By: Dr. Adnan Bozan

Democracy is not merely a governance mechanism based on elections and political pluralism; rather, it is a comprehensive system of rights and duties that impose ethical and legal obligations on individuals and groups regarding their existential causes. In the Kurdish context, where national struggles intertwine with democratic transformations, a key dilemma emerges: how can true democracy be achieved without compromising fundamental national rights? And does democracy mean unrestricted freedom of action, even at the expense of the Kurdish cause?

- Democracy: Between Freedom and Responsibility

Democracy is founded on three core principles: freedom, equality, and political participation. However, these values do not imply chaos or the abandonment of collective responsibilities. Political freedom, one of the pillars of democracy, is not an absolute mandate for individuals or parties to act as they wish; rather, it must be conditioned on not harming national and existential interests.

In the Kurdish case, where the national question remains unresolved in large parts of Kurdistan, achieving democracy requires profound political awareness from individuals and groups. Democracy cannot be used as a pretext for granting unlimited freedom in making political decisions without red lines that protect the historical rights and legitimate demands of the Kurdish people.

- National Responsibility in the Context of Democracy

Democracy imposes special responsibilities on nations struggling for their national rights, as political chaos or narrow interests must not be allowed to weaken the collective national stance. National responsibility within democracy can be summarized as follows:

1. Prioritizing National Interests Over Individual and Party Interests:

o No individual or party can act with absolute freedom if their decisions harm the Kurdish national project. Democracy does not justify taking stances that weaken the cause, whether through irresponsible alliances or unjustified concessions.

2. Commitment to National Red Lines:

o Every democracy requires regulatory frameworks to prevent deviation from the national path. For instance, alliances with regimes or entities hostile to Kurdish rights cannot be justified under the pretext of achieving temporary political gains. Political freedom must operate within a framework that protects the Kurdish cause rather than undermining it.

3. Rejecting the Exploitation of Democracy for Narrow Gains:

o At times, democracy is used as a pretext to justify political divisions or make decisions that serve external agendas. Democracy should not be a cover for narrow interests but rather a tool to consolidate a unified national stance.

4. Balancing Democracy and National Identity:

o A true democracy cannot be built without recognizing the Kurdish national identity and ensuring the Kurdish people's right to self-determination. Democracy, in any society, must serve as a means to liberate people rather than oppress them or impose policies aimed at dissolving their identity.

-Democratic Experiences in the Kurdish Reality

Throughout modern history, there have been Kurdish attempts to establish democratic models, but these efforts often faced internal and external challenges. In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, for example, democracy has contributed to strengthening the self-governance experience, yet it has not prevented internal disputes that negatively impacted the broader national situation. In Rojava (northeastern Syria), the autonomous administration has succeeded in establishing a democratic model, yet it faces significant regional political challenges.

These experiences reflect an important reality: democracy alone is not sufficient to fulfill the aspirations of the Kurdish people; it must be accompanied by political unity and a clear strategic vision that safeguards national interests.

Conclusion: Democracy as a Tool for National Struggle

Democracy is not a political luxury but a national responsibility that requires adherence to principles that safeguard the supreme interests of the Kurdish people. Political freedom does not equate to abandoning national constants; rather, it must serve the national project. Kurds must realize that democratic and national struggles are inseparable and that any disconnect between them could lead to catastrophic consequences. Therefore, Kurdish democracy must be a well-thought-out path built on deep political awareness, prioritizing national interests above all other considerations.

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