The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) state they will not disarm until ISIS is defeated. Senior official Ilham Ahmed highlights the resurgence of ISIS and the necessity of maintaining military strength. Despite political shifts, the SDF feels marginalized under the new leadership of Ahmed Al Shara, who emphasizes central control. Ongoing negotiations are vital as the SDF seeks to retain its semi-autonomous status in northern Syria and address Kurdish identity issues.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), primarily a Kurdish paramilitary group backed by the US, emphasizes that they will retain their arms until ISIS is fully eradicated from Syrian territory. Ilham Ahmed, a senior Kurdish official, articulated that the struggle against ISIS necessitates maintaining their military capabilities, particularly as ISIS has recently shown signs of resurgence. The ongoing conflict threatens the fragile peace and unity in Syria, especially under the new presidency of Ahmed Al Shara, who aims for centralized control of the state.
Despite the SDF’s significant contributions to the fight against ISIS, they feel marginalized in the current political landscape dominated by the Syrian government. Ahmed Ahmed highlighted that the Kurdish community, making up around 10% of Syria’s population, continues to grapple with the discrimination and exclusion that have persisted since the Assad era. The integration of the SDF into the unified Syrian military structure remains contentious, with tensions simmering over the potential loss of their semi-autonomous status in northern Syria.
Efforts for dialogue and collaboration between the SDF and the Syrian government are ongoing but fraught with uncertainty. Both parties have engaged in talks, with Al Shara meeting SDF representatives and acknowledging the need for inclusion, yet challenges loom over arms control and the integration of various paramilitary groups. As tensions with Turkey and ongoing security issues complicate matters, discussions regarding local governance, identity recognition, and military partnerships remain critical to achieving a sustainable resolution.
The SDF has stated their readiness to cooperate but insists that this must occur under conditions of safety, specifically an immediate ceasefire with Turkey and a definitive victory over ISIS. Ahmed remarked on the necessity of a comprehensive solution that addresses not only military integration but also broader community needs and identities. Continued negotiations are crucial for addressing these intertwined issues, which include local governance and social services, in pursuit of lasting peace in Syria.
The SDF will keep their weapons until ISIS is fully defeated, reflecting ongoing complexities in Syrian political dynamics. As the group pushes for inclusivity and governance for Kurdish identities, the threat of marginalization poses risks for civil conflict. Dialogue between the SDF and Syrian authorities is essential, aiming for coordinated efforts to combat ISIS and achieve stability amidst a fragmented landscape.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
