Kurdish leaders in Syria seek a unified delegation to represent their interests in post-Assad negotiations while addressing internal divisions, particularly between the SDF and ENKS. Recent meetings with U.S. coalition officials underscore the urgency of establishing a cohesive Kurdish stance amid external pressures and the need to safeguard their rights in the evolving political landscape.
Kurdish political factions in Syria are attempting to establish a unified delegation to represent their interests in negotiations with the newly emerging authorities in post-Assad Syria. The Kurdish region in northeast Syria is predominantly governed by the Democratic Union Party (PYD), which commands the military strength of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). However, internal divisions exist, particularly with the Kurdish National Council (ENKS), which opposes the PYD’s dominance and maintains connections with external allies such as Turkey.
This week, representatives from ENKS and SDF convened with officials from the international coalition led by the United States to deliberate on forming a cohesive Kurdish stance within the context of a restructured Syria. ENKS president Sulaiman Oso reported that this meeting marked a significant moment after a prolonged absence of dialogue between the factions. Despite optimistic discussions, trust has eroded due to previous incidents involving the targeting of ENKS members by local security forces, necessitating that these internal issues be resolved to achieve a unified Kurdish representation in Damascus.
Additionally, the roles of external powers, including the United States, United Kingdom, and France, highlight the international community’s interest in ensuring the rights of ethnic minorities in Syria, including Kurds. Saleh Muslim of the PYD underscored the need for a unified delegation that represents not only Kurdish interests but also the diverse demographic fabric of northeast Syria, including Arab and Christian communities.
As talks move forward, the ENKS maintains that its representatives are meeting with community leaders rather than new ruling authorities, which raises questions about their effectiveness in addressing Kurdish concerns amidst potential domination by Islamist forces, particularly Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The success of these negotiations is crucial as observers note that a lack of a strong, unified Kurdish front may lead to the marginalization of Kurdish demands in the evolving political landscape of Syria.
Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, Kurdish groups have sought to navigate a complex political landscape marked by both internal divisions and external pressures. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), led primarily by the Democratic Union Party (PYD), have been pivotal in the fight against the Islamic State, securing significant territories in the northeast of Syria. However, Turkish opposition to these groups, viewing them as extensions of the PKK, complicates their political aspirations. The Kurdish National Council (ENKS) represents a faction that contests the PYD’s authority, aligning more closely with Turkish interests. With the changes in Syria’s power dynamics following Assad’s downfall, the need for a unified Kurdish political stance has become more urgent, particularly as new authorities begin to fill the governance void.
The dialogues between the Kurdish factions in Syria signify an essential step towards establishing a unified representation that can effectively advocate for Kurdish rights in post-Assad Syria. However, the path remains fraught with challenges stemming from mistrust, past grievances, and external pressures. As Kurdish leaders strive to present a joint front, the ongoing meetings and discussions will be critical in determining whether they can successfully garner the attention and recognition necessary within the broader Syrian political framework.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
