The March 10 agreement between Syria’s interim government and the Kurdish-led SDF aims to unify military and civil institutions while addressing rights and safety for Kurds. As violence escalates against minorities, the deal’s success hinges on resolving practical integration aspects and offering a framework for economic recovery, notably in the oil sector.
On March 10, the interim government of Syria and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) finalized a significant agreement aimed at fostering unity in regions of Syria. This pact seeks to integrate military and civil sectors into the Syrian state, a move propelled by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s quest for legitimacy amid increasing scrutiny over sectarian violence perpetrated against Alawites by allied militias.
Analyst Nanar Hawach from the International Crisis Group noted that the timing of this deal is crucial as Syria faces pressing security threats, including massacres on the coast and Israeli military actions in the south. These issues may have influenced Damascus’s decision to engage in this partnership.
The agreement positions Al-Sharaa as a leader devoted to inclusivity within Syria’s future governance, as suggested by Washington-based Kurdish analyst Mutlu Civiroglu. He emphasizes the importance of SDF commander Mazloum Abdi’s reputation, noting that he is respected among various ethnic and religious communities in Syria.
The Kurdish groups, represented by the SDF and Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), have condemned the recent violence against Alawites, which Abdi has labeled as systematic attacks against minorities in Syria. Following deadly assaults on security forces leading to significant civilian casualties in Latakia, the sectarian strife escalated dramatically.
Rami Abdulrahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), revealed that many Alawites who fled violence are now seeking refuge in areas held by the SDF. He indicated that the Kurdish presence could provide a necessary safe space for these displaced individuals.
The preliminary agreement, intended for implementation by year-end, acknowledges the Kurdish community’s native status within Syria, affirming their citizenship and constitutional rights. It mandates a halt to hostilities in SDF-dominated regions, which have recently faced aggression from Turkish-backed Syrian National Army forces.
Hawach emphasized the historic nature of this deal for Syrian Kurds, who have long lacked recognition and support. Additionally, the agreement touches on economic benefits, particularly concerning the control and revenue-sharing of Syria’s oil sector, crucial for national recovery and infrastructure repair.
According to Joshua Landis of the University of Oklahoma, the shared control of oil resources is pivotal for generating revenue. The interim government’s regained control over these fields, with the Kurds sharing revenue, is seen as beneficial for both parties and essential for attracting foreign investment to revitalize Syria’s devastated energy sector.
Hawach asserted that the implementation of this agreement may lead to economic advantages, especially since northeast Syria is rich in resources, and could potentially encourage joint efforts against the remnants of Daesh.
This agreement has been positively received by international observers and appears to be a significant stride towards achieving national reconciliation after years of conflict. Countries including the UN, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, France, Germany, and Canada have shown support for the agreement.
Nevertheless, Hawach cautioned that the relationship’s success will significantly depend on resolving outstanding logistical concerns related to reintegration. Landis concurred that although the pact offers a framework for managing autonomy in northeastern Syria, it lacks comprehensive details on military integration and governance.
The agreement requires the SDF to integrate into the Syrian Defense Ministry and relinquish control of key assets, which raises questions about governance clarity. Landis compared the anticipated arrangements to Iraq’s Peshmerga model, reflecting hope among Kurdish forces for a similar autonomous structure despite central government resistance.
On March 13, President Al-Sharaa enacted a temporary constitution that drew objections from the SDF’s political party, which asserted it undermines democratic principles by centralizing authority. The SDF is calling for a substantial revision of the constitutional declaration to ensure equitable power distribution and the recognition of Syrian ethnic and religious identities.
The agreement between the Syrian interim government and the SDF represents a pivotal step towards national reconciliation in Syria. While it seeks to address Kurdish rights and integrate different military factions, numerous challenges remain in its implementation, particularly concerning military autonomy and governance. The plan’s economic implications, especially in the oil sector, also highlight the potential for revitalization in a post-conflict era. However, the path to unity and stability is fraught with uncertainties, necessitating cautious optimism about the future of Syrian governance.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
