The Syrian interim government and the Kurdish-led SDF signed a landmark deal on March 10 aimed at national reconciliation. Key elements include military integration, recognition of Kurdish rights, and economic cooperation over oil resources. However, violent conflicts and a new constitution raise concerns about the deal’s implementation and future governance.
On March 10, a significant agreement was reached between the interim government of Syria and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to promote unity in the Syrian Arab Republic. However, its implementation remains uncertain following a new constitutional declaration. This agreement aims to integrate military and civilian institutions into the Syrian state, coinciding with President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s need for legitimacy amid international pressure regarding violence against minority Alawites.
Analysts note that the agreement, if actualized, could profoundly alter Syria’s post-war dynamics. Senior Syria analyst at the International Crisis Group, Nanar Hawach, pointed out that the deal emerges at a time when Syria is facing crucial security challenges, including recent violence and external interventions, suggesting a necessity for Damascus to pursue this agreement.
Washington-based Kurdish affairs analyst, Mutlu Civiroglu, explained that this agreement enables President Al-Sharaa to depict himself as a leader committed to inclusivity in Syria. He emphasized that SDF commander-in-chief Mazloum Abdi is respected across various communities, highlighting the potential for enhanced intercommunal relations.
The Kurdish groups have openly condemned violence against Alawites, calling it part of a systematic campaign against minorities. Abdi characterized the current climate as necessitating intervention by Al-Sharaa to stop the ongoing massacres, amidst significant ethical concerns regarding community safety and representation.
Recent violence in Syria has had devastating consequences, with the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reporting over 1,300 deaths due to intensified clashes. In this dire context, there is a perception among displaced Alawites that SDF control could offer them safety, illustrating the broader security concerns at play.
The proposed deal also recognizes the rights of the Kurdish community, explicitly acknowledging their citizenship rights according to a presidential statement. Furthermore, it aims to end hostilities in SDF-controlled regions, targeting a resolution for ongoing attacks by Turkish-backed forces.
Economic considerations are central to this agreement, particularly regarding Syria’s oil resources. Joshua Landis, an expert from the University of Oklahoma, explained that while the interim government will gain control over oil fields, the Kurds are entitled to half of the revenue, facilitating foreign investments pivotal for rebuilding Syria’s oil sector, which has suffered drastically due to years of conflict.
In conclusion, the deal between the interim government and the SDF is a critical move towards national reconciliation and integration in Syria. However, its success will significantly depend on resolving lingering issues related to governance, security, and the roles of military forces in the region. While economic opportunities could arise from the agreement, the broader implications for Kurdish rights and representation, paired with concerns over authoritarianism, present both challenges and avenues for progress in Syria’s complex landscape.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
