Rojava: Syria’s Unknown War (2014)
Rojava: Syria’s Unknown War is a compelling and revealing documentary that delves into the lesser-known conflict within the Syrian civil war. Released in 2014, the film sheds light on the complex dynamics in Syria’s Kurdish-dominated northeast, a region that had remained relatively untouched by the broader conflict until recently.
The Unreported Struggle
As the Syrian war raged on, the Kurdish PYD party and its YPG militia gained control of much of Hassakeh province, including Syria’s valuable oilfields. Their hopes of maintaining neutrality and building an autonomous Kurdish state were shattered when clashes erupted with Syrian rebel forces in the strategic border city of Ras al-Ayn. This seemingly localized conflict quickly escalated into a full-blown war between the Kurds and a formidable alliance of jihadist groups, including ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra.
The documentary takes us deep into the heart of this conflict. With unparalleled access to Kurdish and Syrian Christian fighters on the frontlines, we witness a bitter struggle where the Assad regime remains a neutral observer. The battle lines are drawn between jihadist-led rebels and Kurdish nationalists, tearing villages apart and pitting neighbor against neighbor. Amidst the chaos, the true cost of war unfolds, and innocent lives hang in the balance.
Human Stories and Hidden Realities
Rojava: Syria’s Unknown War introduces us to individuals whose lives have been irrevocably altered:
- Tariq Aziz: At just sixteen years old, Tariq became a casualty of a drone strike in 2011. His story epitomizes the collateral damage inflicted upon innocent lives.
- Rafiq ur Rehman: A school teacher, Rafiq witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of a drone strike in 2012. His mother lost her life, and his children were hospitalized. Their suffering underscores the human toll of remote warfare.
- Never-Before-Seen Footage: The film provides glimpses into the aftermath of drone attacks in tribal regions of Pakistan. These images humanize the victims, revealing the anguish and despair left in their wake.
Beyond Borders and Statistics
Rojava: Syria’s Unknown War challenges prevailing narratives about drone warfare. It highlights the imprecision of covert drone strikes and the unintended consequences they bring. Blowback—resentment fueled by the loss of innocent lives—creates more enemies for the American people. Corruption within the system and drug addiction among those meant to protect further complicate the fight against extremism.
This documentary serves as a stark reminder that victory cannot be measured solely in territory gained or flags planted. It lies in shattered lives, grieving families, and the moral dilemmas faced by those who operate these lethal machines. As the Syrian sands shift, we must seek solutions beyond military might and find opportunities for cooperation amidst tragedy.
