Ilham Ahmed, co-chair of the AANES, emphasizes that Israel must play a critical role in ensuring regional security amid rising tensions following the Assad regime’s fall. The AANES, controlling significant territory, faces challenges from the Islamist HTS faction that rejects Kurdish autonomy. Ahmed expresses cautious optimism about potential U.S. support and the importance of a collaborative approach involving Israel to achieve a democratic resolution.
Ilham Ahmed, a prominent figure in the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of Northeast Syria (AANES), asserts that Israel must be involved in the regional security dynamics due to increasing tensions in Syria. The AANES, controlling about 30% of Syrian territory, encompasses vital resources and acts as a barrier against Iranian influence prior to the collapse of the Assad regime. Following this regime’s fall, the Kurdish leadership faces heightened challenges from Islamist forces led by Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), which seeks to assert control across Syria.
Ahmed highlights the diversity of Syria, emphasizing that any attempt to unify the various factions under a single system could spark civil conflict. She warns of HTS’s predilection for centralized power, suggesting they may not respect the rights of other groups. Regarding HTS’s claimed evolution from its jihadist roots, Ahmed remains skeptical but open to observing their future actions, noting the importance of ongoing regional security concerns.
Addressing the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Ahmed is willing to consider a role within a new Syrian army, provided the SDF retains a significant status and influence. The U.S. military presence in the region is pivotal, safeguarding Kurdish interests against threats from Turkey and competitive Islamist factions such as HTS. Ahmed expresses hope that U.S. engagement will continue given rising ISIS activity.
In discussing Israel’s role, Ahmed asserts that any viable democratic resolution in the Middle East necessitates Israel’s active participation. She stresses the importance of collaborative security measures involving Israel to address regional crises effectively. Reflecting on the implications of the Assad regime’s downfall, Ahmed sees a unique chance to construct a new Syria devoid of oppression experienced under Assad, focusing also on accountability for past regime affiliates.
While optimistic about future opportunities, Ahmed is also cognizant of the fundamental disparities between HTS’s push for an Islamic regime and AANES’s vision of decentralization and secular governance, particularly concerning rights for women. The autonomy and international backing of the SDF will be critical in counteracting both Islamist and Turkish aggressions, highlighting a pressing choice between conflict or concession in a shifting political landscape. The resilience and organization of the Kurdish forces, developed over fourteen years, indicate their commitment to preserving their hard-won achievements.
As tensions rise in Syria, particularly after the fall of the Assad regime, the role of Israel in Middle Eastern security becomes increasingly relevant. The Autonomous Administration of Northeast Syria (AANES), led by Kurdish leaders, navigates complex relationships with Islamist factions like HTS, which reject federalism and threaten Kurdish autonomy. Ilham Ahmed, a senior figure in AANES, articulates the Kurdish perspective on these evolving dynamics, emphasizing the need for foreign alliances, particularly with Israel, and the enduring challenges presented by jihadist ideologies in the region.
The shifting landscape of Syrian politics post-Assad necessitates careful navigation by the AANES, particularly in light of HTS’s ambitions and the potential for renewed conflicts. Ilham Ahmed’s insights capture the urgent need for strategic alliances, including with Israel, to ensure regional stability and protect Kurdish rights. As the SDF continues to fortify its position, the interplay between decentralization and centralized Islamist governance remains pivotal for the future of Syria’s diverse populations.
Original Source: aurora-israel.co.il
