The United States has endorsed a crucial agreement for integrating Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into Syrian state institutions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underlined the necessity for credible governance to prevent conflict and monitor ongoing violence against minorities. The deal represents a significant political development amid Syria’s evolving governance and regional tensions.
The United States has expressed its support for an agreement facilitating the integration of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into Syria’s governmental structures. This endorsement follows the announcement made by the Syrian presidency alongside the SDF, granting the central government control over a semi-autonomous region managed by the SDF since 2015.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for a political transition in Syria that fosters “credible, non-sectarian governance” to prevent further conflict. He also noted the United States would closely monitor decisions made by the new interim authorities due to concerns regarding recent violent incidents against minority groups.
Details of the agreement were unveiled by Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, who confirmed plans to merge civil and military institutions in northeastern Syria into a national framework. This includes critical assets such as an airport and vital oil and gas fields.
The accord represents a pivotal moment for Syria, particularly as it confronts ongoing violence, notably within the Alawite community. The deal includes a comprehensive ceasefire across the country, mutual support from the SDF in countering pro-Assad forces, and acknowledgment of the Kurdish population’s integral role in Syria, alongside their citizenship and constitutional rights.
While discussions regarding the integration of the SDF into the state began soon after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, progress was stymied by widespread perceptions of the SDF’s commitment to opposing his regime. The SDF has been a crucial partner for the US in combating the ISIS threat in the region, which culminated in the collapse of the ISIS caliphate in 2019.
However, US support for the SDF has complicated relations with Turkiye, which regards the SDF as linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, a group Ankara classifies as a terrorist organization.
In conclusion, the US-backed agreement between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led SDF marks a significant shift in Syria’s political landscape, emphasizing non-sectarian governance and integration of disparate forces into a unified state mechanism. While this initiative aims to halt further violence and ensure the rights of various communities, the complexities of regional relations, particularly with Turkiye, pose ongoing challenges.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
