The United States has expressed support for a new agreement in Syria that integrates the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the country’s state institutions. This deal was announced by Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi. It marks a significant shift in how northeastern Syria will be governed, as the SDF has managed this region since 2015.
The agreement grants the Syrian central government full control over the semi-autonomous area, which includes vital resources like airports and oil fields. This development comes at a crucial time for Syria, especially after recent violence in areas populated by the Alawite minority, which has raised concerns about stability and governance.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted that the U.S. supports a political transition that promotes non-sectarian governance to prevent further conflict. He noted that the U.S. will closely monitor the actions of the interim authorities, particularly in light of recent attacks against minority groups.
The deal also includes a ceasefire across Syria, support from the SDF in fighting pro-Assad forces, and recognition of the Kurdish people’s rights within Syria. This agreement is seen as one of the most important political changes since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted by opposition forces led by al-Sharaa in December.
While discussions about merging the SDF into Syrian state structures have been ongoing, there were challenges due to differing commitments among opposition groups. The U.S. has been a key ally of the SDF in the fight against ISIS, which has complicated its relationship with Turkey. Turkey views the SDF as linked to a Kurdish group it considers a terrorist organization.
This new agreement could reshape the political landscape in Syria, aiming for a more unified governance structure while addressing the rights and concerns of various ethnic groups in the country.