“HTS is interested in Syria’s independence”
The HTS repeats that it wants to build a Syria for all minorities. The political scientist and Kurdish expert at the University of Vienna, Thomas Schmidinger but is “very optimistic” that a “strongly federal Syria” will develop from the multi-ethnic state under the HTS. A delegation from the Kurdish military alliance is currently in Damascus. “This is an important development on a symbolic level. However, the Kurds are not happy that only Semitic, Islamist men are in the government and no minorities are represented,” said Schmidinger.
Becomes the HTS of the Kurdish Autonomous Region Self-government rights admit? Or does she side with them? Türkiye which is an offshoot of the Kurdish militia Terrorist organization classified PKK and is waging war against the Kurds out of fear of an autonomy movement in their own country?
“The HTS is without a doubt an ally of Türkiye,” says Schmidinger. In the shadow of the Islamists’ takeover, the pro-Turkish Syrian National Army (SNA) and allies have targeted the Kurdish SDF East side of the Euphrates pushed back and the strategically important city of Manbij was taken by the Kurds. Over 100,000 Kurds should be on the Escape be; There are also said to have been war crimes against the Kurds – torture and executions.
However, the expert emphasizes the independence of the HTS: “It is not a Turkish mercenary force, has its own political agenda, represents Syrian nationalism. This Interest in Syrian independence could be the lowest common denominator for an agreement with the Kurds and other minorities.”
At the same time, the Kurdish autonomous region has also come under pressure from within since the Islamist HTS came to power. “The Kurdish self-administration zone also includes some Arab tribes that could use the regime change to get rid of the SDF. It is likely that groups are also being manipulated by Turkey or the Islamists,” Schmidinger believes.
Thousands of IS fighters in prison
There is also one in Raqqa, where there were shots at the crowd strong movement against the Kurdish militias. The city was once the capital of the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS)from here the “caliphate” ruled. It was only in 2017 that the Kurdish militia succeeded USAto liberate the city.
Many IS fighters still live here – in numerous prisons. Over 40,000 Former IS fighters, their wives and children are held here (two Austrian women are also stuck in the Roj prison camp). A smoldering one Security risk.
“In the past, IS and HTS were not allies, but rival groups. However, today you can find former IS fighters in both the ranks of HTS and the Turkish-backed SNA,” says Schmidinger. There are always liberation actions and Prison Breaks – often in the shadow of Turkish attacks on the Kurdish region. If there were really a mass exodus of former IS fighters, it could lead to IS becoming stronger; Schmidinger calls it a “worst-case scenario that I don’t assume, but I don’t rule it out” – and that would not only be a threat to the Kurds and a stable Syria, but a global threat. There are still IS cells scattered throughout the region that have survived as political organizations, “and are waiting for the opportunity to regain control,” said the political scientist.