Locations Affected: Syria
Syria’s interim government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has reached an agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate them into state institutions on 10 March. The SDF has controlled the semi-autonomous region in northeastern Syria since 2015. The agreement is regarded as one of the most significant developments since the end of former President Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. Discussions about the SDF’s inclusion in the Syrian state have been ongoing since the end of Al-Assad’s regime but were hindered by past conflicts and the SDF’s ambiguous stance toward al-Assad compared to other opposition forces. The agreement comes at a time of major regional and international changes, including US President Donald Trump’s potential plans to withdraw from Syria, the disarmament call by Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan, and the end of the Syrian government’s military operation against Assad loyalists in the northwest, which caused multiple casualties.
Who are the SDF?
The SDF controls more than 46,000 sq. km of northeastern Syria and plays a major role in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). It has been linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), and this association has led to repeated clashes between the SDF and Turkish-backed Syrian groups. Turkey has also carried out military exercises in northeastern Syria, as it considers the PKK responsible for insurgency in Turkey. Clashes with Turkish-backed factions have also diverted SDF forces from guarding prisons detaining around 10,000 Islamic State fighters, which has triggered warnings about a potential resurgence of IS (Islamic State).
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cedlx0511w7o
Main Points of the Agreement
- The agreement will be implemented by the end of 2025 and includes a nationwide ceasefire. The SDF will also integrate into the national army, which could reshape Syria’s military and security landscape.
- The deal places all public institutions in northeastern Syria—including borders, airports, and oilfields—under the control of the central government.
- The agreement states that all Syrians will be able to participate in the new political process, regardless of religious or ethnic background.
- The integration of the SDF into state structures may reduce tensions between Kurdish forces and the Syrian government, potentially leading to long-term stability.
Outlook on the Situation
The interim government has faced increasing skepticism over its ability to unify all rebel groups in the country. The agreement is a significant step for the government, which is struggling with growing insecurity during the transition of power. A deal with the SDF signals the central government’s willingness to include the Kurdish population in the new government and grant them citizenship and constitutional rights largely denied during the Assad regime. The ceasefire between the SDF and other Syrian groups could facilitate stability in northeastern Syria, especially if combined with a potential end to the Turkish military campaign should the PKK dissolve. However, the lack of clarity regarding the terms of the ceasefire could hinder the agreement’s implementation.
