Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, Syria is undergoing a period of rebuilding and re-establishing control, now governed by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This transition has brought a competing vision for the country’s future into direct conflict with the autonomous region of Rojava, where a unique, women-led political and social system had taken root.
A Revolution Rooted in Gender Equality
In Rojava, women—including those within the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and specifically the all-female Yekîneyên Parastina Jin (YPJ)—established a system based on gender equality and collective decision-making. This project, born from the chaos of the Syrian war, challenged centuries of patriarchal rule. The YPJ played a crucial role in defeating ISIS, with over 12,000 SDF fighters, both men and women, losing their lives in the conflict.
However, the current government in Damascus, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaida member, is demanding the SDF integrate into a unified Syrian National Army. Negotiations have failed, and fighting has erupted as government forces advance, pushing the SDF to retreat.
An Existential Struggle
The conflict represents more than a military confrontation; it is a clash between fundamentally different visions for Syria’s future. A YPJ commander, Viyan Adar, articulated the core belief driving the revolution in Rojava: “The slogan ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ didn’t come from nowhere.” Adar emphasized the central role of women in society, stating, “We see women as the very meaning of life.”
The people of Rojava, and particularly the women of the YPJ, view the current offensive as an existential threat to their revolution. The region, established after the withdrawal of Assad’s forces in 2012, became a refuge for persecuted minorities and a space for Kurdish self-governance. It aimed for local autonomy within Syria, not the creation of a new state.
Adar further explained that the revolution’s goal is “to build a socialist life, a democratic life… A life of justice, morality, and culture. A life for all living beings.” This vision contrasts sharply with the national unity pursued by the current Syrian government, which has reportedly targeted minority groups with enforcement of a new national vision.
What Might Happen Next
As government forces continue to advance, the SDF is likely to face increasing military pressure, potentially leading to further territorial losses. The future of Rojava’s autonomous system remains uncertain. It is possible that the region could be fully integrated into a centralized Syrian state, potentially suppressing the egalitarian principles that defined its governance. Alternatively, continued resistance from the SDF and its supporters could lead to a prolonged and bloody conflict. The outcome will likely depend on the extent of external support—or lack thereof—for both sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the YPJ?
The YPJ, or Yekîneyên Parastina Jin, are the Women’s Protection Units, all-female armed units that formed within the SDF and played a key role in defending Rojava and fighting against ISIS.
What is the SDF?
The SDF, or Syrian Democratic Forces, is a multiethnic coalition rooted in Kurdish self-defense that held authority in North and East Syria, governing the autonomous region of Rojava.
What is the central ideological conflict?
The conflict stems from a clash between Rojava’s vision of a gender-equal, collectively-decided society and the current Syrian government’s push for a unified, centralized state, which critics say enforces a new national vision that targets minority groups.
How will the competing visions for Syria’s future impact the lives of ordinary citizens?
