Behind the Bastards: It Could Happen Here - Weekly 174 (March 22, 2025) Host: Mary Kay McBrayer
Guest: Jenny Ken, Writer and Activist

Introduction

In this episode of "It Could Happen Here," hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer of Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts, the focus centers on the intricate and volatile political landscape of North and East Syria. The discussion delves into the rise of deepfake pornography, the turmoil in Syria post-Assad regime, the evolving role of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and the external influences shaping the region's future.

The Current Situation in North and East Syria

[02:57] Mary Kay McBrayer & Jenny Ken: Mary introduces Jenny Ken, a writer and activist deeply involved with the women's movement in Northeast Syria. They begin by addressing the recent letter written by Abdullah (presumably a political figure or rebel leader), which has inadvertently highlighted the existence and significance of North and East Syria and the SDF—elements often overlooked by mainstream media.

Key Points:

• Regime Change and Initial Jubilation: The overthrow of the Assad regime in December marked the end of a 61-year rule, bringing moments of jubilation as symbols of Assad were dismantled.

• Complexities of Sovereignty: Despite the regime change, certain areas within cities remained under Assad's control, indicating a fragmented approach to governance.

• Rise of HTs (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham): A conglomerate of various militia groups with ties to ideologies similar to ISIS and Al-Qaeda has emerged, aiming to present a more legitimate façade while maintaining extremist tendencies.

• Turkish Involvement: Turkey, rather than deploying its own military, supports and funds militias like the Syrian National Army (SNA) to pursue its expansionist goals in the region.

Impact of Turkish Aggression and Global Politics

[10:14] Mary Kay McBrayer: Mary emphasizes the deep-rooted connections between HTs and the Turkish state, highlighting the latter's aggressive expansionism in North and East Syria. The SNA's actions, backed by significant air support from Turkey, have led to intensive ground invasions, particularly targeting strategic locations like the Tishrin Dam.

Notable Quote:

"Their political background and perspective of a lot of people in these organizations are kinda really, really similar, unfortunately, and all too familiar to the people here who fought against ISIS."
— Mary Kay McBrayer [10:14]

[12:07] Jenny Ken: Jenny provides insight into the ongoing military engagements, noting that while large-scale warfare has subsided in many parts of Syria, North and East Syria remain hotbeds of conflict due to Turkish-backed invasions targeting key infrastructure and symbolic locations.

Key Points:

• Tishrin Dam Significance: The dam is both a strategic military target and a vital source of electricity and water for the region, making it a focal point of resistance.

• SDF's Modernization: The SDF has adapted by utilizing advanced technologies like first-person view drones, enhancing their defensive capabilities against the SNA's aggressive tactics.

• US Involvement: Despite the U.S. having a military presence in Syria, recent actions (e.g., shooting down a drone over a U.S. base without countering others) have led to skepticism among the Kurdish population regarding American support.

Societal Resilience and Forms of Resistance

[33:25] Mary Kay McBrayer: Mary recounts her personal experiences witnessing the resilience of North and East Syrian communities. She describes the ongoing protests at the Tishrin Dam, which have become a symbol of the civilian resistance against Turkish aggression. These protests are not only military but also civil societal actions aimed at raising awareness and defending community infrastructure.

Notable Quote:

"With the most beautiful defiance like that protest has continued. And the most amazing art that's been made, like paintings of the people who've been killed or as I would say here, fallen martyr."
— Mary Kay McBrayer [35:56]

[40:05] Mary Kay McBrayer: She elaborates on the creative forms of resistance, including art, theater, and public demonstrations that serve both as morale boosters and as peaceful protests against the ongoing conflict and violence inflicted by the SNA.

Key Points:

• Cultural Expression as Resistance: Art, dance, and theater are utilized as means to express solidarity, remember fallen martyrs, and maintain a sense of community amidst chaos.

• Integrated Military Forces: Unlike conventional state armies, the SDF remains embedded within the communities, fostering a strong bond between civilians and military personnel.

U.S. Political Dynamics and Future Implications

[21:00] Mary Kay McBrayer: Mary discusses the broader geopolitical implications, emphasizing that the U.S. approach to Syria and its support for the SDF are influenced by longstanding policies of strategic alliances that often serve American interests in the Middle East, including resource acquisition and trade route establishment.

Notable Quote:

"America is in Syria for oil, but there's a little bit more to it than that... these are all lines of power and money that intersect here."
— Mary Kay McBrayer [18:57]

[32:01] Jenny Ken: Jenny explains the tactical alliances between the SDF and U.S. forces, noting that while the SDF has modernized and become more effective, the overarching political motives of the U.S. reflect a blend of strategic interests that may not always align with the ground realities faced by local populations.

Key Points:

• Reciprocal Alliances: The SDF's partnership with the U.S. has historically been tactical, aimed at combating ISIS, but geopolitical shifts have complicated these alliances.

• Resource Control: Discussions around controlling Ukraine's mineral resources draw parallels to U.S. interests in Syria, highlighting a consistent pattern of resource-driven foreign policy.

Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

[43:11] Mary Kay McBrayer: Mary urges listeners to engage more deeply with the situation in Syria, emphasizing the importance of understanding the local struggles and the broader geopolitical maneuvers that impact the region. She highlights the need for informed support and the role of international solidarity in sustaining the resistance movements.

Notable Quote:

"There's always war happening and always war kind of piling on top of you, but that's never what it's about. The question is always, what are you fighting for and who are you fighting to defend?"
— Mary Kay McBrayer [45:06]

Key Takeaways

1. Complex Geopolitics: North and East Syria remain critical zones influenced by Turkish aggression, U.S. strategic interests, and local resistance movements.

2. SDF's Role: The Syrian Democratic Forces are pivotal in maintaining autonomy against Turkish-backed militias, utilizing modern technology and community integration for effective defense.

3. Civilian Resilience: Local communities exhibit remarkable resilience through cultural expressions and organized protests, symbolizing defiance against ongoing conflicts.

4. U.S. Strategic Interests: U.S. foreign policy in Syria continues to be driven by resource acquisition and geopolitical strategy, often complicating alliances with ground realities.

5. Global Implications: The situation in Syria reflects broader patterns of foreign intervention driven by strategic interests, underscoring the need for informed and nuanced international support.

Resources and Further Reading

• Jenny Ken's Platforms:

  • Instagram & TikTok: @JKeesden
  • Telegram Channel: [Link in Show Notes]

• Support Organizations:

  • Emergency Committee for Rojava
  • Kurdish Peace Institute

Note: This summary is based solely on the provided transcript and reflects the views and discussions from the podcast episode "It Could Happen Here - Weekly 174." For a comprehensive understanding, listeners are encouraged to engage with the full episode and related resources.