In the midst of Syria’s prolonged civil war, a unique experiment in governance has emerged in the northeastern part of the country. Known as the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), or more commonly referred to as NCSyria, this self-governed region represents a radical attempt to create a multi-ethnic, decentralized government that prioritizes local democracy, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. Despite its successes, NCSyria faces numerous challenges, from external military threats to internal political and social pressures. Let’s delve deeper into the complex dynamics of NCSyria, its origins, governance, and its future in the region.

The Origins of NCSyria

The roots of NCSyria lie in the Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011 as part of the wider Arab Spring movements. While the conflict devolved into a multifaceted struggle involving the Syrian government, opposition forces, and various international actors, a unique opportunity arose in the northeastern part of Syria. Kurdish groups, along with Arab and Assyrian communities, sought to establish an autonomous region free from the control of both the Syrian regime and extremist groups like ISIS.

In 2013, these groups formed the Democratic Federation of Northern Syria, which would later evolve into the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. The goal was to establish a society that rejected the top-down power structures that had long dominated the region. Inspired by the political philosophy of Abdullah Öcalan, a Kurdish leader, the NCSyria project aimed to build a decentralized and inclusive system of governance, which would allow different ethnic and religious groups to coexist peacefully.

The Structure of Governance in NCSyria

NCSyria operates under a unique system of governance that distinguishes it from other regions in the war-torn country. Based on a model of democratic confederalism, the administration is built around the concept of local self-governance. Power is distributed across local councils, with decision-making processes that emphasize community participation. These councils are elected by the local population and include representatives from all ethnic and religious groups in the area, including Kurds, Arabs, Assyrians, and others.

One of the defining features of the governance structure in NCSyria is its commitment to gender equality. In every administrative council, a co-leadership system is in place, requiring that one male and one female share leadership responsibilities. This policy ensures that women have an equal role in governance, a stark contrast to many parts of the Middle East where patriarchal systems often dominate.

Furthermore, NCSyria has implemented a justice system that focuses on mediation and reconciliation, rather than punitive measures. The administration has worked to incorporate restorative justice principles that prioritize social harmony and aim to resolve disputes at the local level, rather than relying on centralized legal systems.

NCSyria’s Role in the Fight Against ISIS

One of the most significant factors that brought international attention to NCSyria was its pivotal role in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), primarily composed of Kurdish fighters from NCSyria, became a key ally of the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS. Between 2014 and 2019, the SDF, alongside coalition forces, liberated large swathes of territory that had been under ISIS control, including the group’s de facto capital, Raqqa.

This military success gave NCSyria increased international legitimacy, even as it remained politically isolated from the central Syrian government. The victory over ISIS also solidified NCSyria’s role as a stable entity in an otherwise chaotic region, with its forces continuing to secure and govern areas previously controlled by ISIS.

Challenges Facing NCSyria

Despite its achievements, NCSyria faces numerous challenges that threaten its stability and future. Perhaps the most significant is the ongoing military threat from neighboring Turkey. The Turkish government views the Kurdish-led administration as an extension of the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party), a group it has long designated as a terrorist organization. In 2019, Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring, an offensive aimed at creating a “safe zone” along its southern border, displacing thousands of people in NCSyria in the process.

Beyond military threats, NCSyria also struggles with political isolation. While the administration has carved out a de facto autonomy, it has not been formally recognized by the Syrian government or the international community. This lack of recognition has limited its access to resources and foreign aid, particularly in the reconstruction efforts needed to rebuild cities like Raqqa, which were devastated during the war against ISIS.

Additionally, economic challenges persist. The region’s economy has been hit hard by years of war, sanctions, and blockades. While agriculture, particularly wheat production, remains a vital part of NCSyria’s economy, the area faces difficulties in accessing international markets, which hinders its economic development. Furthermore, the administration is struggling to provide basic services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure improvements, as resources are stretched thin across a war-ravaged population.

The Future of NCSyria

The future of NCSyria is uncertain, but its leadership remains committed to its vision of a democratic, inclusive, and decentralized society. Efforts to gain broader international recognition continue, as NCSyria seeks alliances that can protect its autonomy in the face of external threats.

Internally, the administration is working to improve governance structures and solidify its economic base. There are ongoing projects aimed at building sustainable agriculture and renewable energy sources, part of the region’s commitment to environmental sustainability. NCSyria’s leadership also continues to advocate for a negotiated settlement with the Syrian government, hoping to establish a federal system that would grant autonomy to its regions while maintaining the integrity of the Syrian state.

However, the region’s long-term stability will likely depend on the geopolitical calculations of external actors, including the U.S., Russia, and Turkey. As these powers continue to jostle for influence in the region, NCSyria will need to navigate a delicate balance of diplomacy, military preparedness, and internal resilience.

Conclusion

NCSyria represents a bold experiment in governance, particularly in the context of a region ravaged by war and instability. Its commitment to local democracy, gender equality, and inclusive governance makes it a unique entity in the Middle East. However, the challenges it faces—from military threats to political isolation and economic hardship—are immense. The coming years will determine whether NCSyria can solidify its position as a stable, autonomous region or whether it will be subsumed by the larger geopolitical struggles that continue to shape the future of Syria.

For those interested in governance models, conflict resolution, and the future of Syria, NCSyria offers a fascinating case study of a community attempting to rebuild itself from the ashes of war, offering hope for a new form of governance in one of the world’s most volatile regions.