Rojava vs. Syrian Government Attacks & Ethnic Cleansing (Part 2)

Rojava vs. Syrian Government Attacks & Ethnic Cleansing (Part 2)

Author: Sierra Club Canada January 29, 2026 Duration: 50:46

Journalist James Stout joins us to discuss Rojava, the ecological aspects of their revolution in Northeast Syria, and the history of conflict there. Kurds and other cultural minorities in Rojava are also being threatened with the prospect of ethnic cleansing by the new Syrian Transitional Government of Damascus that has attacked on Rojava. 

The Canadian Government could apply pressure to the Syrian Government to help facilitate a peaceful resolution if you'd like to call your MP and tell them to act. We will also update this description with ways to assist in humanitarian efforts in the region as they become available. UNICEF is operating in the area.

In this episode we additionally delve further into organizing-without-the-state skills from Rojava of use to anyone anywhere. On that note, James also recently returned from reporting on I.C.E.'s invasion of Minneapolis. As James puts it: 

"I met an older lady in Minneapolis... she said 'we wish our politicians would do more [to stop I.C.E.], but they're not going to, so that's okay, we'll do it ourselves.' And I wish people would just take that, if they take nothing else from my book, if they take nothing else from what is happening in Minneapolis, it would be that: 

You don't have to wait [for politicians to act], you can do it yourself, and maybe you can do it better... And I think that's something I took from Rojava - I took a sense of hopefulness."


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Please note: The views expressed in these podcast episodes do not necessarily reflect those of the Sierra Club Canada Foundation, or those of our chapters or programs.


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Produced by Sierra Club Canada, The Environment in Canada Podcast digs into the stories and policies shaping our natural world. This isn't just a theoretical discussion; it's a grounded look at the intersection of ecology, economy, and community action across the country. You'll hear conversations that connect the dots between climate change impacts in our own backyards and global biodiversity loss, examining everything from local pollution challenges to the national shift toward renewable energy. The dialogue often ventures into how democratic processes influence environmental outcomes and explores the growing legal and ethical concept of the Rights of Nature. Each episode is built to inform and empower, offering a clear-eyed perspective on both the problems and the tangible solutions emerging from Canadian communities, businesses, and advocacy. By focusing on these interconnected themes, the podcast provides a crucial resource for anyone wanting to understand the full scope of environmental issues today. Weaving together news, science, and politics, this series goes beyond headlines to foster a deeper comprehension of our relationship with the land and water. Listening means engaging with the critical debates that will define Canada's ecological future, all through the trusted lens of one of the nation's most established environmental voices. The aim is to leave you not just better informed, but equipped with the context needed to participate meaningfully in the ongoing conversation about protection and sustainability.
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