Nawid Mehravar:
The Komala Party of Kurdistan (Kurdish: کۆمەڵەی زەحمەتکێشانی کوردستان), as a political organisation established to address the demands of the people in the East of Kurdistan, requires further self-formulation. In this period leading up to the 14th Congress, there is a significant opportunity to prepare for the Congress, clarify, and formulate the party’s stance on foundational issues, namely national, women’s, and class questions. It is the duty of all members of the Komala Party of Kurdistan to delve deeper into these matters so that, beyond our membership, other friends, political activists, intellectuals, and those concerned with the people of Kurdistan can participate in these discussions and assist us in collectively advancing towards a comprehensive resolution of the Kurdish issue as an occupied nation.
From the outset of its participation in the Kurdish movement and its self-identification with the people in this revolution, Komala has played a significant role concerning these three issues in Kurdistan. Despite the ups and downs it has faced, Komala remains a beacon of hope in society and a clear symbol guiding the people of Kurdistan towards a peaceful and humane society.
Komala has actively participated in the Kurdish revolution, leading the people of Kurdistan in reclaiming their rights. It has infused this struggle with a humanistic spirit, drawing attention to the revolution and dispelling the accusations and labels imposed by enemies and authorities upon the people of Kurdistan and their revolution.
When Komala raised the issue of women in Kurdistan, it faced opposition and accusations from enemies and traditionalists who used all their human and material resources to prevent Komala from breaking this taboo, aiming to maintain male dominance. Unfortunately, some within the Kurdish revolutionary movement also attempted to marginalise Komala. However, neither the enmity of occupiers and Iranian propagandists nor internal constraints could hinder the progress of the women’s struggle in Kurdistan. Despite the religious system’s use of education, media, mosques, and all available opportunities to promote gender-based violence and exclusion, the idea of women’s freedom and societal liberation, closely tied to the women’s issue, has gained significant traction. The participation and activism of freedom-seeking women have been influential, and this discourse is now embraced by many, with the Kurdish movement taking ownership.
Restoring respect for workers and labourers—those who sell their energy and lives to earn bread—is a source of pride for Komala. Establishing workers’ unions and associations, farmers’ unions, and instilling self-confidence in Kurdish workers and labourers has empowered them to understand their interests and recognise the profit-driven capitalist society. They strive to liberate themselves from the grip of traditional landlords and exploiters.
Komala’s participation in various societal and revolutionary issues in Kurdistan is historically significant. Its impact was evident in the Jin, Jiyan, Azadi (Woman, Life, Freedom) uprising. However, that was in the past. Now, the Kurdish revolution and its people have the necessary understanding and awareness to protect their achievements. Therefore, the Komala Party of Kurdistan must clearly define its vision for a new phase and contemporary struggle, presenting a modern image to society.
The National Question
Until the fate of Kurdistan is determined through a general referendum allowing Kurds to decide their political destiny, Komala must not close any doors to cooperation with other forces outside Kurdistan aiming to overthrow the Islamic Republic. After the fall of the Islamic Republic, any decision regarding Kurdistan’s future that does not reflect the will of the Kurdish people must be opposed. We must clearly articulate our position and strategy concerning the Kurdish issue and strive, within our political, social, and material capabilities, to achieve our goals.
Given that Kurdistan is our primary and central field of activity, and considering the people’s support for our stance and the connection of youth to Komala’s various aspects, we must recognise that our strength lies in Kurdistan. We are a Kurdish party, sharing in the sorrows and joys of the Kurdish people. Therefore, the Kurdish liberation movement is our primary concern, and we actively participate and take ownership in all areas of this struggle.
If we reflect on the history of the Kurdish people’s struggle, filled with occupation, bloodshed, looting, and destruction by occupiers, we see that Kurdistan has always, in its unique way, resisted occupiers whenever it had the intellectual and physical capacity. Even now, Kurdistan, as the homeland of the Kurds, remains unrecognised. If we consider the history of the Kurdish Republic and subsequent events as examples, especially after the fall of the monarchy, we see that the Kurds significantly contributed to the downfall of the Islamic Republic, yet their suffering continues.
The Women’s Question
The women’s issue is a crucial matter, not secondary to other issues but equally important. It is the responsibility of Komala’s activists to address it alongside the national question. Without serious steps towards the women’s issue, Kurdish society cannot achieve success. Even if the Islamic Republic falls and Kurdish men gain power, Kurdistan will remain stagnant. Therefore, we must not regress in this regard.
Leftist Ideology
As in many other countries, parliaments and societies host various leftist parties with different desires and strategies. The Komala Party of Kurdistan, with its commitment to the Kurdish liberation movement, adheres to its defined strategy and aligns with the leftist aspect of this movement.
From our perspective, leftism must uphold the humanistic concept of “human dignity” and maintain a balance between new demands and traditional values.
The Class Question
In today’s world, societal structures are predominantly influenced by capitalism, meaning that the capitalist system governs all aspects of life. While the implementation of capitalism varies from one country to another, its core objective remains the same: exploiting the majority for the benefit of a minority. However, in countries where workers have organised themselves into unions and associations, they have managed to protect their rights to some extent and challenge capitalism in certain areas. In many places, labour laws have changed, and workers have become stakeholders. This has allowed them to establish a new form of governance, but the underlying system and exploitation persist.
In the future of Kurdistan, no other system of governance is anticipated. The only way forward is reform within this system, benefiting the working class. Strengthening workers’ unions and organisations is essential. In such a governance model, the Komala Party of Kurdistan must represent the workers, support them in protecting their interests, and strive for reforms to reduce class disparities.
