[lbo-talk] YPG defends beseiged Kolbani

[Marv Gandall]

Surprising how little attention the heroic defence of Kolbani by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) has drawn in progressive circles in the West. The YPG is is the only secular left-wing organization in the Middle East (or anywhere else, for that matter) currently leading a popular armed struggle. It’s been the most effective fighting force resisting the fanatically reactionary Islamic State despite being starved by the Turkish and US governments of the heavy weaponry it needs to avert a massacre.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-10-03/kurds-fight-alone-as-coalition-holds-fire-against-jihadist-tanks.html

Young women reportedly comprise one-third of the YPG militia.

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/syria-19-year-old-kurdish-woman-fighter-kills-herself-rather-falling-into-isis-hands-1468420