cerdo_caliente

Thank you! I've thought up of a few more questions in my original comment. I'm hoping to be ready to go before the spring. Do you have any plans on returning? How many volunteers would you guess are there?

Definitely everything you've listed. High-end sunglasses. I doubt I could get past security with any sort of personal armor or weapons, which makes me consider taking an ocean freighter but that's probably unrealistic. It's such a shame that I have access to almost the entire world's arsenal here in the states but the Kurds can't get decent equipment and daesh runs around in humvees.

What kind of electronics were you able to bring?

Hello, much respect for what you've done.

Which organization were you working with? Lions of Rojava? Saw your answer in another comment. I have similar intentions but I feel like I can't pick up and leave until I've settled my debts here. (Don't want to leave any debt to family in case of the worst.)

How difficult was it to travel over there? Do you feel like the government is now aware and watching you? Could you think of any way to bring western equipment out there? I have also heard that some Kurds are just as susceptible to the pitfalls of ignorance\poverty much like their neighbors (mistreatment of women, hostility towards atheists, strict religious beliefs. etc.), did you witness anything in this regard or were you working with the more leftist groups?

Do you get the sense that this conflict will continue indefinitely? (I guess I mean, how much longer will this conflict last?) Do they need more volunteers? Does it still make sense to go?

Thanks for doing this. I'm sure I will think of more questions.

Edit: How were you able to place your life on hold back in the west? (Yank here.) Does race factor into how the Kurds will accept foreigners? Were any foreign volunteers martyred during your time over there? What physical condition were you in? What kind of condition would you recommend? Are there non-combatant roles that the Kurds could use help with? (I was thinking if I can't pass muster then maybe taking an educational role with kids.) AFAIK the fighting in most places comes and goes in seasons, did you sense that? What recommendations would you have for people packing for this?