A landmark accord between the Syrian government and Kurdish SDF aims for integration amid ongoing turmoil. It promises citizenship rights for Kurds, economic cooperation over oil, and a cessation of hostilities. The success of the agreement hinges on resolving military integration and recent constitutional challenges, which may redefine national reconciliation efforts in Syria.
On March 10, 2023, a significant deal was struck between the interim Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), aimed at promoting the unification of the Syrian Arab Republic. The agreement focuses on incorporating military and civilian institutions into the Syrian state but its implementation remains uncertain, especially following a recent constitutional declaration that presents new challenges.
With President Ahmad Al-Sharaa under increasing international scrutiny, particularly regarding the killings of minority Alawites by allied militias, this deal could potentially reshape Syria’s post-war dynamics. According to Nanar Hawach from the International Crisis Group, the agreement is critically timed as it responds to major security threats in Syria, including unrest and external interventions.
Mutlu Civiroglu notes that signing the deal with SDF commander Mazloum Abdi allows Al-Sharaa to position himself as a leader who acknowledges the diverse identities within Syria. Abdi holds significant respect across various communities, which is critical for fostering peace and representation in future governance.
The SDF has condemned recent attacks against Alawites, describing them as part of a systematic campaign against minorities. Abdi has urged Al-Sharaa to take decisive action to prevent further massacres, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
A surge in violence began on March 6 in Latakia, resulting in multiple deaths and setting off fear among Alawites who have fled to safer locations. The extent of violence underscored the need for the agreement to be enacted swiftly to stabilize the region.
The Damascus-SDF deal asserts that the Kurdish community is indigenous to Syria and guarantees them citizenship rights. It mandates a cessation of hostilities, particularly against SDF-controlled regions, which have faced aggression from the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army. This clause is essential for ensuring peace and security in previously contested areas.
The deal outlines significant economic provisions, particularly regarding oil, which is vital for reviving Syria’s economy. The interim government will gain control over oil fields but will share proceeds with the Kurds, facilitating energy sector investments that are crucial for reconstruction after years of conflict.
Hawach asserts that the agreement may lead to significant economic benefits since the northeast region of Syria is resource-rich. This partnership could also enhance cooperation against terrorist factions like Daesh and improve national governance.
The deal has been positively received by international entities, including the UN and several countries, while promoting a move toward national reconciliation after years of division. However, Hawach cautions that the agreement’s success relies on both parties resolving complex details related to governance and military integration.
Despite providing a framework, the agreement lacks a comprehensive plan for autonomy for the Kurdish regions. Key military elements remain unresolved, specifically the integration of SDF forces into the Syrian Defense Ministry and the handling of border security.
The SDF hopes for an arrangement similar to the one in Iraq, where Kurdish forces operate with a degree of autonomy. While Al-Sharaa prefers a centralized state without minority autonomy, he has signed a temporary constitution that critics claim reinstates authoritarianism, further complicating negotiations.
The Syrian Democratic Council has rejected this constitutional declaration, arguing it undermines true democratic principles. They call for a revised constitution that guarantees political freedom and equitable power distribution among all Syrian communities, emphasizing a need for genuine national consensus in the transition away from centralized power.
The deal between Damascus and the Kurdish-led SDF is a major step toward potentially resolving long-standing conflicts in Syria, emphasizing integration, rights recognition, and economic cooperation. However, its success is contingent on navigating unresolved military and political complexities, as the recent constitutional developments introduce further complications. Stakeholders remain cautious, as the effectiveness of this agreement will ultimately depend on achieving a balanced approach to governance that respects the rights of all Syrian communities.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
