This paper by Ghadi Sary (2016) assesses the development of the local administration of Rojava, its context within Syria and the wider Kurdish political scene. It aims to present a different perspective on the challenges, opportunities and threats faced by local powers in Rojava throughout the Syrian conflict. The paper is based on research undertaken during a year-long fellowship, and on field interviews conducted inside and outside Syria with local actors as well as international and regional stakeholders.