U.S. Endorses Syrian Deal with Kurds for Non-Sectarian Governance

The United States has endorsed an agreement for the integration of Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into Syrian state institutions, aiming for non-sectarian governance. This notable political development consolidates regional control under the central government while promising stability and rights for the Kurdish population, amid ongoing tensions with Turkiye regarding the SDF’s affiliation with Kurdish nationalism.

The United States has expressed its support for an agreement in Syria to incorporate Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into state institutions. This endorsement follows a deal between the Syrian presidency and the SDF, granting the Syrian government complete control over a semi-autonomous region managed by the Kurdish alliance since 2015.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of a political transition demonstrating credible and non-sectarian governance to avert further conflict. He mentioned the grave concerns regarding recent violent events against minority groups, underscoring the need for careful monitoring of interim authorities’ actions.

The agreement, finalized between Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, aims to consolidate all civil and military institutions in northeastern Syria into the national administration, including vital assets such as an airport and oil and gas fields. This development represents a pivotal moment in Syria’s political landscape following President Bashar al-Assad’s fall due to opposition forces.

The deal arrives as Damascus faces a surge of violence recently experienced within the Alawite minority regions. It establishes a ceasefire across Syria, offers SDF support against pro-Assad fighters, and recognizes the Kurdish population’s integral role in Syria along with their rights to citizenship and constitutional guarantees.

While discussions regarding SDF integration into Syrian governance have persisted since the fall of Assad, obstacles arose from perceptions of the SDF’s commitment relative to other opposition factions. The US has collaborated with the SDF in combating the ISIS insurgency, leading to tensions with Turkiye, which regards the SDF as an extension of a terrorist organization due to its links with the Kurdish nationalist Kurdistan Workers’ Party.

In conclusion, the integration of Kurdish-led SDF into Syria’s state institutions marks a significant political shift towards non-sectarian governance, hailed by the United States. The agreement promises stability amid ongoing violence and reinforces the recognition of Kurdish rights. However, the situation remains complex, particularly concerning US-Turkiye relations, as the implications of this deal continue to unfold.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com