A popular systematic mobilization seemed to have been beyond the imaginary of the left for a long time, and now it should come from the Kurdish regions of war-torn Syria? As if emerging from the secret, unwritten corners of history—with a smile nonetheless—was not enough, the Kurds are now given the task of passing the litmus test on behalf of all revolutions that ever existed.

To top it off, such an ordinary looking anti-charismatic fellow, Ocalan—a face in the crowd—as in the portraits hung everywhere; a little plump, sober and serious, no beard, no moustache, no pony-tail, no Cuban cigar, dull clothing like an accountant or like ex-wheat-trader Ismet. Age 68. A Santa Claus with a set of great ideas in his sleigh.