An American volunteer in Rojava: There is such an intense sense of freedom here

The Rojava Revolution is a revolutionary process that embraces all the people of the world, not just those of the Middle East. For this reason internationalists from all over the world are taking part. One of those influenced by the struggle of the Rojava Revolution is the American Sipan Van Spronson.

Van Spronson came to Rojava 15 months ago, and he explains that he believes in the ideology of the movement here.

“I came here because I believe in the ideology of this movement. I believe in the establishment of a democracy based on the liberation of women, and I believe in defence for the people of the Middle East against ISIS and Turkish fascism. ”

Van Spronson explains the difficulties he has in describing his experiences when he first arrived in Rojava. He says: “There was such an intense sense of freedom, I felt right being here with my comrades whom I knew were here to fight for the same things as I.”

He indicates that within the society there is a democratic and free approach: “It was truly wonderful to just be within a system and within a people who decided to live that way.”

He explains that he was also influenced by the ecological approach in Rojava: “Especially as a young person I think a lot about climate change and the horrible catastrophes it will bring.”

The American internationalist calls out to those living in the US and the West: “We’re running out of time. The time for complacency is over. If we truly care about freedom, about basic equality, about basic democracy, we can no longer rely on what others do.”

“The fight against ISIS is still ongoing and in spite of the frequent reports from the American military that we’ve defeated ISIS, it’s not true. ”

Van Spronson highlights the fact that the struggle with ISIS and fascism is being waged by the forces of freedom here, and reacts against the tendency for the US to forget the important role played by the people of the region in the struggle against ISIS.

He recalls that the US army paved the way for Turkey’s invasion of Afrin and Serêkaniyê (Ras al-Ayn).