The Final Straw Radio

Rojava Revolution In Peril: a perspective from Tekoşîna Anarşîst and a voice in Qamişlo

We're sharing this episode a little early so it's still timely as relates to the threats faced by the Rojava revolution in north and east Syria. First up, we'll hear some updates and assessments from Garzan, a member of Tekoşîna Anarşîst, an internationalist anarchist structure based in Rojava and aligned with the Syrian Defense Forces. Garzan's voice has been re-recorded for anonymity and a transcript of their audio is available in the show notes. Transcript Then, we hear from Jînda a western activist engaged in solidarity with the Rojava Revolution to speak about what the spread of Syrian transitional government and the Turkish-backed so-called Syrian National Army militia into areas formerly under control of the Syrian Defense Forces means for women and different ethnic and religious minorities. Some Further Reading You can follow TA by visiting https://tekosinaanarsist.noblogs.org/ where you can also follow their war updates To check out that report by Rojava Information Center on ISIS prisoners under the Syrian transitional government, visit https://rojavainformationcenter.org/2026/01/isis-escapes-as-a-result-of-syrian-army-assault/ An article that TA shared recently, though with some disagreement in the critique "Kurdish Reaction To The Current Situation In Rojava" by Zaher Baher is available here: https://libcom.org/article/kurdish-reaction-current-situation-rojava Our past interviews on Rojava: https://thefinalstrawradio.noblogs.org/post/category/rojava/ Revolution In Rojava: Democratic Autonomy and Women's Liberation in Syrian Kurdistan : https://classautonomy.info/revolution-in-rojava-democratic-autonomy-and-womens-liberation-in-the-syrian-kurdistan/ Rojava Information Center interview with Lonjin Abdo who founded Lelun organization to support survivors of human trafficking by Turkish-backed SNA in Afrin: https://rojavainformationcenter.org/2025/07/lonjin-abdo-lelun-interview/ Some Internationalist Structures to Keep Up with Calls for Support Emergency Committee For Rojava: https://www.defendrojava.org/ Internationalist Commune: https://internationalistcommune.com/ Rise Up For Rojava: https://riseup4rojava.org/en/ . ... . .. Featured Track: TFSR by The Willows Whisper

Being The Right Best Person: A Conversation with Donna Mae in Minneapolis

This week, we spoke with Donna Mae, a longtime resident of Minneapolis and registered nurse working mostly with people who are unsheltered and use injection drugs. Donna lives in a neighborhood of the city that has had very heavy ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and CBP (Customs and Border Patrol) activity and speaks for the hour about the last two months of invasion, organizing with neighbors, the legacy of the George Floyd Uprising and the aftermath of the murders of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, the recent General Strike and lessons for preparing in the next incursion, wherever that may be. Some links for support Fundraiser for folks in the Phillips neighborhood: https://gofund.me/0ba86917d Southside Harm Reduction Services: https://shrs.org/get-involved/donate/ Minneapolis Indian Women's Resource Center: https://miwrc.salsalabs.org/miwrcgeneraloperations/index.html Additional Links Facial Recognition Tech Used in Minneapolis to Target Protestors: in the Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jan/27/ice-facial-recognition-minnesota in Politico: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/29/ice-tracking-tools-protesters-00755703 Rojava Updates Podcast Release Recently, armed conflict has flared between the Syrian Democratic Forces and both the Turkish-backed, so-called Syrian National Army militia and the forces aligned with the Syrian transitional government. In coming days we'll be sharing a timely podcast featuring an interview with a member of Tekoşîna Anarşîst and another with a western activist on the ground in Qamişlo to share their perspectives on the situation and updates on the changing terrain. We talk about the danger of a resurgence of ISIS, the humanitarian crisis growing due to the seige in Kobane and the fears of a renewed patriarchal governance, but also about organizing and international solidarity. This is a good time to get together with community in your area to figure out how you can support the revolution in Rojava. If you don't have a Rojava solidarity group in your area (start one), keep an ear out for calls to action via the Emergency Committee for Rojava: https://www.defendrojava.org/ In the meantime, check out this first podcast by the Youth Media project, Ronahi: https://www.ronahi.eu/2026/ronahi-podcast-episode-1/ . ... . .. Featured Track: TFSR by The Willows Whisper

Science, Radical Realism, and Anarchy (with William Gillis)

This week, we're sharing an interview with Will Gillis, author of the recently published book Did The Science Wars Take Place: The Political and Ethical Stakes of Radical Realism, published via C4SS where Gillis holds the position as The Voltairine de Cleyre Chair in Centrifugal Studies and technical coordinator. For the hour we talk about the so-called Science Wars of the 1990's, debates involving scientific approaches and shared understandings of a a measurable physical reality, post-modernism, the roles leftists and anarchists played in the debates and how cults and authoritarians employ anti-realist explanations of the world to limit their subjects' moves toward liberation. You can read more of William's writings at https://humaniterations.net and https://c4ss.org A few links to further scientific education: Quanta Magazine: https://www.quantamagazine.org/ Theoretical Minimum Lectures by Leonard Susskind: https://theoreticalminimum.com/ Milo Rossi youtube on archeology; https://www.youtube.com/@miniminuteman773 Stefan Milo youtube on archeology: www.youtube.com/@StefanMilo Angela Collier youtube on physics: https://www.youtube.com/@acollierastro self-training in physics video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw97Tj5zxvA&pp=ygUcYW5nZWxhIGNvbGxpZXIgc2VsZi10cmFpbmluZw%3D%3D Sean Carrol's Mindscape podcast covers a lot of topics, linked from his website: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/ . ... . .. Featured track: beatbuster by The Willows Whisper

Ketino of the Black Rose/Rosa Negra Anarchist Federation on Anarchism, Anti-Imperialism & Internationalism

This week on The Final Straw Radio, we're featuring a conversation with our guest, Ketino, to speak about Especifist anarchism and anarchist approaches at anti-Imperialism. Ketino is a member of the Tampa, Florida branch of the Black Rose / Rosa Negra Anarchist Federation and they grew up in Cuba. You can learn more about Black Rosa, or BRRN, at BlackRoseFed.Org Other links: Black Rose's introduction to Anarchism Denunciation of Venezuela Coup by CALA (member groups listed) and sibling, BRRN ICOA -- International Coordination of Organized Anarchism wikipedia page Anarkismo Network Solidarity with Sudanese Anarchists (including ICOA-related signatories) Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front – South Africa CES (a project offering education in Especifismo): https://especifismostudies.org/ First up, here are a few prisoner struggle updates Announcements Prisoners For Palestine It was announced on January 14th that members fo the Prisoners For Palestine hunger strike, from the Palestine Action case in the so-called UK, ended their strike after 73 days without food after a key demand was met with Elbit Systems being denied an important government contract. You can read their statements at PrisonersForPalestine.org and check out our November 30, 2025 episode for some background on the cases. Xinachtli From Xinachtli's support crew (Instagram at @FreeXinachtliNow): On January 1, Xinachtli (state name Alvaro Luna Hernandez) was transferred to the Carol Young Medical Facility. In the moment, this was a major victory getting him moved from McConnell, and Xinachtli shared that he felt the power of the people! However this victory was short-lived. The transfer was carried out without any notice to his attorney, and made Xinachtli unable to communicate with them before his latest court hearing on January 6, effectively blocking his right to counsel. Within days of the transfer, we also learned that Xinachtli had been placed in a cell with no running water, and a broken sink and toilet. In Xinachtli's words: "They bring me a bowl of water. I first use it to drink, and then I use the rest for hygiene for the remainder of the day. I also have not been able to flush the toilet in days. Prison conditions in the U.S. are deeply dehumanizing. For Xinachtli, who is attempting to recover after months of medical neglect, these conditions risk further delaying his recovery and compounding the harm he has already endured. We know that applying pressure works. A director of TDCJ called organizers earlier this month begging for an end to the "hundreds of calls." Contrary to their request, we will not stop until Xinachtli is FREE. Xinachtli's current demands are: That he be moved to a cell with running water and functioning plumbing. That he receive his ID card so he can purchase needed items and receive his commissary order from January 2. That he receive all of his personal property from the McConnell Unit. Contacts: • Carol Young Medical Facility TDC): (409) 948-0001 ◦ WARDEN: (**129) • Region III Director Jerry Sanchez: (281) 369-3736 • TDC) Executive Director: (936) 437-2101 You can sign up for slots and find tips for making calls, including scripts, at https://bit.ly/xphoneblast Repression in Alabama Prisons In the last few days, according to supporters of the Free Alabama Movement as we approach the February 8th call for a statewide work stoppage Kinetic Justice, Hannibal Ra Sun and Raoul Poole have been transferred to another prison and prisoners across the ADOC have had food rations cut. To learn how to advocate for these three FAM leaders now at Kilby CI and read the press release announcing the upcoming strike actions, check our shownotes : following their announcement of an upcoming labor strike, Melvin Ray, Robert Earl Council (Kinetik Justice), and Raoul Poole — three prominent voices in the film "The Alabama Solution" — were taken to Kilby Prison. In anticipation of the strike, the AL Dept. of Corrections has also reduced access to food in its prisons. This is a dangerous violation of [prisoners] constitutional rights. Call Kilby: (534) 215-6600 Demand they keep these men — and all those in state custody — safe. The Press Release announcing the strike is here: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 2, 2025 FREE ALABAMA MOVEMENT (FAM) ANNOUNCES STATEWIDE SHUTDOWN ADOC 2026 Effective February 8, 2026 Alabama — The Free Alabama Movement (FAM) announces a coordinated, statewide shutdown of Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) facilities beginning February 8, 2026. This nonviolent action comes in response to decades of unconstitutional sentencing practices, forced prison labor, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis throughout Alabama's prison system. With the release of the documentary The Alabama Solution, state officials can no longer deny or ignore the overwhelming evidence that Alabama's prison system is in catastrophic failure and requires immediate, sweeping reform. The documentary exposes systemic corruption, violence, and deliberate neglect that incarcerated people have endured for generations. The truth is no longer hidden behind prison walls — it is publicly available, undeniable, and morally urgent. Despite federal investigations, DOJ findings, and repeated warnings, the State of Alabama has failed to enact meaningful change. Therefore, incarcerated people across the state are exercising their lawful right to peaceful protest through a statewide shutdown and work stoppage. LIST OF DEMANDS Repeal Alabama's Habitual Felony Offender Act (HFOA) Abolish the outdated and excessively punitive enhancement statute that has produced life and virtual-life sentences far beyond any rehabilitative purpose and out of step with modern standards of justice. Make the Presumptive Sentencing Guidelines Retroactive Apply current presumptive sentencing standards to all eligible prior convictions so that people sentenced under older, harsher laws can receive the same fair and consistent treatment as those sentenced today. Make HJR 575 Retroactive (Drive-By Shooting Statute Reform) Apply the legislative clarification of Alabama's drive-by shooting statute retroactively so that individuals who were improperly charged or enhanced under the statute can receive review and relief. First-Time Offender / Capital Murder Reform Bill Create revised sentencing options for first-time offenders and end Juvenile Life Without Parole by providing parole eligibility after 20 years, recognizing the capacity for growth, change, and rehabilitation. Parole Board Reform and Clear, Objective Criteria Mandate transparent written standards, meaningful hearings, and review procedures that ensure fair, non-arbitrary parole decisions for every eligible incarcerated person. Medical Furlough & Compassionate Release Expansion Expand and enforce mechanisms for the release of elderly, terminally ill, severely disabled, and medically fragile individuals so they can receive appropriate care in the community instead of dying in prison. Establish a Statewide Conviction Review Unit Create an independent conviction review body with the authority and resources to investigate wrongful convictions, excessive sentences, and cases involving prosecutorial or judicial misconduct. Abolish Forced Prison Labor End uncompensated and coerced prison labor by guaranteeing fair wages, voluntary participation, safe working conditions, and basic labor protections for incarcerated workers. Strengthening Families Act (Including Conjugal Visits) Implement policies that protect and strengthen family bonds, including conjugal and overnight family visits, expanded contact visitation, increased access to phone and video communication, and parenting and family-support programs. STATEMENT FROM FAM "For decades, incarcerated men and women in Alabama have lived in conditions that violate human rights, constitutional protections, and basic dignity. With the undeniable evidence now in the open, we are left with no alternative but to demand justice through collective, peaceful action. This shutdown is not an act of hostility — it is an act of survival, truth, and human rights." Bennu Hannibal Ra-Sun Kinetic Justice Amun CALL TO ACTION We call upon: Civil rights and justice organizations Faith-based institutions National human rights observers State and federal officials Families, supporters, and the public to stand in solidarity and demand immediate reform of Alabama's prison system. PRESS CONTACT Free Alabama Movement (FAM) Email: freealabamamovement@gmail.com #StatewideShutdownADOC2026 . ... . .. Featured Track: Al Nather by Ma3azef from Nisf Madeena TFSR 1 v2 by The Willows Whisper

Anarchists At War in Spain, Myanmar and Rojava (with James Stout)

This week, we're pre-releasing an interview with James Stout on his upcoming AK Press book: Against The State: Anarchists and Comrades at War in Spain, Myanmar, and Rojava, due out early January. You may recognize James as a contributor to the Cool Zone podcast It Could Happen Here (including the recent four parter, "Darién Gap: One Year Later" December 1-4th episodes, 2025), distributed by IheartMedia. For this episode, we talk about the idea of anarchist armies, discuss those three conflicts, left libertarian approaches to formalized armed resistance beyond a guerrilla unit, some of the novel technologies and international solidarities that have developed and a lot more. Other podcasts James has worked on Migrating To America: A Dream Worth Dying For Myanmar: Printing The Revolution Reports Related To Child Soldiers and Conscription among the SDF https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/10/02/northeast-syria-military-recruitment-children-persists https://snhr.org/blog/2025/10/08/condemning-the-widespread-detention-for-forced-conscription-by-the-syrian-democratic-forces-in-raqqa-and-deir-ez-zor-since-29-september-2025/