The attacks that took place today against the Kurds—including the burning of the Kurdish flag and the targeting of civilians during the Nowruz celebrations—constitute a dangerous development that reflects the depth of the structural crisis in relations among Syria’s components, and reveals the extent of tensions that have yet to be fundamentally addressed.

These practices can only be understood as an expression of an exclusionary mindset that refuses to recognize the other and denies the Kurdish people their right to express their cultural and national identity in a peaceful and legitimate manner. For the Kurds, the Kurdish flag is not a military or partisan symbol; rather, it is an expression of identity, history, and existence. It must not be criminalized, nor should those who raise it be targeted.

In this context, we affirm that any understanding or agreement that does not translate into effective protection of rights and dignity on the ground remains fragile, and indeed devoid of credibility. What has occurred today raises serious questions about the viability of existing processes, as well as the ability of the concerned parties to regulate both discourse and practice.

We also affirm that the Kurds, despite all they have endured, will not be drawn into strife or into reckless reactions, fully aware that internal conflicts serve only those who seek to prolong the crisis and deepen divisions. At the same time, silence in the face of such violations is no longer acceptable, and requires a clear موقف that ensures their non-repetition and establishes an environment based on mutual respect and the rule of law.

We strongly condemn all forms of incitement and racism, regardless of their source, and hold the relevant authorities fully responsible for protecting civilians and preventing such attacks. We also call for transparent and independent investigations, and for holding all those involved in these incidents accountable without exception.

We further affirm that a genuine solution in Syria cannot be built on exclusion or denial, but rather on the recognition of pluralism and the establishment of a just political system that guarantees the rights of all components without discrimination. Syria must either become a shared space that accommodates all, or remain an open arena for recurring conflicts that will only lead to further instability.

21 March 2026
Dr. Adnan Bouzan

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