After the agreement of Sochi I read, in the official German news, the statement of an expert on Middle Eastern affairs on the situation in “Northern Syria” (they avoid the name Rojava): The Kurds are the big losers. They had built, over seven years, a very far-reaching autonomy in the north-east of the country. Now they have to surrender many areas on their northern border – to the Turks,to the Russians, to the Turks’ Syrian auxiliary troops and also to the regime. And they are actually losing their autonomy. It will certainly take a few more years before the Syrian regime has regained full control there, but I assume that Syrian-Kurdish autonomy is at an end.
The pain this news causes in me is almost unbearable. It would be a relief to react emotionally or physically but there is no point in screaming or losing oneself in a powerless rage. The big losers are the Kurds. How are they doing now? How severe is the pain that they now have to endure? They probably saw through political situation from the start; they will not be surprised by the international betrayal that has been committed against them. Nevertheless. Seven years autonomy.For almost 5 million people that was seven years of a perhaps not always easy but strong new beginning. They worked with all their strength and energy for a future they wanted to believe in. Now their project has collapsed. Once again an attempt to break free from the claws of capitalism seems to have failed. Another hope is lost, not just for them, but for all those who are committed to a future worth living.
Behind the Kurds’ ability to organise themselves in Syria’s political vacuum lay their commitment to a new social order. Their autonomy consisted in building a system in which nature and its creatures were to be respected, loved and cared for again. Women held high social and political positions; the Kurds established a decentralised governance structure and practised tolerance and charity towards other cultures and religions. Countless people displaced from the south of Syria found protection in their area. Now “control is to be restored.” What cynicism.
All this was set in motion by the handshake of two men, neither of whom have known what love is for a long time. But let us beware of holding them solely accountable. For, here comes a (still) incomprehensible statement: we who live outside the conflict area could have prevented this and perhaps still can.
I am writing these lines in a small town on the Portuguese coast, thousands of kilometres away from the war zone in Rojava. I look out at the open sea, at the rolling waves and the water’s shimmering blue tones. I am spending a few days here to refocus on the book in which I want to present a concept for the healing of humankind and Earth. Peace surrounds me, a vibration of eternity. I think of Rojava. This book is intended to help build hope and faith worldwide. I lean on a concept that was developed by Dieter Duhm, a brilliant thinker and strategist with a deep understanding of mankind and reality. It’s the most revolutionary concept I know of. But current events force me to re-examine my position. Do I really believe in this concept? Do I believe in my book project? Am I choosing the right texts, writing the right words?
I let the questions resound within me until the answer is clear. Yes, I believe in this concept because I understand it. Yes, the vision of an earth that is free of fear and violence, the dream of millions and millions of people, can become reality.
The book will explain why a “coherent group of people” anywhere in the world could have prevented the occupation of Rojava. I use the subjunctive because this kind of coherent group doesn’t yet exist and too few people know what it could mean. It is not yet known what power we humans could access were we to unite intelligently. A coherent group is the topic for tomorrow’s revolutionaries. I cannot explain in a few sentences why and how coherent groups can influence global processes. Too many basic ideas have to be made known. Hence the book.
What I can say: The world is a unified whole. What we do here can create miracles there. Rojava is not yet lost. We can and must help. The people of Rojava now need international solidarity and heart. I call on everyone to take the time for prayer, meditation or action on November 2nd, the “World Resistance Day for Rojava”. Invite friends to join you. Do not accept what is happening there. Imagine you were in their place. What would you need? Send your confidence to the people there! Harness the power of your belief as far as you can! Join the actions called for by the movement Resistance for Rojava, Riseup4Rojava.
Free Kurdistan! Free the world!
In the name of love.