The Kurdish-led militia controlling northeastern Syria has agreed to merge with the country's new government, marking a significant milestone for Damascus in its efforts to unify a nation still grappling with violence. The agreement, announced by Syria's presidency, was signed by both parties and outlines plans for the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (S.D.F.) to integrate all civil and military institutions into the new Syrian state by the end of the year, including key oil and gas fields.
The deal also stipulates that the S.D.F. will assist Damascus in combating remnants of the Assad regime and emphasizes the rights of all Syrians to representation and participation in the political process. This comes amid promises from Syria's new leadership to establish an inclusive government following years of sectarian conflict.
The timing of the agreement coincides with violent clashes in Syria's coastal region, which have resulted in over 1,300 deaths, providing a moment of reprieve for Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Shara. Since the rebel coalition led by al-Shara ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad in December, the new government has aimed to unify various rebel groups, with the Kurdish-led forces being the most prominent due to their control over oil-rich areas in the northeast.
Despite recent agreements with several militias to collaborate with the new authorities, the security situation remains precarious, and it is unclear if all armed groups have fully integrated into a national army under al-Shara's command. Skepticism persists regarding the new leadership's commitments to inclusivity, particularly given al-Shara's past association with an armed group that was allied with Al Qaeda.
Historically, the Kurdish-led militia has been a key U.S. ally in the fight against the Islamic State, gaining significant territorial control during the civil war and establishing a de facto state in northeastern Syria. The group has positioned itself as the protector of Syrian Kurds, who comprise about 10 percent of the population, while also managing security at detention camps for Islamic State members and their families.
Amid uncertainties regarding U.S. support, experts suggest that Kurdish-led forces may have recognized a diminishing negotiating position. While American backing has been critical for their financial stability, the future of this support remains uncertain under the current U.S. administration.
Despite the recent agreement, several questions remain unresolved. It is unclear whether the S.D.F. will retain its status as a separate military entity within Syria's armed forces, a point of contention in prior negotiations. Additionally, the implementation of a cease-fire across all Syrian territories, as mentioned in the agreement, remains vague.
Fighting continues in the northeast between Kurdish-led forces and Turkish-backed groups, as Turkey perceives the S.D.F. as an extension of Kurdish insurgents. Many Kurds are apprehensive about the prospect of being worse off under a government supported by Turkey.
Following the announcement of the agreement, residents in northeastern Syria celebrated in the streets, particularly Arabs in the Kurdish-led region who had feared potential attacks from both Turkey and the central government. Local residents expressed cautious optimism about the agreement while seeking assurances regarding their safety and rights.
As tensions rise in the coastal region, some residents, like Naleen Mohammed, a Kurd, view the agreement as a preferable alternative to ongoing conflict, emphasizing the need for stability and protection in their area.