The Unified Kurdish Delegation: A Strategic Choice That Cannot Be Questioned
By Dr. Kamiran Haj Abdo
Since the announcement of the formation of the joint and unified Kurdish delegation to negotiate with Damascus, this delegation has been subjected to a barrage of criticism, skepticism, and attacks from various parties, some of which are close and others distant. These negative responses and positions emerged even before the delegation took its first practical steps, announced its agenda, or clarified the nature of its representation and mechanisms. Instead, they emerged prematurely and unexpectedly at a time that demanded the utmost wisdom, support, and responsible engagement.
It is certainly true that some comments raised are undoubtedly based on legitimate concerns. These fears must be understood and appreciated, particularly in light of the painful experiences that the Kurds have endured throughout their long history of denial and betrayal. However, viewing the new delegation in a purely negative light and prejudging it based on all contradictions and fears will not serve the Kurdish cause or contribute to finding a political solution in Syria. On the contrary, it could weaken their negotiating position even before negotiations have even begun.
In truth, the mere fact of agreeing to form a unified Kurdish delegation representing a broad spectrum of Kurdish political forces and components is a crucial and rare step. The division that has characterized the Kurdish political scene for many years and the lack of coordination between the various parties has always been an obstacle to any joint Kurdish national effort. It has sometimes hindered the Syrian government’s understanding of the Kurdish cause and their legitimate rights.
Therefore, despite all the concerns and doubts, this delegation represents a unique chance to overcome this fragmented pattern and present a unified vision on behalf of marginalized and oppressed people for decades. I firmly believe that supporting this delegation and backing its efforts to represent the aspirations of our Kurdish people is not incompatible with constructive criticism or reminding them of the principles that must be upheld and reinforced in any negotiation process. However, when criticism takes the form of public campaigns, it undermines the position rather than supporting it and becomes a burden. It is perhaps akin to the practices of our historical opponents. It is more useful to raise reservations and observations in a responsible internal framework with a corrective, rather than destructive, spirit.
The success of this delegation is not the result of sectarian efforts, but the outcome of a political project that aims to rebuild Syria on new foundation. This new Syria would recognize its ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity, and would believe in freedom and equality at both the individual and collective levels. It would also guarantee the national and cultural rights of all its citizens, without discrimination or exclusion. In the Syria of tomorrow, it will be impossible to overlook the fact that the Kurdish people, alongside other Syrian components, are an integral part of the national fabric.
We cannot achieve a fair and comprehensive political solution without explicitly recognizing their national, cultural, and social rights within a civil, democratic, and federal state that embraces and respects all its citizens. Reducing the Syrian solution to mere administrative reform or reproducing centralized authority in new forms will only lead to the reproduction of the same crisis. Therefore, we have a political and moral duty to support the formation of this delegation and offer it all forms of the moral and political support it needs to succeed in its difficult mission.
Success here does not merely mean achieving some immediate gains; rather, the delegation must be a unified, balanced, and courageous voice for the hopes and aspirations of Kurds from Afrin in the west to Derik in the east. This must be within the framework of an inclusive Syrian national project, far from deprivation, oppression, and centralization, and moving towards a new Syria in which all its citizens share equally in shaping its future.