U.S. Supports Syria-Kurd Deal, Advocates for Non-Sectarian Governance

The U.S. has welcomed Syria’s agreement to integrate the Kurdish-led SDF into national institutions, emphasizing the need for non-sectarian governance. This significant political development includes a ceasefire and recognition of Kurdish rights, amid rising violence in the region. However, the partnership complicates U.S.-Turkiye relations due to differing perceptions of the SDF’s affiliations.

The United States has officially endorsed Syria’s agreement to integrate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into national state institutions. This agreement, reached between the Syrian presidency and the US-backed SDF, allows the Syrian central government to gain full control over a semi-autonomous region that the SDF has managed since 2015.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of a political transition promoting credible, non-sectarian governance to prevent further conflict. He noted concerns regarding recent acts of violence against minority groups and expressed the commitment to monitoring the actions of the interim authorities closely.

The deal, announced by Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, aims to merge all civil and military institutions in northeastern Syria into a unified national administration. This significant political development occurs as Damascus confronts violence within the Alawite minority area.

This agreement includes a ceasefire across Syria, SDF support against pro-Assad forces, and acknowledgment of the Kurdish people’s rights to citizenship and constitutional recognition. Although discussions about the SDF’s integration into Syria have taken place since Assad’s fall, perceptions of the SDF’s commitment to opposing his regime have delayed progress.

The U.S. alliance with the SDF emerged during the fight against ISIS, with the militia playing a crucial role in defeating the group’s control over Syria in 2019. However, this partnership has complicated U.S. relations with Turkiye, which regards the SDF as an affiliate of the Kurdish nationalist PKK, designated a terrorist organization by Ankara.

In summary, the U.S. endorsement of the Syria-SDF integration deal signifies a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern politics, aiming for a unified governance structure that is non-sectarian and inclusive of Kurdish rights. The initiative responds to escalating violence and seeks to stabilize the region while simultaneously addressing U.S. concerns about minority treatment. Nevertheless, the challenges posed by the relationship with Turkiye remain an ongoing factor as these developments unfold.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com