News Center- The American University in Duhok, Kurdistan Region, hosted the Middle East Peace and Security Forum – MEPS 2025, one of the most prominent regional events addressing stability and security issues, with a particular focus on the Syrian file.

During her participation on the second day of MEPS 2025, discussing Syria and ways to ensure stability there, Co-Chair of the Foreign Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, Ilham Ahmed, emphasized that the Syrian crisis fundamentally stems from a mentality based on domination through force and arms. This has led to the exclusion of certain groups, particularly the Kurds, and the ongoing discrimination against women. She stressed that the solution lies in drafting a new constitution that guarantees rights and enshrines the principle of inclusive participation for all parties.

Regarding the establishment of a participatory administration free from exclusion, which always leads to conflict and wars, she pointed out that the prevailing mentality in the Middle East is the main cause of many issues, including the marginalization of the Kurdish people and the denial of their rights, as well as continued discrimination against women. She added that the Syrian crisis will not find a path to resolution except through transforming this mentality into one based on acceptance of others, which constitutes the real entry point for a solution in Syria.

She added that no settlement can be achieved without a constitutional framework that guarantees the rights of all groups and establishes a participatory administration, free from exclusion, which always leads to conflict and wars. She emphasized that after many years of war and suffering, Syria needs every group to place itself in the position of the others to understand everyone’s needs and move toward agreements that pave the way for stability.

Ilham Ahmed criticized what she described as “cultural and political domination” among the groups, considering the Sykes-Picot Agreement as one of the most prominent manifestations of this mentality. Its repercussions continue to hinder progress in Syrian dialogue. She also noted that accusations directed at North and East Syria constitute an obstacle to negotiations with the transitional government, reflecting the mentality that prevents dialogue and mutual acceptance.

She affirmed that achieving peace and stability in Syria and the region requires media that promotes security and stability values, alongside educational curricula based on participation and recognition of all groups. She stressed that politically empowering women is an essential condition for the success of any peace process.

She also stated that the artificial borders imposed on the region hinder natural communication among all peoples, and overcoming these barriers opens the way for broader and more inclusive stability.

Earlier today, Ilham Ahmed, Co-Chair of the Foreign Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, and the General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, arrived at the American University in Duhok to attend the Middle East Peace and Security Forum (MEPS 2025). The forum opened yesterday, Tuesday, November 18, under the theme “Managed Chaos: A New Middle East.”

It is worth noting that MEPS has been held annually since 2019, organized by the American University in Duhok, and has become a key platform for dialogue on peace and security in the Middle East. This year’s edition marks the fifth session of the forum, which is held over two days with broad participation from decision-makers and regional actors, reflecting its growing importance as a platform for discussion and exchange of perspectives on the region’s future