Democratic Union Party Spokesperson Sama Bakdash discusses effect on regional political changes on North and East Syria

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — Sama Bakdash, spokesperson for the Democratic Union Party (PYD) in North and East Syria, stated that the Taliban’s control of Afghanistan will have international consequences, particularly in the Middle East, and represents a step backwards in the democratization of central Asia and the Middle East.

The situation in North and East Syria is different from Afghanistan, said Bakdash, and the U.S. presence there is to support the military forces in the fight against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorism. The people of the region are always ready to defend their land, she said, and do not wait for others to act on their behalf. Bakdash noted that the presence of other countries in the region is in pursuit of shared objectives and interests and if cooperation ends, they will pursue other plans and programs.

Bakdash stated that Turkey is seeking to reconquer the territories once controlled by the Ottoman Empire and is taking advantage of the world’s preoccupation with Taliban control of Afghanistan. Since the outbreak of civil war in Syria, Turkey has worked to support ISIS terrorism in our regions, she added.

The Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) project in North and East Syria is an example of democracy, said Bakdash, and there are efforts by several countries to recognize the legitimacy of this administration, which has been able to protect itself with the participation of all components of the region. Turkey wants to see this project destroyed, she concluded.