As calm prevails in Damascus with new leadership, northeastern Syria is engulfed in fierce battles between U.S.-backed Kurdish forces and Turkish-supported Arab militias. This ongoing conflict represents major challenges for interim president Ahmed al-Shara, who must unify Syria amidst rising threats from extremist groups and external pressures on the Kurdish population.
In Damascus, Syria’s new interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, is striving to unify the country and extend his governance. He has initiated a national unity conference, attracting foreign dignitaries, while citizens enjoy newfound freedoms in public discussions. Despite this calm atmosphere in the capital, northeastern Syria experiences ongoing violent conflicts.
Located 400 miles from Damascus, the northeast remains outside the government’s control, with battles intensifying between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by the U.S., and a predominantly Arab militia supported by Turkey. This conflict has persisted since Islamist forces overthrew Bashar al-Assad, the former president, in December.
The situation is critical for Ahmed al-Shara as he seeks to consolidate power, manage various armed groups, and curb the resurgence of the Islamic State, which poses a renewed threat in the region. Additionally, the instability of such factions could impact neighboring countries.
One key interest in these battles is the Kurdish community, constituting about 10% of Syria’s population, who have developed a semiautonomous region in the northeast. The Turkish government has been working to diminish Kurdish influence, viewing these factions as a security threat both within Turkey and in Syria.
The ongoing conflict in northeastern Syria underscores the challenges faced by the new interim president in uniting the country while battling established militia factions. The Kurdish situation remains precarious as external pressures from Turkey complicate their autonomy and safety. The stability of Syria relies heavily on resolving these conflicts to prevent further regional instability and the resurgence of extremist groups.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
