The Syrian regime has agreed with the Kurdish-majority Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to incorporate the group into the national army and impose a nationwide ceasefire. The agreement, to be rolled out by the year’s end, will place the northeast fully under government control for the first time since the SDF became autonomous in 2012.
As part of the deal, the control of northeastern Syria’s public institutions, borders, airports, and oilfields will be given to Damascus. Furthermore, the agreement provides recognition for Kurdish political and cultural rights, which represents a great turn in the approach taken under Assad’s administration where Kurdish language schools were previously outlawed as well as celebrations based on their culture.
The deal is a significant triumph for transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has put a high premium on tightening grip after the December 8 ousting of Bashar al-Assad by a rebel alliance spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The Syrian military, with Turkish-backed rebels now included in its ranks, had been at constant odds with the SDF until this accord was announced.
Announcement of the deal elicited cheers in Raqqa and Damascus, though problems persist. The nation is reeling from sectarian violence, including recent Alawite civilians revenge killings in the wake of the five-day fighting that resulted in more than 1,000 killed, of whom 745 were civilians. Al-Sharaa pledged to hold anyone involved in violence accountable.
Meanwhile, tensions in southern Syria continue as the government has to come to terms with the Druze community, which is autonomous. Adding to the complexity, Israel struck military facilities in Daraa on Monday night after warning against attacks on the Druze community. The situation continues to be tense as Syria struggles through its post-Assad phase.
