Ilham Ahmed to Israeli Newspaper: Syrian Security Requires Israeli Involvement
Ilham Ahmed, co-president of the Foreign Relations Department in the Autonomous Administration led by Kurds in North and Eastern Syria, stated that “achieving security in Syria’s border regions requires the participation of all parties in the solution, and Israel is one of the concerned parties and will have a significant role.” She emphasized that “holding discussions with Israel at this stage is a necessary step.”
This statement was made during an interview with the Israeli newspaper “Jerusalem Post,” responding to questions about her view on relations between Israel and the Kurdish people. Ahmed argued that “the Middle East crisis requires everyone to understand that a democratic solution for the region will not happen without a role for Israel and the Jewish people.” Israeli media had reported in early January about a phone conversation between Ahmed and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
Moreover, Ahmed highlighted the diverse divisions within Syria, both administratively and militarily. She explained, “In North and Eastern Syria, there is the Autonomous Administration, while coastal cities have their own status. The Druze communities have established their own administration, supported by factions that provide protection. In Idlib and other areas, there are also local administrations and their specific armed factions.”
She continued, “Therefore, if someone suddenly comes to try to unite all these entities under one system, it would lead to a civil war. This would not be acceptable to the various components of Syria.”
Ahmed expressed concerns about Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) potentially adopting a “one ruler” approach, without giving others the chance to participate, noting “we all know the background and history of HTS.”
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Regarding assurances by the new Syrian administration that it has abandoned its jihadist roots, Ahmed responded, “It is far too early to draw conclusions on this matter. They understand the sensitivity of this issue and are trying to give the impression that they have separated from Al-Qaeda. So, let’s wait and see.”
She also raised concerns about HTS’s possible removal from terror lists and the lifting of economic sanctions on Syria, suggesting that this could pave the way for HTS’s complete control over the country, without allowing others to participate, and without any ideological change.
Additionally, she expressed hope that the new U.S. administration would not withdraw its troops from Syria, warning that such a move could have negative repercussions, including strengthening ISIS once again.
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