In a historic agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Syrian crisis took a new step toward political and economic stability. Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara and SDF leader Mazloum Abdi announced an agreement that places the Kurdish forces under the umbrella of the Syrian army, granting Kurds citizenship rights and the opportunity to participate in political life.
اضافة اعلان
If we look at this agreement deeply, we will sense that it comes at a critical time, following the unrest in Latakia. This agreement strengthens the prospects for the stability of the new Syrian state. The political dimensions, ending division, and solidifying the central government have always been a challenge and concern for the new Syrian government, especially in areas controlled by the SDF, which stretch across much of Syria and are rich in natural resources.
However, with the announcement of this agreement, we can say that Damascus is now able to speak on behalf of all Syrians. This development greatly limits any new attempts to divide Syria and will likely strengthen the establishment of a more cohesive central government capable of leading the new state.
Moreover, the integration of the SDF into the Syrian army means incorporating trained and well-equipped forces with American support, which provides the Syrian state with additional military resources. This will allow armed factions to settle their positions with the government, reducing conflict hotspots and paving the way for long-term stability.
Regionally, the agreement may open the door to radical shifts in Syria’s relations with Turkey and other regional countries that have long considered the SDF a national security threat, especially Turkey. This agreement could help ease tensions between Ankara and Damascus.
On the international level, the agreement is expected to provoke mixed reactions. For example, Washington seeks to maintain its influence in northeastern Syria by supporting the SDF. Here, the U.S. may find itself forced to deal with a new reality that strengthens Russian and Iranian influence in Syria, something that is not in its favor and is considered unacceptable.
However, the essence of this agreement is the significant economic gain for the new Syrian government, which is in desperate need of it to regain control over Syria’s most important natural resources, such as oil, gas, and other minerals. These resources are the cornerstone that can strengthen the new Syrian government's ability to fund reconstruction efforts and reduce reliance on foreign aid, which limits its decision-making flexibility.
Despite all these apparent benefits, I believe this agreement will face numerous challenges, the most prominent being the implementation of its terms on the ground. Integrating the SDF into the Syrian army could encounter logistical and political obstacles, and some Kurdish factions may oppose losing their military and administrative independence.
On the international front, it is unclear how Washington will deal with this development, especially given its competition with Moscow for influence in Syria. Additionally, any potential tension between Turkey and the Kurds could threaten the stability of the agreement.
Nevertheless, despite these challenges, this agreement represents a significant step toward reuniting Syria and putting an end to the partitioning projects that were proposed during the war years. If the Syrian government succeeds in leveraging this achievement both politically and economically, it could be a key turning point in restoring Syria’s stability and position in the region after many years.
