These are...not optimistic times for most Americans. Across the world, the dangers of climate change and the terror of creeping authoritarianism present an increasing danger to all of us. After covering this degeneration for four years, Robert Evans went looking for hope. He found it in the unlikeliest of places: Northeast Syria, in a region known as Rojava that’s become host to a feminist, anti-authoritarian revolution.

When you’ve heard about these folks in the mainstream media, they’re usually just described as the “Syrian Kurds”, and credited with beating ISIS. They did, in fact, beat ISIS. But their military successes were just part of the story. In The Women’s War, Robert will introduce listeners to dozens of men and women fighting a war for the future of the human soul.

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What would you do if the government collapsed? Over the last eight years, the men and women of North-East Syria have had a chance to answer that question for themselves. Using the political theories of an American anarchist and a Kurdish terrorist, they've built a feminist oasis in the middle of the world's most brutal war.

Music: "Bella Ciao" by Astronautalis (feat. Subp Yao & Rickolus)

Footnotes:

1. Bella Ciao: A “Kurdish Anthem” Made in Italy, Has Become a Global Sensation
2. The PKK: Coming Down from the Mountains (Rebels)
3. Revolution in Rojava: Democratic Autonomy and Women's Liberation in Syrian Kurdistan

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Robert Evans and Jake Hanrahan are ready to enter Rojava, but first they have to navigate the maze of Iraqi bureaucracy. When they cross the border, they learn that everything may not be as rosy as it sounded from the outside

Music: "Bella Ciao" by Astronautalis (feat. Subp Yao & Rickolus)

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