Nourshan Abdi

Ain Issa — Efforts to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces continue to stall due to the intransigence of the provisional government in Damascus, which insists on dissolving these forces that were established over 10 years ago and played a decisive role in defeating one of the most powerful terrorist groups—ISIS.

Turkey plays a negative role in reaching agreements between Syrian parties, pushing toward division and preventing the provisional government from accepting democratic integration with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

With the approach of the deadline agreed upon by General Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the SDF, and interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa “al-Jolani” under the March 10 agreement, Arab women in Ain Issa, in the Euphrates Region, believe that democratic integration will help preserve their gains and their revolution, and will pave the way toward building a democratic and pluralistic Syria.

 

“The SDF is the security and stability of the Syrian people”

Aziza Hassan, Co-Chair of Ain Issa City Council, confirms that the SDF—made up of the sons and daughters of the region—represents a source of safety for residents:

“In the regions of North and East Syria, we rely on our own sons, daughters, and forces—the Syrian Democratic Forces.”

She believes that ensuring successful integration between the SDF and the provisional government in Damascus is necessary because:

“This integration will bring peace and security to all Syrian regions, which serves the interests of all components and communities.”

She emphasized that the SDF represents the identity and will of the region’s peoples:

“The SDF was founded in our areas based on the values, ethics, and principles of the revolution to protect the peoples of the region. It is a force that promotes peace and democracy, not war and destruction. Unlike claims that it seeks to divide Syria, it is the only force working to spread peace in Syria and preserve the unity of the Syrian people and territory.”

 

“The identity of the Women’s Protection Units must be preserved”

Aziza Hassan referred to the principles of the July 19, 2012 Revolution:

“The women of the region, through our revolution guided by the philosophy of Abdullah Öcalan, have made numerous military, political, and social achievements.”

She added:

“The military victories of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) are not just military; they are forces that protect the identity and existence of women, fighting to liberate every woman exposed to violence or murder. For this reason, in any agreement and in the process of integrating the SDF into a new Syrian army, the identity and autonomy of the YPJ must be preserved to ensure protection for all women in Syria.”

 

“Women’s conditions in areas controlled by the provisional government are miserable”

Hassan clarified that women’s gains were achieved thanks to the sacrifices of the military forces and the people of North and East Syria:

“Today, we can practice our rights, manage our communities, and demand our rights without fear. Women in North and East Syria are administrators, politicians, and even soldiers. But in other Syrian areas, the situation of women is tragic. Women have no roles or rights, and the constitution marginalizes them. We will not accept our areas being governed by jihadist groups affiliated with the transitional government, which committed massacres against the components of the Syrian people.”

 

“Democratic integration will end the wars”

Noura Othman, a member of the Women’s House in Tal al-Samen Camp, said:

“To end the killings, kidnappings, and massacres committed against various communities in Syria—such as the people of Sweida, Alawites, and Shiites—we, the peoples of North and East Syria, support the integration of the SDF, which protects all communities, with the transitional government in Damascus.”

She affirmed that the SDF is the safety and strength of the region’s peoples:

“Without the SDF, we would have lived the same suffering and tragedies experienced by different communities across Syria.”

She added:

“By unifying the Syrian people and applying democracy, pluralism, and decentralization, Syria will become free and democratic, and wars and massacres will end. Since the fighters of the SDF are our sons and daughters, the SDF represents Syria, represents us, and represents our will. We will not accept any attack on these forces. Just as they protect us from violations and massacres, we will protect them and preserve their identity.”

 

“We live a communal life”

Shahl Assaf, a member of the Women’s Committee in Ain Issa City Council, explained:

“Under the banner of the SDF, we live in peace and security with all components of the region as siblings with no discrimination.”

She clarified that:

“Through the implementation of the democratic nation project, we live a communal life, because in the end, we are all Syrians.”

She condemned the massacres committed against Syrians:

“We feel pain when we see what the Alawites and Druze have suffered. Their pain is our pain.”

She added:

“We hope for peace and security throughout Syria, and for a free, democratic life for every citizen. This will happen through the presence of the SDF as a foundational pillar of the new Syrian army.”

Assaf reminded:

“Since its founding, the SDF has never killed, tortured, or abused anyone. Instead, it has given rights to every community and to every oppressed or abused woman. We will not back down from supporting these forces. Hand in hand, we will protect our gains and defend our land and property.”

She concluded with a message:

“I call on all Syrian women to rise up against those committing massacres against the Syrian people and to refuse what is happening in the Syrian coast, and against the Druze, Alawites, and Shiites. Together, we can build a democratic Syria that includes all components and protects their rights.