In a landmark development, Syria’s interim government has reached an agreement with Kurdish-led forces to integrate them into state institutions, advancing efforts to unify the war-torn nation after a decade of civil conflict. Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa disclosed the deal on Monday, emphasizing that it aims to ensure representation and participation for all Syrians in politics and state functions, irrespective of ethnic or religious backgrounds.
This agreement signifies a significant victory for Sharaa, who has endeavored to mend the country’s divisions arising from a brutal civil war. It arrives in the aftermath of violent clashes—resulting in over 700 fatalities—between government loyalists and Alawite minorities, marking some of the country’s deadliest violence since the fall of Bashar al-Assad late last year. Through this strategy, Sharaa is trying to consolidate government control by urging all armed factions, including the Kurdish forces, to incorporate into the national army. While the SDF’s People’s Protection Units (YPG) advocated for special military units as a precondition for joining, Sharaa has rebuffed this proposal, seeking a more integrative approach.
The agreement will officially recognize the Kurdish community in Syria, granting citizenship to tens of thousands who had previously been denied rights under Assad’s extensive regime. General Mazloum Abdi, the SDF General Commander, described the deal as a stepping stone to create a new inclusive Syria. Celebrations erupted in various cities, including Aleppo and Homs, highlighting widespread support for this agreement. Fireworks illuminated the historical Aleppo Citadel as citizens rallied to celebrate this newfound hope for unity.
This development arrives amidst intense violence as pro-Assad forces continue clashes with Syrian opposition groups. The newly established agreement obligates the SDF to assist the Syrian state in combatting remnants of the Assad regime along with any threats to national unity. Presently, the SDF is the most formidable non-governmental force in Syria, holding significant territories in the northeast region.
Under the new framework, territories previously controled by the SDF will transition to the central government’s oversight, including crucial border crossings and oil fields. A ceasefire is anticipated across the nation, promoting the return of displaced individuals to their homes, backed by executive committees tasked with ensuring effective implementation by year’s end.
However, the ramifications of this agreement remain unclear as the US-backed SDF, which has been pivotal in the campaign against ISIS, comprises fighters from the YPG, identified as a terrorist organization by Turkey. Under Donald Trump’s administration, a significant change took place in U.S. policy regarding Syria. In late 2019, after successful offensives by the SDF against ISIS, Trump commanded the withdrawal of remaining U.S. troops from northern Syria. This military exit effectively halted advances made against ISIS and allowed for increased Iranian and Russian military influence in the region.
Recently, Trump, who has returned to political prominence, has reiterated his ‘America First’ stance, distancing the U.S. from the chaos in Syria. “Syria is a mess, but is not our friend,” he declared on his Truth Social account in December, reinforcing his position for a hands-off approach amid rising tensions in Damascus.
As representatives from the SDF and the interim government work towards realizing the agreement, concerns linger about the safety and security of over 20 detention facilities holding ISIS members and their families. Both Turkey and neighboring nations like Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon have offered assistance in securing these facilities as you reconcile the new political landscape against a backdrop of uncertainty. The situation in Syria remains dynamic, laden with prospects of both cooperation and conflict, shaped profoundly by past and present U.S. foreign policy, which continues to echo through the region.