DAMASCUS, SYRIA – The recent landmark deal between the Syrian Kurdish allies and the Islamist-led government in Damascus has been met with great encouragement from the United States. This agreement, reached on Monday, has the potential to bring stability to the war-torn country and pave the way for a united Syria.
The deal aims to reunite a country that has been torn apart by 14 years of conflict. It will allow the Kurdish-led forces, who currently hold a quarter of Syria, to merge with the government in Damascus, along with regional Kurdish governing bodies. While the details of this merger are yet to be finalized, the agreement is a significant step towards a peaceful resolution.
General Mazloum Abdi, the head of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), was flown to Damascus on a U.S. military aircraft for the signing of the agreement with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. This move highlights the crucial role that the United States has played in facilitating this deal.
According to sources, the U.S. has been actively encouraging the SDF to reach an agreement to resolve their status in the new Syria. This has been a focus of multi-track talks that began after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December, as reported by Reuters in January. A senior regional intelligence source stated, “The U.S. played a very crucial role” in bringing about this agreement.
The timing of this deal is significant, as both sides were facing pressure from various sources. President Sharaa is dealing with the aftermath of sectarian killings, reportedly carried out by militants aligned with his government. On the other hand, the SDF is engaged in conflict with Turkey-backed Syrian groups who are allied with Damascus. The agreement has been seen as a way to ease tensions and prevent further violence.
The deal has also been welcomed by Turkey, who has been at odds with the SDF, considering them an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). A Syrian government official stated that the presidency will work towards addressing any pending issues between the SDF and Turkey.
The United States has developed strong ties with Syria’s Kurdish groups since deploying forces to the country a decade ago to fight against the Islamic State. Despite objections from Turkey, the U.S. has continued to partner with Kurdish fighters. However, with President Donald Trump’s return to power, the U.S. troop deployment has come under renewed focus.
In light of this, the Pentagon has started developing plans for a potential withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria, should it be ordered. However, a U.S. defense official has stated that there is no indication of an imminent pullout. The official also mentioned that General Michael Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, played a role in pushing the SDF towards this agreement.
The U.S. administration’s thinking behind this move is to ensure a smooth continuation of the fight against the Islamic State and to unify the country. Aron Lund, a U.S.-based think tank expert, stated, “The United States is looking for ways to withdraw from Syria without chaos and blowback. The best way of doing that is to secure a deal among the Syrian factions.”
The agreement has been seen as a win-win for both sides. President Sharaa gains political breathing room after the recent unrest in the coastal area, while the SDF avoids a direct clash with Turkey. This is especially important at a time when U.S. policy towards Syria remains uncertain.
The deal, however, does not specify how the SDF will be merged with Syria’s armed forces. The SDF has previously stated that their forces must join as a bloc, while Damascus wants them to join as individuals. A Syrian government official stated that committees will work towards addressing these details, including the control of borders.
While this agreement may seem like a positive step towards peace and stability, the real test will be in its execution. The SDF spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions, but General Abdi has called the deal a “real opportunity to build a new Syria.”
This deal comes at a potentially historic moment for the Kurds, following a call by the jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan for his group to disarm. While the SDF is heavily influenced by Ocalan, they have stated that this does not apply to them. Aaron Zelin, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, stated that the U.S. wants to ensure the fight
