Negotiators from the US, Turkiye, Syria, and the Kurdish-led SDF are seeking a resolution regarding Kurdish military presence. The SDF demands decentralized governance, challenging Syria’s new leadership. Ongoing US-Turkiye discussions focus on foreign troop withdrawals and managing tensions in northeastern Syria. Trump’s re-election may influence the situation, although uncertainty remains prevalent.
Negotiators from the United States, Turkiye, Syria, and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are working towards an agreement regarding the status of the Kurdish military presence in Syria, which is contested by Turkiye. Discussions, although complex, have shown an increased willingness to negotiate potential outcomes that could involve the relocation of some Kurdish fighters and a reconfiguration of their authority within Syria’s newly formed defense ministry.
The SDF’s commander, Mazloum Abdi, emphasized the group’s demand for decentralized governance, which poses challenges to the newly established Syrian administration that seeks comprehensive control. Meanwhile, the current defense minister, Murhaf Abu Qasra, dismissed the notion of retaining the SDF as an independent unit, insisting that all armed groups must integrate into official Syrian forces.
The fate of Kurdish fighters will ultimately depend on the stance of the incoming US administration, particularly regarding continued support for the SDF. In addition, Turkiye’s military threat against Kurdish groups adds pressure, as Ankara perceives them as a threat linked to the PKK, a designated terrorist organization.
Officials from the United States and Turkiye have been engaged in intensive talks post-Assad’s regime change, aiming for consensus on the withdrawal of foreign militias from Syria. There is a mutual concern that unresolved conflicts could further destabilize Syria, especially amidst ongoing skirmishes that have resulted in casualties.
Kurds, having gained substantial territory and influence during the civil war, now face precarious conditions as Turkiye-backed factions advance. The negotiation landscape has shifted since the fall of Assad, and Turkiye is positioned as a crucial player amidst its concerns about Kurdish autonomy.
US support for the SDF complicates relations with NATO ally Turkiye, which desires control over Daesh detainees and accountability from Kurdish factions. The SDF, while exhibiting flexibility regarding Turkish demands, insists on retaining a significant role in northeastern Syria’s governance.
Recent dialogues indicate potential compromises where the SDF may yield certain controls in exchange for guarantees regarding cultural rights and political autonomy. The US seeks a managed transition that preserves ongoing collaborative efforts against Daesh, with the sustainability of US troop presence contingent on the stability of its Kurdish allies in the region.
Donald Trump’s return to the White House is viewed with cautious optimism by Turkiye, fostering expectations for a favorable resolution between the parties involved. Yet, the unpredictability of Trump’s administration may pose further challenges ahead for Kurdish forces and their future within Syria.
The ongoing situation in Syria reflects a complicated intersection of international diplomacy, ethnic conflict, and security concerns. The Kurdish forces, having allied with the US in combating Daesh, are now caught in the geopolitical crossfire involving Turkiye and the newly emerging Syrian government. This evolving landscape requires careful navigation to ensure stability in a post-Assad Syria, where competing interests significantly affect negotiations and power dynamics.
Key discussions surrounding the Kurdish forces in Syria have become crucial amid Turkiye’s security concerns and US military support. Negotiations aim for a balanced resolution that involves the integration of Kurdish fighters while addressing Turkiye’s fears of regional instability. The outcome remains uncertain as both internal and external factors, including future US policy under Trump, will heavily influence the political landscape.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
