A peace agreement between Syria’s transitional government and the Kurdish-led SDF aims to foster stability and democratic reforms. While Iraqi Kurdish leaders welcome the deal for its potential regional impact, some analysts doubt its viability, citing fundamental disagreements between the parties involved and complicated geopolitical pressures. The agreement’s success will be pivotal in determining Syria’s future peace and unity.
A historic peace agreement has recently been signed in Damascus between Syria’s transitional government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This accord aims to establish stability, unity, and democratic reforms in a nation impacted by prolonged conflict. The agreement, finalized by Syria’s interim president Ahmed Al-Sharaa and SDF Commander Mazlum Abdi, emphasizes equal political opportunities, proposing merit-based roles within state institutions regardless of ethnic or religious backgrounds.
The Kurdish community, traditionally marginalized, has been granted full citizenship rights and is acknowledged as a crucial component of the Syrian state. Central to the agreement is a nationwide ceasefire, alongside the integration of civil and military institutions from northeastern Syria under the control of the central government. Furthermore, significant infrastructure, such as border crossings and vital oil and gas fields, will come under Damascus’s direct authority.
Iraqi Kurdish leaders have expressed optimism regarding the potential regional ramifications of this agreement, yet the Iraqi government has not formally responded. Fethullah Husseini, a representative of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), remarked that the deal would foster peace in Syria, thereby benefiting stability in Iraq and the broader Kurdish region. Husseini also emphasized the constitutional recognition of Kurdish rights as a pivotal victory for Kurds across the Middle East.
Several leaders in the Kurdistan Region, including Pavel Jalal Talabani and Nechirvan Barzani, have voiced support for the agreement, framing it as a positive step towards coexistence and stability. Barzani stressed the importance of ensuring the rights of all Syrian communities while highlighting regional support for Syria’s stability.
Conversely, some analysts remain skeptical about the agreement’s effectiveness. Kamaran Mantik, a political professor at Salahadin University, expressed concerns regarding the foundational differences between the Kurdish groups and the Syrian government, speculating that Damascus may be using this agreement tactically to mitigate international criticism while lacking genuine commitment to peace.
Geopolitical tensions further complicate Syria’s future, as various international powers seek to influence the country’s trajectory, often prioritizing their interests. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed support for the agreement, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscored the need for its complete implementation. As Syria navigates this pivotal moment, the outcome of the Damascus agreement will significantly shape the prospects for peace and unity versus the persistence of longstanding divisions.
The recent peace agreement between Syria’s transitional government and the Kurdish SDF represents a significant yet contentious stride towards stability in Syria. While Kurdish leaders exhibit optimism about its potential positive impact on regional stability, skepticism persists among political analysts regarding the agreement’s practical implementation. The geopolitical landscape further complicates the situation, as various international interests converge in this critical phase of Syria’s evolution. The ultimate effectiveness of this agreement remains to be seen, as Syria stands at a crucial crossroads in its quest for lasting peace and unity.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
