Oakland Report Back from the Rojava Revolution, 12/12/15: audio

by Dave Id

Thu, Dec 17, 2015 10:38PM

Paul Z. Simmons recently traveled to Rojava, an autonomous region in war-torn northern Syria. Local residents shared with him how they, despite the obstacles, are currently building a society based on principles of direct democracy, gender equality, and sustainability. In Oakland, as part of a Bay Area tour, Paul spoke about his experiences seeing the Rojava Revolution first-hand (full audio below).

original image (1600x1067)

[Photo: Paul Z. Simmons speaks at the OMNI Commons in Oakland]

From the event announcement: Simons talks about his experiences including crossing international boundaries under false pretenses, attending commune meetings in Kobane, high-velocity detours around ISIS sympathetic villages, and the camaraderie of the YPG militias. Simons had full access to the various revolutionary organizations and militias and will discuss their mandates and implementation issues associated with realizing a stateless society. Weaving together ideas of anti-authoritarianism, feminism, ecology, and a rejection of the state...

Paul is editor of the Modern Slavery journal. He published a series of reports during his time in Rojava:
Rojava Dispatch One: Greetings from the Revolution
Rojava Dispatch Two: The Road to Kobane / The Skeletal City
Rojava Dispatch Three: Members of Commune Sehid Kawa C Decide on New Boundaries
Rojava Dispatch Four: The Return; 18 Heroes Go Home For The Last Time
Rojava Dispatch Five: The YPG/YPJ; Militias That Grow Hope
Rojava Dispatch Six: Innovations, the Formation of the Hêza Parastina Cewherî (HPC)
Rojava Dispatch Final: Journey Home

§Full audio of the Roja Revolution report back, including Q&A

by Dave Id

Thu, Dec 17, 2015 10:38PM

Listen now: