turkey. Following past assaults in Afrin and other Kurdish regions, current tensions remain high. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue to protect against ISIS while battling hostile groups. A call for international support highlights the precarious position of the Kurdish population in eastern Syria.

On December 18, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar engaged with Jens Plotner, the Foreign Policy and Security Advisor to the German Federal Chancellor. In highlighting the vulnerability of minorities in Syria, notably the Kurdish community, Sa’ar expressed a need for international intervention. In recent discussions, numerous Kurds have voiced their despair, yearning for substantive support from Israel beyond mere verbal affirmations of solidarity.

The environment in eastern Syria remains fraught with anxiety as Kurds fear Turkey’s potential aggression in exploiting Syria’s current instability. They recall the violent incursion in 2018, which saw Turkish forces target the Kurdish region of Afrin, displacing over 150,000 individuals. The aftermath left many Kurds living in precarious conditions around Tal Rifaat after subsequent harassment by Turkish-backed militias.

Ethnic cleansing of Kurds has become alarmingly prevalent across various regions, including Afrin and Serekaniye. While the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) manages significant territories, threats from Turkey and the Syrian National Army (SNA) loom large. Though the SDF, which gained recognition through its successful fight against ISIS, represents a diverse coalition, Turkey views it as an adversary, associating it with the PKK, a group Ankara identifies as terrorist.

Currently, the SDF controls significant areas, including Kobani and Raqqa. Despite their established military success, the SDF grapples with external threats from Turkish airstrikes and continuing hostilities from the SNA. Moreover, new dynamics involving the Syrian government in Damascus have emerged, as the current leaders exhibit a more conciliatory position towards the Kurdish population.

The tension is exacerbated by potential Turkish objectives to further undermine the SDF while consolidating control near the border, raising concerns among Kurdish groups. As Kurds wonder about Israel’s potential intervention, they seek assurance amidst fears of further assaults, especially as Turkey appears emboldened due to a perceived lack of international accountability.

Despite these challenges, there are murmurs of potential coordination between Israel and the SDF. Nevertheless, the central question persists: Will Israel take decisive action to safeguard the Kurdish minority? For the Kurds, this remains an issue of critical importance.

The Kurds in Syria have faced unprecedented challenges amid the broader conflict in the region. Following the rise of oppressed communities in Syria, particularly after the Syrian civil war began, the Kurdish population has particularly struggled with attacks from Turkey and hostile factions aligned with Ankara. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), comprising various ethnic groups but primarily Kurdish fighters, emerged as a key ally in the battle against ISIS. Their relationship with international powers, notably the United States and Israel, has placed them at a pivotal juncture as they navigate threats from both local adversaries and broader regional powers.

In summary, the plight of Kurds in Syria is marked by a desperate need for external support, particularly from Israel, as they face significant threats from Turkey and its allied militias. The historical context of past Turkish assaults underscores the urgency for a proactive stance by the international community. Kurds hope for a shift from mere words of support to concrete actions that would provide them with protection against ongoing aggressions. Only through decisive international cooperation can their safety and autonomy be assured amidst the turmoil.

Original Source: www.jpost.com