ISIS, under the coordination of Turkey, launched terrorist attacks with the aim of destroying the gains of the Kurdish people. These attacks took place on the territories of both Iraq and Syria, but were concentrated exclusively in Kurdish regions. For example, they did not engage in any conflict in southern Iraq or southern Syria. ISIS and similar structures initiated warfare directly in Kurdish areas.
Approximately five thousand members of these terrorist organizations were brought from Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Chechnya, and similar countries by Erdoğan’s team; they were trained and armed in the Gaziantep and Kilis regions and deployed under the ISIS structure with the purpose of eliminating Kurdish gains and preventing the advancement of the Kurdish struggle.
Thousands of Kurdish children were taken hostage from Shengal and other regions and subjected to every kind of inhumane treatment. After ISIS was neutralized through the heroic struggle of the Kurdish people and with the support of some international powers, it was observed that all rescued Kurdish children were speaking Turkish—despite the fact that not a single one of them had known even one Turkish word before. The reason is clear: all of these children were trained by Turkish officers operating under Turkey’s coordination.
The Kurdish people are fully aware of these abhorrent realities. None of the regional states adopted a serious or sincere approach toward the injustices suffered by the Kurds. During this period, the only state that consistently and openly expressed the legitimacy of the Kurdish cause was Israel.
At the present stage, the Turkish authorities—who attempt to deceive Kurds by saying “we are brothers”—continue to work on how to eliminate the remaining Kurdish forces. We witness this shamelessness every day. Today, the most effective lobbying efforts are being carried out by Kurdish people in Israel. Kurds across the world have risen up. We want to see our people strengthen these efforts even further.
Russia and China, which claim to be global powers, have not uttered a single word to this day. Although there have been some weak statements from certain Iraqi officials, these have not turned into meaningful support. While those governing Turkey attempt to posture as protectors in the events in Gaza, they ignore the fact that Hamas—the organization responsible for those events—was also trained and organized by Erdoğan’s network. Not a single positive statement has come from Turkish officials regarding the attacks against Kurds.
The European Union countries have likewise confined themselves to insincere and superficial statements. In the United States, the individual efforts of some valuable officials deserve recognition; however, as a state, the United States has betrayed the Kurds. Tom Barrack has openly and clearly betrayed the Kurds and has acted like Erdoğan’s tail, swinging from one place to another.
Moreover, the United Nations has taken no positive steps. It has demonstrated its helplessness in the face of genocidal practices against the Kurds. The terrorist crimes committed by ISIS in Kurdish regions with Turkey’s support were investigated by the United Nations. A commission was established under the coordination of Karim Ahmad Khan, a British QC. This commission listened to many witnesses in both Southern Kurdistan and Rojava and completed its file. In that file, Turkey’s crimes were proven and documented one by one.
However, the leadership of the United Nations—headed by Antonio Guterres—suddenly froze the investigation, halted the process, and made no public statement. Why was this investigation stopped? Why were the results not disclosed? Why, unlike the Gaza case, was no application made to the International Criminal Court despite proven evidence involving ISIS and its supporters in Kurdistan? At the very least, the findings should have been made public.
Kurds who sacrificed their lives fighting ISIS were left alone. While Kurds were making sacrifices, the world applauded; today it has shamelessly turned its back. Therefore, we Kurds will not recognize the artificial borders drawn within our homeland, and we will loudly declare that we reject them. Like the Government of the United States of Kurdistan, we will clearly tell the world that we do not accept this.
We will not be deceived by the lies, fabrications, and crocodile tears of those governing Turkey, nor by their dirty games of saying “Kurds are our brothers.” We will tell them to their faces how immoral they are, and we will openly declare that we will never consent to ISIS being reimposed over the Kurdish people and that we will continue this struggle forever.
Kurdistan belongs to the Kurds. Liberating Kurdistan from the hands of barbaric occupiers is the duty of the Kurds. Protecting our people and our homeland from this barbaric oppression is also the responsibility of the Kurds. Allies and alliances are, of course, necessary; but we will establish them carefully and strengthen our gains in a way that leads to independence and the liberation of our people. We will never step back from marching toward our goal.
When the world’s greatest powers need the Kurds, they call us “allies” and “brothers.” Erdoğan’s Turkey, when it is cornered, goes to Imralı and kneels before Mr. Öcalan, proving again and again how despicable its mentality is with lies about “rebuilding the state together” and “advancing democratization.” What they are doing today is no different.
You may think that by empowering ISIS in Damascus you will eliminate the Kurds; however, you will never be able to prevent the Kurds from serving their homeland and their nation. You will not be able to stop us from formalizing the Independent United States of Kurdistan and ensuring that our people live in security and prosperity under the framework of the Kurdistan United States. No Kurd should deviate from this goal.
Democratization must be achieved within the territory of the Kurdistan United States; our constitution commands this. If the issue is fraternity among peoples, then our primary duty is to establish unity and brotherhood among Kurds themselves. Let us not deceive ourselves, and let us not serve those who seek to destroy us. If we are to perish, let it be with honor and dignity.
In this difficult period, we extend our respect and gratitude to all peoples of the world who support the protection of Kurds, the prevention of attacks against Kurds, and the necessity for Kurds to establish their own state. These efforts will never be forgotten.
This reality shows us that we must work much harder. Our gains have not been sufficient to protect our people. Therefore, we will not be afraid, we will not retreat, and we will never abandon the formation of our independent state.
