DAMASCUS, SYRIA – The recent landmark deal between the Syrian Kurdish allies and the Islamist-led government in Damascus has been welcomed by the United States. This agreement, which was signed on Monday, aims to bring stability to the war-torn country and pave the way for Kurdish-led forces to merge with the Syrian government. The deal comes at a crucial time when the future of US forces deployed in Syria is uncertain.
The United States has played a crucial role in encouraging the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to reach this agreement with the interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. General Mazloum Abdi, head of the SDF, was flown to Damascus on a US military aircraft for the signing of the deal. This shows the deep ties that the US has developed with the Kurdish groups in Syria since deploying forces to fight against the Islamic State a decade ago.
The US has been a strong partner of the Kurdish fighters, despite objections from Turkey. However, with President Donald Trump’s return to power, the US troop deployment in Syria has come under renewed focus. The Pentagon has started developing plans for a potential withdrawal, but there is no sign of an imminent pullout, according to US officials.
The US defense official also stated that General Michael Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, played a crucial role in pushing the SDF towards this agreement. The US administration believes that a negotiated handover is the best way to withdraw from Syria without causing chaos and blowback. This deal will also prevent any potential conflict between the Kurdish-led forces and the new government in Damascus, as well as a Turkish attack across the border.
The agreement has been welcomed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that it is a positive step towards stabilizing the country. The deal benefits both sides, with interim President Sharaa gaining political breathing room after recent unrest in the coastal area, and the SDF avoiding a direct clash with Turkey at a time when US policy on Syria remains uncertain.
However, the devil lies in the details. The deal does not specify how the SDF will be merged with Syria’s armed forces. While the SDF wants to join as a bloc, Damascus wants them to join as individuals. This issue will be addressed by committees, along with other details such as the control of borders.
The US military has declined to comment on any aspect of the deal, including their role in encouraging talks and providing transportation to General Abdi. However, former Turkish diplomat and Syria expert Erdem Ozan believes that the deal is a win-win for both sides. It gives interim President Sharaa the opportunity to address the recent sectarian violence, while the SDF avoids a direct clash with Turkey.
The deal also comes at a potentially historic moment for the Kurds, following a call by the jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan for his group to disarm. The SDF, heavily influenced by Ocalan, has stated that this does not apply to them. This shows the SDF’s commitment to continue fighting against the Islamic State and their willingness to work towards a peaceful resolution with the Syrian government.
Aaron Zelin, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, believes that the US wants to ensure a smooth continuation of the fight against the Islamic State, with the Syrian government eventually taking up responsibilities for countering it. He also believes that this deal will help unify the country, which is in the best interest of the US as they seek stability and avoid internal power struggles.
While the deal has been struck at a potentially historic moment, the real test will be in its execution. The SDF spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions, but General Abdi has called this deal a “real opportunity to build a new Syria.” This agreement has the potential to bring stability and unity to a country that has been fractured by 14 years of war. It is a positive step towards a brighter future for Syria and its people.
