Syrian Government Achieves Key Agreement with Kurdish Forces

The Syrian government and Kurdish-led forces have signed a landmark agreement to merge military and civil institutions, marking a key step toward national unity. The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces will play a role in this integration, assisting in combating the remnants of the previous regime. The agreement underscores a commitment to inclusive governance amidst ongoing violence in Syria.
The Syrian government has achieved a significant milestone by formally agreeing with Kurdish-led forces to integrate into the new national framework. This deal, reported by Syria’s presidency, enables the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (S.D.F.) to merge all civil and military institutions into the Syrian state by year-end, including essential oil and gas fields.
The agreement requires the S.D.F. to assist Damascus in eradicating remnants of the Assad regime and emphasizes inclusive representation for all Syrians within the political arena. This alignment comes as violent clashes have escalated in Syria’s coastal regions, resulting in over 1,300 fatalities, suggesting a precarious balance for interim President Ahmed al-Shara.
Post-revolution, the interim government led by al-Shara has aimed to unify varying rebel factions throughout Syria, particularly the influential Kurdish-led forces in the oil-rich northeast, despite ongoing instability. While several militias have agreed to collaborate with the new authorities, complete integration into a unified national military under al-Shara remains uncertain.
The agreement between the Syrian government and Kurdish-led forces marks a crucial step toward unifying the country amid ongoing violence. However, challenges in fully integrating all factions into a cohesive national structure persist, reflecting the complexity of Syria’s political landscape following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The broader implications for Syrian governance and regional stability will unfold as this deal progresses.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com