The US has endorsed an agreement for the integration of the Kurdish-led SDF into Syrian state institutions, promoting non-sectarian governance while addressing violence against minorities. This significant political development follows a ceasefire and support for combating pro-Assad forces, amidst complex relations with Turkiye.
The United States has expressed its support for Syria’s recent agreement to incorporate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the state structure. This endorsement follows an announcement by the Syrian presidency and the SDF that a deal has been reached, transferring complete control of a semi-autonomous region, managed by the Kurdish-led alliance since 2015, to the Syrian central government.
Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, emphasized the importance of a political transition that guarantees credible, non-sectarian governance, stating, “The United States reaffirms its support for a political transition that demonstrates credible, non-sectarian governance as the best path to avoid further conflict.” He also expressed concern regarding recent violence against minorities.
On Monday, an agreement was established between Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi to unify all civil and military organizations in northeastern Syria under the national administration, encompassing critical infrastructures such as an airport and oil fields.
This agreement marks a pivotal moment in Syrian politics, especially after the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad by opposition forces in December. The deal also encompasses a ceasefire throughout Syria and the SDF’s commitment to aiding in the fight against pro-Assad fighters, alongside recognizing the Kurdish people’s inherent rights within Syria.
Despite ongoing discussions about the SDF’s integration into the Syrian state since the fall of al-Assad, prior negotiations faced challenges due to the perception of the SDF’s commitment level against the former regime. The US has collaborated with the SDF in the campaign against ISIS, whose territorial caliphate was dismantled in 2019, but this alliance has strained US relations with Turkiye, which regards the SDF as affiliated with the terrorist organization PKK.
The integration of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into Syria’s state institutions marks a significant milestone in the country’s political landscape. This agreement not only seeks to establish a non-sectarian governance model but also underscores the strategic partnership between the United States and the SDF in the fight against terrorism. The deal highlights the ongoing complexities and challenges within Syrian governance and regional relations, especially concerning Turkiye’s stance on the Kurdish forces.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
