Amid relative calm in Damascus, the new interim president faces challenges unifying Syria, while battles rage in the northeast between Kurdish and Turkish-backed militias. This ongoing conflict threatens both national stability and the security of Syria’s Kurdish minority, further complicating the governance landscape post-Assad.
In the Syrian capital of Damascus, a climate of calm prevails as the nation’s new interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, strives to consolidate his authority and unify the country. He has convened a national unity conference and welcomed foreign dignitaries, attracting crowds who are expressing themselves freely for the first time in decades.
However, approximately 400 miles to the northeast, violent clashes continue unabated, highlighting the stark contrast within the nation. This area remains under the control of forces not aligned with the Damascus government, experiencing ongoing drone activity, airstrikes, and artillery barrages that have displaced thousands of civilians.
The clashes predominantly feature the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which receive U.S. support, against a predominantly Arab militia backed by Turkey. The tensions have escalated following the recent ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist militia forces, indicating a complex and volatile landscape.
The outcome of this ongoing conflict carries significant implications for interim president al-Shara in his quest to establish control over Syria’s diversified religious and ethnic armed groups. There is also concern over the resurgence of the Islamic State in various parts of the country, which threatens regional stability and security.
Additionally, the predicament of Syria’s Kurdish population, making up approximately 10 percent of the national demographic, remains precarious. Over the years, they have established a semiautonomous region in the northeast, raising questions about their future amid increasing Turkish assertion in the area, as Ankara perceives Kurdish factions as a domestic and regional threat.
In summary, while Damascus witnesses relative peace under its new leadership and efforts for national unity, the northeastern region of Syria remains embroiled in conflict. The battles between Kurdish and Arab militias not only complicate the authority of the interim president but also present a risk of exacerbating regional instability. The fate of both the Kurdish population and the trajectory of Syria’s overall governance hangs delicately in the balance.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
