Syrian Kurdish MP to Kurdistan24: Our Nation Must Follow Kurdistan's Path to Recovery

Erbil (Kurdistan24) – A newly elected Kurdish member of the Syrian Parliament, Mohammad Sido Sido, has emphasized that Syria must draw inspiration from the Kurdistan Region’s model of reconstruction, governance, and development to rebuild the war-torn nation. In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24, Sido—who hails from Afrin—stressed that rebuilding Syria requires adopting successful regional experiences, particularly those that have proven effective in advancing infrastructure, education, and social stability. 

Speaking on Tuesday, Sido described Syria’s latest parliamentary elections as a democratic and transparent process, conducted in a peaceful atmosphere despite the country’s fragile state. He underscored his hope that Syrian refugees would soon be able to return home safely, and that the country could move toward a sustainable phase of reconstruction and unity.

“Syria Must Benefit from the Kurdistan Region’s Model”

Reflecting on Syria’s post-war recovery and regional cooperation, Sido said, “Syria is a country in a tragic state that urgently needs reconstruction and rebuilding. It should benefit from the developed urban and service experience of its neighbor, the Kurdistan Region, which is both young and advanced.”

He further highlighted the cultural and social ties between Kurdish communities in Syria and Iraq, describing them as a natural bridge for mutual development, cooperation, and cultural exchange. “This must happen because of the similarities between the two countries and their social and security conditions, as well as their shared geography,” he noted.

Regarding the possibility of official cooperation between the Syrian Parliament and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Sido expressed optimism, saying, “We hope that the next Syrian Parliament will be open to learning from neighboring countries’ experiences—especially from friendly regions like Kurdistan—for the benefit of all.” He added that cooperation could extend to water resources, agriculture, and education, sectors that he believes are vital for Syria’s recovery.

Sido also praised the Kurdistan Region’s humanitarian role, particularly its assistance to Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons. “Most countries that hosted refugees have shown commendable solidarity and provided great services, including the Kurdistan Region,” he said. “However, the tragic situation of refugees can only be resolved through their safe return home.”

“Kurdistan’s Self-Governance is a Model for Syria’s Future”

On the question of self-administration, the Afrin-born lawmaker lauded the Kurdistan Region’s autonomous governance system, describing it as a “progressive and exemplary experience” that could help guide Syria’s transition toward democratic development. “We hope to benefit from this model to bring Syria closer to the level of developed nations,” Sido affirmed.

When asked about the Barzani Charity Foundation’s humanitarian assistance following the devastating earthquake in Afrin, Sido expressed deep gratitude: “The Barzani Charity Foundation did everything possible to help the people of Afrin during the earthquake crisis. We appreciate their tremendous humanitarian efforts and wish their projects continued success.”

Sido described the electoral process in Afrin as democratic and transparent, noting that the voting was secret, the counting was public, and all stages were monitored by legal committees, observers, and candidates. “Although we hoped the elections would be more general and popular, they were conducted by the electoral body under the supervision of the High Election Commission,” he stated.

He revealed that he faced no challenges during his candidacy, attributing his victory to the strong support of his community base, his prior experience as an educator and civic leader, and his distinctive campaign platform. “The combination of popular support, my experience, and my program led to success,” he said.

Sido’s top priorities in parliament include revitalizing education, reinstating dismissed teachers, ensuring educational stability, introducing the Kurdish language alongside Arabic in public schools, and improving agricultural and healthcare services.

He stressed that Afrin’s recovery is vital to Syria’s overall stability. “The success of Syria as a state begins with the success of Afrin, the smaller Syria. The urgent priorities include the return of displaced people, ensuring safety and stability, and protecting citizens’ properties and livelihoods,” he said.

On Kurdish representation in Syrian institutions, Sido expressed cautious optimism. “We hope for genuine representation based on competence, abilities, and qualifications,” he said. He also noted that political openness is becoming more visible: “For the first time in my life, I exercised my right to vote and then ran as a candidate—and won. There is genuine progress toward democratic practice.”

When asked whether the elections mark the beginning of national reconciliation or are merely symbolic, Sido replied, “This democratic exercise could pave the way for a future phase of genuine Syrian reconstruction, if all parties cooperate for the good of the nation and the people.”

Regarding Afrin’s administrative future, he emphasized the need for local autonomy. “Afrin should have independent administration due to its social uniqueness, or it should be established as a governorate like the others,” he proposed.

Sido concluded by affirming his commitment to his voters, saying, “We will be your true voice in parliament and will live up to the trust and responsibility you have placed in us. God willing, we will prove ourselves worthy of it.”

Full Transcript of the Interview:

Q: How do you view the relationship between Syria (including Afrin) and the Kurdistan Region in terms of humanitarian and economic cooperation?

A: Syria is a country in a tragic reality that urgently needs reconstruction. It should benefit from the developed urban and service experience of its neighbor, the Kurdistan Region, which is young and advanced.

Q: Can Kurdish communities in Syria and Iraq form a bridge for mutual cultural and developmental support?

A: This must happen because of the similarities between the two countries and their social and security realities as neighboring societies.

Q: Does the Syrian Parliament have plans to develop cooperation with the Kurdistan Region?

A: We hope that the next parliament will be open to learning from friendly and neighboring experiences, particularly the Kurdistan Region, for mutual benefit — such as in water resources, agriculture, and education.

Q: How do you evaluate the Kurdistan Region’s role in supporting humanitarian stability for Syrians, especially those from Afrin?

A: We appreciate the support provided by all countries that hosted refugees, including the Kurdistan Region, but the refugee tragedy will only end with safe and voluntary return.

Q: How do you assess the Kurdistan Region’s experience in self-governance? Can Syria benefit from it?

A: The Kurdistan Region’s model of self-administration is exemplary. We hope to benefit from its successful aspects to bring Syria to a similar level of progress.

Q: What is your view of the Barzani Charity Foundation’s work in Afrin after the earthquake?

A: The Barzani Charity Foundation made commendable efforts to serve the people of Afrin during the earthquake crisis. We thank them and wish their initiatives continued success.

Q: How do you assess the election atmosphere in Afrin?

A: The elections were conducted democratically and transparently, with secret voting, public counting, and legal oversight. Although we hoped for more popular elections, the process followed official procedures.

Q: What challenges did you face during your candidacy?

A: I faced none. I relied on community support and my previous roles as an educator, civic activist, and council leader.

Q: What factors contributed most to your victory?

A: All three — popular support, a solid electoral base, and a strong campaign program.

Q: What are your priorities for Afrin and the region moving forward?

A: Strengthening education, reinstating dismissed teachers, adopting Kurdish in the curriculum, and supporting agriculture and health sectors.

Q: What issues require urgent attention in Afrin?

A: The return of displaced residents, ensuring safety, and protecting property and livelihoods.

Q: Is there an intention to form a Kurdish bloc in parliament?

A: It’s too early, but we aim to coordinate among the three Kurdish MPs from Afrin and later with others across regions.

Q: How do you assess the current Kurdish representation in Syrian institutions?

A: We hope for true representation based on qualifications and abilities.

Q: Did you sense real political openness during the elections?

A: Yes. For the first time, I exercised my right to vote and to be elected. It’s a genuine step toward democratic practice.

Q: Could this election mark the beginning of national reconciliation?

A: Yes, it could lay the foundation for Syria’s real reconstruction if all sides cooperate sincerely.

Q: How do you view Afrin’s relation with other northern regions?

A: Afrin must retain its unique social character, either through independent administration or as a formal governorate.

Q: How will you balance political representation with national duty?

A: Political representation serves the greater good. My goal is to serve humanity and the nation, beyond party lines.

Q: What is your message to the people of Afrin?

A: We will be your voice in parliament. We bear the responsibility you entrusted to us, and we will prove worthy of it.