Negotiators from the U.S., Turkey, Syria, and the Kurdish-led SDF aim to resolve questions regarding the future of Kurdish fighters. Discussions suggest possible integration into the Syrian military while addressing the rights and governance of the SDF. Key issues include autonomy and regional security challenges, particularly regarding Turkey’s military stance against Kurdish militias.
Negotiators from the United States, Turkey, Syria, and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are working towards a potential agreement regarding the future of Kurdish fighters, who the U.S. sees as allies against ISIS, while Turkey perceives them as a security threat. Discussions are ongoing, suggesting possible arrangements for some Kurdish fighters to leave Syria’s northeast and for others to fall under the new defense ministry’s authority.
Major issues remain under deliberation, including the integration of the SDF’s well-trained fighters into the Syrian security apparatus and administration of the territories they control, which are rich in oil and wheat resources. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi has indicated that they seek decentralized governance, a proposition that could challenge the new Syrian leadership aiming to consolidate power after Bashar Assad’s ousting.
Abdi expressed that the SDF is not inclined to dissolve but is amenable to cooperating with the defense ministry while maintaining their military integrity. In contrast, Syria’s defense minister, Murhaf Abu Qasra, has dismissed the notion of the SDF remaining unified as a military bloc.
The level of autonomy that Kurdish factions retain will likely depend on the U.S. policy under President Donald Trump, particularly concerning the approximately 2,000 U.S. troops still in Syria. Additionally, any potential agreement could hinge on Turkey refraining from a military offensive against the People’s Protection Units (YPG), which is the leading militia within the SDF.
Turkey regards the YPG as an extension of the PKK, a group that has been involved in an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is classified as a terrorist organization by both Turkey and the U.S. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the new Syrian leadership should be allowed to combat the YPG’s influence but did not specify a timeline for Turkey’s military response.
U.S. and Turkish officials are engaged in intensive talks following recent shifts in power dynamics in Syria, where the rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), have gained prominence and deposed Assad. The shared objective is to eliminate foreign fighters from Syrian territory, though negotiations are complex and ongoing.
The Kurdish forces, having gained a significant foothold amid the conflict, now find themselves at a disadvantage following Assad’s fall, with Turkey-aligned groups advancing in the northeast. Turkey’s influence has grown significantly, supporting certain rebel factions while working to align its military strategy with U.S. interests regarding HTS, recognized as a terrorist group due to its previous affiliations with Al-Qaeda.
The lack of a political agreement could destabilize Syria further, as rising tensions have already led to clashes between the SDF and Turkish proxies, resulting in numerous casualties. The United Nations has warned of severe repercussions if a political resolution is not achieved in the region.
U.S. and Turkish backing of the SDF has created friction in their NATO partnership. The U.S. views the SDF as crucial in the fight against ISIS, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasizing the continued threat posed by the group. Turkey has expressed a desire for management of ISIS detainee camps and the withdrawal of foreign fighters from the SDF-controlled areas.
Commander Abdi has shown some willingness to address Turkish demands, stating that foreign fighters, including PKK members, would leave Syria if Turkey agrees to a ceasefire. Nonetheless, doubts persist regarding Ankara’s acceptance of anything less than full SDF dissolution and control.
The new Syrian regime asserts that the extensive presence of the U.S.-backed SDF is unwarranted and threatens Turkey’s national security. As the political landscape evolves, the SDF’s future may involve ceding control of certain territories and oil revenues in exchange for protections for their cultural and linguistic rights. A senior Kurdish official acknowledged that substantial compromises will likely be necessary to reach a political accord.
Abdi noted that the SDF is open to transitioning control of oil resources to the new regime, provided revenue is fairly allocated across all provinces. Washington has advocated for a gradual adjustment of the SDF’s role, with the possibility of U.S. troop withdrawal contingent upon the continued commitment of the Kurdish forces to combat ISIS resurgence. Trump’s return to presidency has intensified speculation regarding a favorable resolution for Turkey, given past positive relations.
The ongoing negotiations concerning the Kurdish forces in Syria highlight the complex interplay of regional politics involving the U.S., Turkey, and local Kurdish militias. The SDF, which emerged as a significant player in the fight against ISIS, is now caught between its aspirations for autonomy and the new Syrian government’s push for centralization after the ousting of Bashar Assad. The interactions between these various factions, alongside the influence of international stakeholders, reveal the delicate balance of power in the region following years of civil conflict.
The current discussions surrounding the Kurdish forces’ future in Syria signify a pivotal moment that could reshape the region’s political landscape. With various stakeholders such as the U.S. and Turkey influencing the outcome, the negotiations hold the potential to either stabilize or further complicate the ongoing civil turmoil. The success of these talks will largely depend on the willingness of all parties to make concessions that acknowledge the intricate dynamics on the ground.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
