German politician Bodo Ramelow has once again made a powerful statement in defence of the Kurdish people in northeast Syria. A respected leftist politician and former Minister-President of the German state of Thuringia, Ramelow has long been an outspoken critic of Turkish offensives targeting Kurdish-led autonomous regions such as Kobani (Kobanê), Afrin (Efrîn), Ras al-Ayn (Serekaniyê), and Tel Abyad (Girêspî).
In a recent statement, Ramelow condemned Turkey’s actions as a NATO member attacking its own allies and urged the alliance to hold Turkey accountable. Reflecting on the ongoing situation, he said:
“At the moment, the Kurdish women and Kurds are fighting against Turkey. Because Turkey, as a NATO partner, is currently attacking Kobane and Rojava.”
Ramelow drew attention to the absurdity of NATO partners being pitted against one another, noting that American soldiers are still defending Kobane while Turkey wages aggression:
“It’s crazy that NATO partners suddenly stand against each other in different constellations, and we don’t start talking about why the NATO states don’t defend against the aggression from Erdoğan.”
The politician questioned the long-term implications of allowing Turkey to pursue these offensives unchecked, particularly with the use of medium-range missiles, casting doubt on the idea that such actions would bring peace and security:
“And that’s why the question is simply to believe with medium-range missiles that we will get a bit more peace and security. I don’t believe that.”
Ramelow’s advocacy for the Kurds has spanned nearly a decade. During critical moments such as the 2014 battle for Kobane and Turkey’s 2019 invasion of northeast Syria, he used his platform on social media to call for global solidarity with the Kurdish resistance.
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— Bodo Ramelow (@bodoramelow) March 9, 2018
Today, he joins a growing chorus of international voices urging NATO to take a firm stand against Turkey’s actions and protect the Kurdish people, who played a pivotal role in defeating ISIS.
Archival photo: Sebastian Willnow © Sebastian Willnow
Ramelow’s defence of the Kurds exemplifies his larger commitment to human rights and global justice, making him a figure of conscience not only for Germany but for the world.
