The Syrian government recently declared a nationwide ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This marks a significant shift in control over the country, as reported by Syrian state media.
The ceasefire ends nearly two weeks of intense fighting and is part of a greater 14-point agreement. This agreement aims to integrate the SDF into Syria’s military and state structures. President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that this deal would help the Syrian government reestablish control over the regions of al-Hasakah, Deir Ezzor, and Raqqa in the east and north of the country.
This announcement came after a meeting in Damascus between al-Sharaa and the U.S. special envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, who called the agreement a crucial step toward a “unified Syria.” Interestingly, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi was supposed to attend the meeting, but weather conditions delayed his arrival until Monday.
The SDF, formed nearly a decade ago during Syria’s civil war, has received strong backing from the United States, which provided arms and training as the SDF fought against ISIS. With U.S. assistance, the SDF successfully liberated significant portions of northeastern Syria and has been governing both Kurdish and Arab-majority areas since.
Under the new agreement, the Syrian government will take charge of civilian institutions, border crossings, and valuable oil and gas resources that have fueled Kurdish self-governance. Additionally, SDF military personnel will be integrated into Syria’s defense ministries after a vetting process. The Syrian government will also take responsibility for prisons holding thousands of ISIS fighters and their families.
An important aspect of the agreement is the recognition of Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights. For the first time since Syria gained independence in 1946, the Kurdish language will be officially recognized, and the Kurdish New Year will be celebrated as a national holiday.
This ceasefire gives Syria a renewed role in the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS, emphasizing its significance in ongoing efforts to combat extremism in the region. Months of negotiations had stalled before this agreement, especially following a previous attempt at integration that fell through. The situation intensified after Syrian forces moved into Raqqa and nearby oil facilities just as the SDF withdrew.
Analysts point out that effective collaboration between the Syrian government and the SDF could reshape political dynamics in northern Syria. Notably, this cooperation may provide a more stable approach toward dealing with remnants of ISIS and other militant groups.
Overall, this agreement highlights a shift not just in military strategy, but in the acknowledgment of Kurdish rights within the context of the Syrian state. The future of this partnership will depend on how both sides navigate the complexities of their past and present relations.
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