Syria’s government and Kurdish forces have recently finalized a significant agreement aimed at the gradual integration of Kurdish military and civilian institutions into the broader Syrian state. The arrangement has been described by Washington as a “historic milestone,” reflecting a shift in dynamics following the U.S. withdrawal of support from Kurdish forces.
In recent weeks, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have relinquished control of substantial territories primarily inhabited by Arab populations. These areas had been under SDF control since their victory over the Islamic State group, a campaign that was bolstered by U.S. support.
The newly announced deal, which has been publicly confirmed by both the SDF and Syrian state media, intends to unify Syrian territory and ensure full integration of Kurdish regions into state structures. Central to the agreement is a commitment to maintain a ceasefire, alongside plans for a phased integration process concerning the Kurdish forces and administrative bodies.
Mazloum Abdi, the leader of the SDF, stated during an interview with Kurdish television that the implementation of the agreement would begin on February 2. He noted that both parties would withdraw their forces from frontline positions in key towns, including Kobane and various areas in northeastern Syria. Moreover, a limited internal security force is set to enter specific security districts, though Abdi emphasized that no military forces would invade Kurdish cities or towns.
Historically, the SDF has played a crucial role as a partner to the U.S. in combating the Islamic State. However, the political landscape shifted following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, leading the U.S. to foster closer ties with Damascus and seeking to mediate dialogues between the Kurdish forces and the Syrian government. The recent agreement appears to address certain Kurdish interests, including the establishment of military units composed of SDF fighters in predominantly Kurdish regions—a proposal that the government had previously rejected.
Elham Ahmad, a prominent Kurdish politician involved in negotiations, asserted that the new deal ensures a “permanent ceasefire” and noted that both the U.S. and France are acting as guarantors of the accord, although discussions continue regarding practical details of the integration. Local residents in Kurdish-majority Qamishli expressed hope that the agreement might ease tensions between Kurdish and Arab communities and reduce the threat of renewed conflict. However, skepticism remains regarding the specifics of implementation and administrative processes.
Throughout Syria’s civil war, Kurdish forces have established a de facto autonomous region, particularly in response to IS advances. As the Syrian government seeks to consolidate power throughout the country, talks between the two factions have resumed with varying degrees of success, often marked by bouts of violence. A government source reportedly indicated that the state intends to reclaim oversight of all civilian and governmental institutions, along with border crossings, underscoring its commitment to national unity.
The agreement includes plans for the integration of three SDF brigades into the Syrian army within Kurdish areas and the formation of a new brigade in Kobane, a symbolic site of Kurdish resistance against IS. It also involves merging existing administrative structures into the broader framework of the Syrian state while retaining current personnel.
Experts have voiced concerns regarding the ambiguity surrounding core issues of administrative and security decentralization within the deal. Observers suggest that although remnants of the SDF will persist, the agreement signifies only an advanced memorandum of understanding, with critical specifics yet to be negotiated.
While U.S. envoy Tom Barrack hailed the deal as a moment of progress for Syrian communities, other Kurdish leaders have criticized U.S. policies, asserting that the U.S. has not played a neutral role in the ongoing conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for the agreement, advocating for its firm implementation. Yet, distrust among some Kurdish residents remains prevalent, with calls for vigilance in the wake of past violence attributed to government forces against minority groups.
