2024: Dec wk2

 When one hurts or kills a women
one hurts or kills hummanity and is an antrocitie.
Gino d'Artali
and: My mother (1931-1997) always said to me <Mi figlio, non esistono notizie <vecchie> perche puoi imparare qualcosa da qualsiasi notizia.> Translated: <My son, there is no such thing as so called 'old' news because you can learn something from any news.>
Gianna d'Artali.

Preface:
The assad regime has fallen leaded by the HTS forces and allies. Thousands-and-thousands of Syrians are more than relieved and happy and dream of a new and democratic united Syria. But... HTS is former Al Qaida i.e. its offspring ISIS and even when its leader seems outspokingly open for a united Syria only time will tell if this will be the path under construction and in reality will be the outcome or...
will HTS be a wolf in sheepsclothes that will in the coming weeks/months show its real face?
Therefor I, as the editor-in-chief of cryfreedom.net, will 'limit' my reporting about the developments in Syria centered around the Kurdish situation, with a possible re-surrection of the Peshmergas (the women-led sub-military female guerillas fighting against Turkey and the IS) and now most likely against the HTS and other minorities i.e. women in general and Alavites (Shi'ites), christians among others. And also, let's not forget that HTS with freeing prisoners from assads' jails they also freed Al Qaeida/ISIS fanatics and the regimes' pillars were Turkey (Erdogan) who wages war against the Kurds, Russia (Poetin), Iran (the Shi'itic regime under khamenei) and Libanon (the hezoballah = Shi'ite). One of the questions is if there will be a Syrian 'axes-day', as it was called after WW2 when the hunt for nazis was open, or will Syria really become an open and multi-etnic/religious democracy? With the fall of assad the danger of an, again, a civil war in Syria and an all-out war in the Middle East is nearer than one expects.
Given this new situation of course the other reporting about the Womens Arab Spring 1.2 revolutions will continue as has and will be.
Gino d'Artali


Fréderike Geerdink
Medyanews - December 7, 2024 - by Frederike Geerdink
<<The SDF's stance towards HTS isn’t hard to predict
The Assad regime, synonymous with repression and human rights abuses, has fallen after 54 years. As the whole of Syria celebrates this historic moment, Kurdish communities in the northeast lead the call for unity, peace and a democratic future. The dictator has fallen! Incredible scenes of prisoners being released, statues being toppled, people happy in the streets. In the Autonomous region [of North and East Syria] too, people are happy, though more wary of the future. Parts of their cities, their villages are still under brutal Turkish occupation. But also: What will Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) bring? And how will the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) navigate the situation? Much is unclear, but not the principles of the SDF and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), so that helps us a lot in making an educated guess. They have had very clear goals and core tasks from the very beginning of the Autonomous Administration in 2012, at the time defended by the People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), which now form the backbone of the SDF. In short, they are implementing and defending their project of grassroots democracy. Everything the YPG and YPJ, and later the SDF has been doing, can be understood through that lens. Everything they will do, will fit those objectives as well. You can clearly see that, when you follow the press statements of the SDF leadership. The reaction of SDF general commander Mazlum Abdi to the fall of the Assad regime, is spot on: "In Syria, we are living through historic moments as we witness the fall of the authoritarian regime in Damascus. This change presents an opportunity to build a new Syria based on democracy and justice, that guarantees the rights of all Syrians." They are of course willing to talk to HTS to try to push its leader Jolani to keep his promise of respect for Syria's ethnic and religious diversity. Kurds are, of course, very cautious, as they have had their share of assorted gangs suppressing them. And don't forget: The regime areas are Assad-free now, SDF areas have been free for many years, but there are lands under Turkish occupation and the occupation is, like any occupation, brutal. How will HTS deal with the Turkish-backed SNA? How will it deal with the occupation?
Vacuum
The regime still had some presence in SDF areas, more specifically in Deir ez-Zor (Derazor), Hasakah (Heseke) and Qamishli (Qamişlo). They have all surrendered to the SDF. Great scenes in Qamishli, where the important airport is now in SDF hands. In a message on X after capturing Deir ez-Zor, the SDF's Mazlum Abdi said: "We declare a general amnesty, without exception, in those areas. We count on the role of the people and the tribes to prevent chaos and to protect the region. Our forces are your support." Violence has commenced in Manbij, a predominantly Arab region under SDF control since 2016 when they kicked ISIS out. Turkey wants ISIS back in, you could say: The 'Syrian National Army' (SNA) may have a different name, but their radicalism and brutality, and being Turkey's darling, tells you all you need to know. The SNA has launched an offensive against Manbij, and reportedly, the fighting is intensifying. The SDF was unable to hold on to Shahba (Şehba) in the northwest because the small area was isolated and not directly connected to other SDF territories, and has troops too limited to withstand the SNA. Manbij is another story though: there are plenty of troops, and Manbij is not a pocket but part of the core territory of the SDF. The SDF will do what it can to make sure the SNA doesn't lay its dirty fingers on the people under their protection.
Aleppo
How different is HTS from the SNA, and why are the SDF and the Autonomous Administration willing to talk to HTS, but not to the SNA? Well, they'd talk to Turkey (read: the SNA) too if Turkey were interested, and Mazlum Abdi has explicitly said he is open to talks, but Turkey never is. Is HTS different? HTS may have distanced itself from jihadists, but actions speak louder than words. In that sense, their willingness to engage with the SDF or not will be telling. That the SDF is still in charge in the Kurdish neighbourhoods of Aleppo could be a good sign, but then again, maybe it isn't. Maybe HTS was just focusing on Damascus and trying to get goodwill abroad by not instantly getting into fights with others than the regime's army.
What will possible talks with HTS focus on? On the most fundamental issue of the SDF: democratisation. It was the same with the regime, and it is always the core of any talks the SDF holds. Assad was, surprise, surprise, never interested, so the SDF merely kept the lines of conversation open. Whether they can afford to be as persistent in negotiations with HTS as they were in those with the regime, is uncertain. Assad's army, as we see clearly now, is weak and fully demoralised, while HTS seems well organised and very dedicated, so the risks are higher. What is also an unknown, is to what extent Turkey will keep supporting HTS, and how much rivalry there will turn out to be between the SNA and HTS. And will HTS want Turkey to end the occupation of Syrian lands? The list of questions and unknowns in this chaos may be endless, the SDF is a factor we do know, through both actions and words. May they stand strong.
Frederike Geerdink is an independent journalist.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/the-sdfs-stance-towards-hts-isnt-hard-to-predict/

Actual news:

Medyanews - December 9, 2024
<<Astana talks stress need for stability in Syria as government collapses
Hours before the collapse of the Assad regime, foreign ministers from Arab countries and the Astana Process met in Doha, Qatar, to reiterate Syria's sovereignty and to stress the need for a political solution in the country. Their joint statement highlighted the risks of continued conflict and the need for humanitarian aid and a comprehensive process under UN Resolution 2254. At a high-level meeting in Doha, Qatar, on 7 December, foreign ministers from Arab countries and the Astana Process, including representatives from Qatar itself, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Russia and Iran, issued a joint statement on the Syrian crisis. The statement highlighted the grave risks posed by the ongoing conflict to national, regional and international security. It called for an immediate cessation of military operations, a political process based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254, and measures to preserve the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. In addition, the statement underlined the urgency of increasing humanitarian aid and enabling the safe and voluntary return of displaced persons. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov strongly condemned the presence of extremist groups such as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on Syrian territory. Lavrov stressed that allowing terrorist groups to control parts of Syria undermines the country's sovereignty and violates international agreements. He reiterated Russia’s commitment to supporting the Syrian government and maintaining stability, while calling for dialogue between legitimate opposition forces and the state. Lavrov also warned against geopolitical manipulation by extremist groups and stressed that the integrity of Syria remains a priority for Russia, Iran and Turkey. These discussions coincided with a dramatic shift in Syria's political landscape, as HTS-led militias seized control of Damascus and Homs, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee to an undisclosed location. While the collapse of the Assad regime signals the end of a long-standing government, Lavrov's remarks reflect the complexities and potential risks associated with this power vacuum. Russia's insistence on protecting Syria's sovereignty and fighting extremism highlights the uncertainties surrounding the future of the region, as the balance of power continues to shift amid escalating tensions.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/astana-talks-stress-need-for-stability-in-syria-as-government-collapses/ 


Yazidi women
Jinha - Womens News Agency - December 9, 2024 - CILAN ROJ
<<Yazidi women: We will be the voice of the people of Rojava
Yazidi women of Shengal say they will stand with the people of Rojava against the recent attacks of the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions and make their voice heard all around the world.
Shengal (Sinjar)- The attacks of the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions on North and East Syria continue while the videos shared on social media platforms remind of the atrocities of ISIS 10 years ago. The international silence against the attacks is criticized and condemned by the people defending freedoms. Yazidi women of Shengal, who were subjected to the atrocities of ISIS 10 years ago, say they will stand with the people of North and East Syria to the end.
'Any attack on Rojava is an attack on Shengal'
The whole world plays ostrich against the recent Turkish attacks on Aleppo, Shahba and other parts of North and East Syria, said Edul Şemo, member of the Women's Council in the town of Sinun, located north of the Sinjar Mount. "Any attack on the people of Rojava is an attack on the people of Shengal. We support the people of Rojava and will do our best for them. We will always stand with the people of Rojava until the attacks on them end and they live freely."
'Each of us will support Rojava'
Edul Şemo recalled that Afrin had been occupied and plundered by the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions. "They (The Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions) attack not only people but also nature and historical sites. We know the people of Rojava will fight to the last drop of blood. Many of our children have sacrificed themselves to protect us and our lands. The people of Rojava will win another victory and each of us will support Rojava."
'We will be their voice'
Welat Cano, another member of the council, also expressed her support to the people of Rojava. "The people of Rojava should know that we will always stand with them and do our best for them. We will be their voice and make their voice heard all around the world," she said, recalling the Yazid genocide committed by ISIS in 2014. "At that time, we were not organized but now we are organized. As the Yazidi women, we will resist all kinds of attacks."  Şeme Remo, coordinating member of the Yazidi Free Women's Movement (Kurdish: Tevgera Azadiya Jinen Ezidi-TAJE), condemned the recent attacks of the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions on northeastern Syria. "Today, ISIS commits crimes under a different name. Unfortunately, Turkish-backed factions have been attacking the people of Rojava and committing massacres against them. We condemn the international silence against the recent attacks on North and East Syria. We will do whatever is necessary to support Rojava. We will do whatever the people of Rojava ask from us." >>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/yazidi-women-we-will-be-the-voice-of-the-people-of-rojava-36130?page=1


Hemdiya Kute
Jinha - Womens News Agency - December 9, 2024 - SORGUL ŞEXO
<<'Support the Kurdish people's resistance'
Kurdish women and people will frustrate the plans of the Turkish state and its supporters by resisting, said Hemdiya Kute, a resident of Til Temir, commemorating Ivana Hoffmann, the first female foreign fighter in the SDF.
Til Temir- Til Temir, also known as Tell Tamer, was built between 1933 and 1935 by Syriac and Kurdish people, claiming its place in history as a town known for its unique resistance against the Baathist regime, Al-Nusra Front and ISIS. The people of the town, being a strategically important town in the Jazira canton of North and East Syria, have achieved significant gains by resisting against the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions.
'We are ready to defend our town to the end'
In an interview with NuJINHA, Hemdiya Kute, a resident of the town, talked about the liberation of the town from the Syrian regime and Al-Nusra Front in October 2012. "The fighters of Al-Nusra Front were positioned around Serekaniye (Ras al-Ayn) and Til Temir while the regime forces were also here. There were dialogues between Al-Nusra Front and the regime, planning to attack the Kurdish people," she said. "Despite everything, the people resisted along with their fighters and the regime forces fled the region. However, the members of Al-Nusra Front surrounded the town from four directions and imposed a siege. We did not have food, water and medications for a month. As the people of Til Temir, we were in solidarity with each other and we are still in solidarity with each other against the attacks of the invaders and Turkish-backed factions. We are ready to defend our town to the end."
Attacks and resistance against them
Since the beginning of the Syrian civil war, Til Temir has been attacked and the people of Til Temir have resisted the attacks. "In Til Temir, many mothers lost their children, who fought to defend their people and town. Defending Jazira, Euphrates regions and Til Temir is important due to their strategical locations. Many women fighters such as Arjin Cudi and Hevidar Derik lost their lives while fighting Al-Nusra Front," said Hemdiya Kűtę.
'We have waved the flag of victory'
Speaking about ISIS attacks on the town on February 23, 2015, Hemdiya Kute said, "They (ISIS) advanced from Deir ez-Zor to Mount Kizwan (Mount Abdulaziz) and Til Temir. I will never forget those days because everyone took up weapons to defend their town. After a three-month resistance, we won a victory. We have waved the flag of victory until today thanks to the heroism of our martyrs."
'People live together in a fraternity'
Hemdiya Kute kept speaking about the resistance of the fighters and people. "This town is not only a piece of land but also our history and existence. Our children sacrificed themselves to defend it. Therefore, this town is our history and existence. The town of Til Temir has an important strategic location because it is located on the Khabur River at an intersection between the M4 Highway. In Till Temir, Syriac, Kurdish and Arab people live together in a fraternity. It is a small town but a historical town and the home of people from different nationalities. The Turkish state tried to cause conflict among people by cutting off the water of the Khabur River. But the plans of the Turkish state were frustrated and people keep living together in a fraternity."
'The name of Ivana Hoffmann goes down in history'
Hemdiya Kute also talked about the important and leading role of women in the resistance. "In Til Temir, Kurdish, Syriac and Arab women and the women from European countries fought together. We commemorate Ivana Hoffmann, who died while fighting ISIS. The name of Ivana Hoffmann goes down in history."
'Support the Kurdish people's resistance'
Hemdiya Kute called on the international community to "Support the Kurdish people's resistance. Years have passed since the revolution in Rojava. Hundreds of reports on rights violations committed by the Turkish state in Rojava have been sent to the UN and international human rights organizations. However, no lawsuits have been filed against the Turkish state and Erdogan. This situation shows the hypocrisy of the guarantor states. Erdogan aims to realize the borders of the Misak-ı Milli (National Pact) by attacking our region. Erdoğan aims to advance to Mosul and Kirkuk. The U.S. designated Al-Nusra Front a foreign terrorist organization; however, the U.S. remain silent against its attacks. Everyone should support the Kurdish people’s resistance. We will keep resisting all kinds of attacks on our region." >>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/support-the-kurdish-people-s-resistance-36129


Manbij Military Council
Medyanews - December 8, 2024
<<Syria: Manbij Military Council defends city against attacks by Turkish-backed mercenaries
Manbij Military Council has shared a statement on the recent escalation of attacks by the Turkish Armed Forces and their affiliated Syrian National Army mercenaries against the city of Manbij in northern Syria. Heavy clashes are continuing on the southern entrance to the city, and Turkey has bombed its Civil Council. Whilst most media attention is on the fall of the Baath regime under Bashar al-Assad and the takeover of the cities of Homs and Damascus by jihadist Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militias, the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) has escalated its attacks on the city of Manbij (Minbic). Manbij (Minbic) Military Council (MMC) has shared a statement concerning the latest developments, confirming that heavy clashes are taking place between the Turkish-backed SNA and the MMC, which is backed by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). In the statement, the MMC announced that the SNA launched an attack using a convoy of armoured vehicles backed by Turkish Armed Forces air support, on the southern entrance to Manbij city at around noon local time. The MMC claims to have repelled the infiltration attempt by "laying a deadly ambush, inflicting significant casualties". Sleeper cells affiliated with the SNA have also become active in the city of Manbij "in a desperate attempt to sow fear and chaos", said the MMC. The liberation of Manbij from Islamic State on 15 August 2016 is considered to have been a turning point in the fight against ISIS. The MMC reiterated their commitment to defend the city, saying that they have made "thousands of sacrifices to liberate this region from the clutches of ISIS" and that they "remain unwavering in their commitment to defend Manbij". There have been escalating military attacks on Manbij by the SNA and the Turkish Armed Forces in the last few days, claiming civilian casualties. Turkish air strikes on the city continue, and Manbij Civil Council building was hit by a Turkish air strike today.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/syria-manbij-military-council-defends-city-against-attacks-by-turkish-backed-mercenaries/

Medyanews - December 8, 2024
<<Aleppo: Resistance under siege
The head of Kongra Star Academics, Berivan Yunus, tells of the people's resistance to the jihadist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in the Kurdish neighbourhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in Aleppo, Syria. The attacks and occupation of large parts of Syria by the jihadist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces and Turkish-backed mercenaries have exposed civilians and wounded fighters to violence and kidnapping, recalling the Turkish state's invasion of Afrin in 2018. The head of Kongra Star Academics, Berivan Yunus, talks about the resistance of the people in the Kurdish neighbourhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in Aleppo.>>
Video: https://medyanews.net/aleppo-resistance-under-siege/

France 24 - December 8, 2024 - Video by: Emily BOYLE
<<For Syrians, 'the fall of Assad signifies the dawn of a life of hope'
Crowds gathered in Syria's Damascus to celebrate the fall of Bashar Assad’s government with chants, prayers and the occasional gunfire after opposition fighters entered the capital following a stunning advance. Story by Axelle Simon and Emily Boyle.>>
https://www.france24.com/en/video/20241208-for-syrians-the-fall-of-assad-signifies-the-dawn-of-a-life-of-hope


Medyanews - December 8, 2024 - by Frederike Geerdink
<<Kurdish Red Crescent launches emergency aid for displaced people in northern Syria
Heyva Sor a Kurdistanę (the Kurdistan Red Crescent Society) has launched a major aid campaign to support tens of thousands of displaced people in the Shahba (Şehba) region of Afrin (Efrîn) and Tel Rifaat (Til Rifat) in northern Syria, providing €250,000 in initial assistance while urging continued support to address urgent humanitarian needs. Heyva Sor a Kurdistanę (the Kurdistan Red Crescent Society) has responded to the urgent needs of tens of thousands of displaced people trapped in the Shahba (Şehba) region of Afrin (Efrîn) and Tel Rifaat (Til Rifat) in northern Syria. These areas have become critical zones of humanitarian crisis following attacks by the jihadist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied extremist groups backed by Turkey. The Shahba region of Afrin, already home to thousands of people displaced from Afrin during Turkey’s 2018 offensive against the district capital, is now under siege. This has forced the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) to evacuate many residents to safer locations to protect them from the escalating violence. In response, Heyva Sor a Kurdistanę has launched the ‘Great Aid Campaign for Rojava [North and East Syria]’ to provide essential supplies to the displaced population. As a first step, the organisation has sent €250,000 in aid to the region. This aid, channelled through its partner organisation Heyva Sor a Kurd (Kurdish Red Crescent) in Rojava, aims to provide immediate relief to those in dire need. The Kurdish diaspora and international supporters have shown their solidarity by joining the campaign, but Heyva Sor a Kurdistanę stresses that this initial effort is only a small step. The organisation has called on supporters worldwide to make further contributions to meet the urgent needs of the displaced population.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/kurdish-red-crescent-launches-emergency-aid-for-displaced-people-in-northern-syria/

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