Nadine Maenza stresses importance of supporting Administration of North and East Syria in interview with CBN News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In an interview with CBN News, Nadine Mainza, Global Fellow at the Wilson Center and President of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat (IRF), commended the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for their role in establishing democracy and stability in North and East Syria following the defeat of the Islamic State (ISIS). She emphasized that the SDF created conditions ideal for religious freedom by building a governance system that respects and includes ethnic and religious minorities.

Maenza contrasted this achievement with Turkey’s oppression and targeting of ethnic and religious minorities in the region, noting that US intervention had so far prevented a renewed Turkish invasion. such actions. She underlined the importance of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) as a cornerstone in combating the resurgence of ISIS and fostering inclusive governance.

“The Autonomous Administration has enabled communities to govern themselves and to build an inclusive society where dignity and humanity are universal principles, regardless of race, religion, or gender,” Maenza stated. “This approach is the only sustainable way to defeat extremism.”

Maenza also discussed the aftermath of the Syrian conflict, pointing out that the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) had distanced itself from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) after the fall of Holeb (Aleppo). However, this separation led to further instability as numerous militants moved north to the al-Shahba region, displacing over 100,000 Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans), Kurds, and Yezidis to areas such as Raqqa and Tabqa.

She concluded by urging the United States and the international community to impose sanctions to prevent Turkey from further territorial occupations in Syria. “Allowing Turkey to proceed would result in additional atrocities against religious minorities,” she warned, emphasizing the critical need for international action to safeguard the region’s diversity and stability.