In war-torn Syria, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) stands out as a symbol of hope amidst the violence of terrorist factions and the authoritarian oppression of government forces. For more than four years now, the AANES has achieved a functioning democracy in the least democratic region in the world. Here, we’ll give a brief overview of what the AANES is, and why protecting it is essential.
About the AANES
The AANES was formally established in 2018, although its origins (in the form of interim governments of different names) can be traced back to at least 2013. The AANES, which consists of seven sub-regions in the northern and eastern part of the country, grew out of coalition efforts to eradicate ISIS from the area, establish autonomy from the Assad regime, and cultivate stability and local governance.
The AANES is a Kurdish-led democracy—one of only three democracies in the Middle East, in fact. Its government system is composed of three main Councils (Executive, Legislative, and Justice) as well as regional administration systems. Its military branch, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have long opposed Syrian national forces and their Turkish allies.
What truly sets the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria apart are its progressive and democratic ideals in a region that has historically been plagued by extremism and persecution. The AANES takes a partnership-based approach to its relations with local communities, and residents there enjoy far more political and religious freedom, gender equality, and freedom of expression than in other areas of the country. Quality of life under AANES is also substantially higher, thanks to AANES’s provision of infrastructure and resources such as electricity and schools.
The AANES Is in Danger
In spite of its incredible accomplishments, the AANES’s position is precarious, to say the least. Its proximity to Turkey puts it in constant danger of an invasion by Turkish anti-Kurdish forces—not to mention its continued struggle to resist the threats of the Assad government in Syria and the still-active remnants of ISIS. Although the AANES is widely believed to be the region’s best hope for peace and stability in the country, it has yet to be formally recognized by the international community.
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