Al-Sharaa’s agreement with the head of the SDF is very important for Syria

The agreement between Syria’s interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and the commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, has cooled some of therage in Syrian hearts following the intense frustration caused by the management of the coastal area battle with remnants of the Assad regime, which resulted in the sectarian massacre of hundreds of Alawite citizens. This has spread despair among many Syrians, including those who believe that the image of the state representing the Syrian revolution does not reflect their aspirations and their vision of a future Syria, as well as those who fearSyria’s division given the presence of three hotbeds of tension in the east, west and south of the country, and the presence of foreign supporters.

Most Syrians are aware of the dangers that their country has faced in recent days, not least the unmasking of some local and foreign parties and their intentions to support division projects and change Syria according to a plan that appears to be desired by external actors, especiallyIsrael and Iran. The importance of the SDF in this context lies in the fact that it represents thelargest military bloc outside the defence ministry formed by the interim government. Approximately 100,000 fighters are with the SDF and they are regarded as the most organised and well-trained in Syria. They have modern weapons and control the most important areas of wealth in the country, the return of which to government control is a definite opportunity to improve the economic situation, which is dire and threatens Syria’s already fragile stability.

Most importantly, the integration of the SDF into the structures of the Syrian state and armyends the hopes of local and foreign parties about the possibility that the Kurds would be a vehicle for their dreams of dividing Syria, or at least transforming it into a federal state. That would allow external actors to control parts of Syria without wars and conflicts, and ensure that Damascus remains weak and ineffective. The Al-Sharaa-Abdi agreement will push such actors to reconsider their options, and perhaps adjust them to adapt to this development.

Israel had warned of the possibility of an agreement between Al-Sharaa and Abdi, which it saw as a blow to its geopolitical plans in Syria based on fears for the fate of minorities in Syria, especially those represented by the Kurds, who will be caught between Turkiye’s President Erdogan in the north and Al-Sharaa in the south. Unlike the Druze in the south and the Alawites in the west, the Kurds have extensive relations with the West, and they are an ethnic group distinct from the Arabs. As such, they have some legitimacy in their efforts to gain independence. They have the right to manage their own affairs, which they have established since the early years of the Syrian revolution.

“The Al-Sharaa-Abdi agreement contains a very important indicator, which is US approval.”

This came out of the blue, especially since the Trump administration has taken a negative stance toward the new Syrian administration. This was expressed by Vice President JD Vance, who questioned the rebels’ victory over the Assad regime and likened their victory to the advances by jihadists in the past, which resulted in human rights violations targeting minorities, especially Christians. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also made statements after the events on the Syrian coast, condemning what he described as “Islamic terrorism” and declaring his support for minorities in Syria.

The agreement confirms Trump’s assertion that Syria is not important to America, because it adds nothing significant to the country. At the same time, however, it means that America will not engage in a project to divide Syria or obstruct its reintegration into the regional and international arena. However, Washington still holds the sanctions card, and without lifting them, Syria will suffer greatly. The continuation of sanctions could result in a real threat to peace, according to a report published by the Economist, which warned of the possible dangers to Syria, whose economy is on its knees, as the magazine described it, and the serious social consequences if this is allowed to continue.

“The agreement also highlights the credibility of Arab countries in embracing Syria, lifting it from its dire situation and preserving its unity.”

Saudi Arabia played a role, as it maintains lines of communication with the SDF leadership as part of Riyadh’s efforts to strengthen its regional leadership and role at a regional and international level.

However, this development cannot be separated from the call made by the leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), Abdullah Ocalan, the greatest influencer of the idea and approach of the leadership of the Kurdish “Autonomous Administration” in eastern Syria. The agreement comes as a result of the transformation taking place within the PKK and the possibility of reaching an agreement with Turkiye, thus ending the decades-long conflict with Ankara.

The agreement between Al-Sharaa and Abdi is thus an important step toward Syria’s recovery and its departure from the danger zone. However, this step, despite its importance, will remain incomplete unless the policies that marginalise some Syrian communities and exclude many groups from participating in decision-making are corrected. Furthermore, the security and armed forces must also be reorganised professionally to avoid repeating the mistakes made recently in Latakia and Tartus, which jeopardised Syria’s future and unity.

Source: https://www.alaraby.co.uk/