The interim Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have signed a deal aimed at national reconciliation. This agreement seeks to integrate military and civilian institutions while addressing minority rights amid rising violence against Alawites. Its success depends on resolving implementation details regarding governance, military control, and economic collaboration, making it a crucial step toward Syria’s recovery post-war.
In a significant step towards national reconciliation, the interim government of Syria and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reached a landmark agreement on March 10. The proposed deal aims to incorporate all military and civilian institutions into the Syrian state amidst increasing international attention on the violence against Alawite minorities, with President Ahmad Al-Sharaa seeking legitimacy in this complex environment.
Analysts suggest that this agreement could fundamentally alter Syria’s landscape post-conflict. “The timing is key,” says Nanar Hawach, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, highlighting the security challenges faced by Damascus that likely prompted the deal. He notes that it both addresses immediate concerns and aims to secure a more stable governance framework.
The deal permits the SDF commander-in-chief, Mazloum Abdi, to bolster Al-Sharaa’s image as a leader committed to inclusivity. According to analysts, Abdi is respected not only among the Kurds, but also among other ethnic and religious communities in Syria like Alawites and Druze. This respect could prove instrumental in the cooperation needed for the deal’s success.
Both Kurdish groups and the SDF have denounced violence against Alawites, framing it as part of a systematic persecution of minorities in Syria. Abdi urged for intervention from the interim government to stop these attacks which have seen a troubling escalation, resulting in significant casualties among civilians.
The assaults intensified earlier this month, leading to a severe escalation in violence and prompting fears among many Alawites who sought refuge from clashes. Reports indicate a burgeoning support for the presence of the SDF in areas experiencing unrest, as locals view it as a potential protective force.
The agreement, which is expected to be implemented by year-end, recognizes the Kurdish community’s rights within Syria, offering guaranteed citizenship and constitutional rights. It mandates a halt to hostilities within SDF-controlled territories, which have faced aggression from rival factions.
Furthermore, the deal includes significant economic provisions, especially regarding Syria’s oil industry. Joshua Landis, an expert on Middle Eastern studies, emphasizes that the partitioning of oil revenues will bolster the interim government while also benefiting the Kurds, allowing them to share proceeds from the oilfields critical to revitalizing the war-torn economy.
The Syrian oil industry, which has plummeted to as low as 80,000 barrels per day from pre-war levels of about 400,000, requires international investment to restore its functionality and is deemed essential for the country’s recovery.
The agreement is regarded as a fostering of national reconciliation following years of fragmentation, receiving support from international parties such as the UN, Saudi Arabia, and Europe. However, the deal’s success rests on the practicalities of reintegration and addressing unresolved military and governance details, as noted by several analysts.
Questions remain regarding military control, as the SDF is expected to integrate its forces into the Syrian Defense Ministry while retaining some regional autonomy. Observers raise concerns about whether security arrangements could mirror those in Iraq, where similar dynamics have led to relative autonomy for Kurdish forces.
Despite these hopeful elements, there is skepticism surrounding the centralized governance proposed in the recent constitutional draft by Al-Sharaa, which some argue undermines the need for a more equitable political landscape. The Kurdish political entity, the Syrian Democratic Council, has rejected this approach, warning against the consolidation of authoritarian control and insisting on a reformulation of the constitutional declaration to genuinely reflect national consensus.
The recent agreement between the Syrian interim government and the Kurdish-led SDF presents a critical opportunity for national reconciliation in Syria. However, its effectiveness is contingent upon the resolution of numerous intricate details, including military integration, governance, and economic collaboration. The sensitivities surrounding minority rights and the overarching authority of the central state must be navigated carefully to achieve long-term stability and address grievances from various factions within Syria. Ultimately, this deal could be a vital turning point in the nation’s journey toward recovery and inclusivity if executed with precision and goodwill.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
