02.03.2026 UPDATE – German journalist captured by HTS
Journalists Eva Maria Michelmann (German citizen) and Ahmed Polad have been missing since January 18. Both were in Raqqa to report on the attacks by HTS and their war crimes. While the jihadist fighters were taking the city, the journalists apparently fell into the hands of the jihadists. The fate of the two, as well as hundreds of others, is unknown, and it is unclear whether they are still in HTS captivity or have been executed. In Germany in particular, pressure is now needed to implement a long-demanded prisoner exchange in Syria and to uncover the war crimes.
War of the rulers
The attacks by the US and Israel on Iran and Iran’s counterstrikes in the Middle East continue. While the Iranian state has been severely weakened, it is clear that it is primarily the local population that is suffering from the attacks. For example, more than 148 girls were killed in an Israeli air strike on a girls’ school in Iran. Meanwhile, the Iranian military is transferring prisoners from Evin Prison, where many activists have been sentenced to death in the last time, to military bases to use them as human shields. In addition, Iran also attacked various Kurdish opposition parties that have their offices in Iraqi Kurdistan. Some Kurdish parties in Iran announced their political unity just a few days ago. Neither the current mullah regime nor the Shah, whom the US may want to install, give society room to breathe. The only solution is unity among all social forces against the hegemonic powers.
Women demonstrate in Kobanê for YPJ
In the city of Kobanê, which is under siege by HTS, the women’s movement organized a demonstration to express their support for the Women’s Defense Units (YPJ). The YPJ are the foundation of the revolution in Rojava and are therefore repeatedly targeted by HTS in attempts to force them into negotiations. The demonstration made it clear once again that the freedom of the women of Rojava is non-negotiable and that the Women’s Defense Units will remain in place.