A Landmark Agreement between Damascus and Kurdish Forces:…

On March 10, a significant agreement aimed at unifying Syria was signed between the interim government and Kurdish-led SDF. The deal’s implementation, however, remains uncertain amidst ongoing violence and a contentious constitutional declaration. Key provisions include the integration of military forces, recognition of Kurdish rights, and economic collaboration regarding oil resources. While this may shift Syria’s post-war dynamics towards reconciliation, challenges persist in resolving integration complexities and ensuring lasting stability.

On March 10, a pivotal agreement was signed between the interim Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with the aim of unifying the nation. However, the execution of this deal is uncertain, particularly following the recent constitutional declaration which poses challenges. The agreement seeks to assimilate military and civil institutions into the Syrian state, coinciding with President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s pursuit of legitimacy amidst heightened scrutiny regarding violence against Alawites by affiliated militias.

According to Nanar Hawach of the International Crisis Group, the agreement could significantly alter Syria’s post-war dynamics. He pointed out that it comes at a time when the country faces serious security threats, including brutal attacks and Israeli incursions, leading to increased pressure on Damascus to reach this accord. This strategic timing indicates the government’s response to the deteriorating situation.

Washington-based Kurdish affairs analyst, Mutlu Civiroglu, noted that the signing of the deal positions Al-Sharaa as a leader attentive to the inclusion of diverse identities within Syria. SDF commander-in-chief Mazloum Abdi is recognized as a respected figure across various communities, enhancing the legitimacy of the agreement among diverse citizens.

Following recent attacks on Alawites, Kurdish groups, under the SDF and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), condemned these acts. Abdi described these offensives as a systematic assault on Syria’s minorities and urged Al-Sharaa to intervene to end the violence. The situation intensified after Bashar Assad’s loyalists ambushed security forces in Jableh, resulting in significant casualties and retaliatory violence against Alawite civilians.

As violence escalated, the monitoring body Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported substantial casualties, prompting fears among displaced Alawites. Many Alawites who fled to mountainous regions desire a presence of the SDF for safety. The anticipated implementation of the Damascus-SDF agreement acknowledges the Kurdish community’s legitimacy within Syria and promises constitutional rights for the community.

The deal seeks to cease hostilities in SDF-controlled areas that are under attack by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, promoting stability. Joshua Landis of the Center for Middle East Studies emphasized that oil resources are crucial to this agreement, granting the interim government control over oil fields while ensuring the Kurds receive a portion of the proceeds.

This arrangement is vital for the rejuvenation of Syria’s oil sector, which has dramatically declined, thereby amplifying its reliance on imports for recovery. The revival of oil production is essential for funding potential reconstruction efforts estimated to reach $400 billion, as noted by various analysts.

Moreover, the deal is viewed as a step toward gradual national reconciliation, with backing from the United Nations and approval from regional actors such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan. However, the success of this agreement will depend heavily on addressing unresolved issues surrounding the reintegration of Kurdish regions into the Syrian state.

Although the deal grants some autonomy to northeastern Syria and outlines foundational principles, it lacks comprehensive operational details, as stated by Landis. The integration of the SDF into the Syrian Defense Ministry and the transfer of control over key infrastructure remain contentious areas needing resolution.

Landis indicated that while there could be a compromise, the aspiration of the Kurds resembles the arrangement in Iraq regarding armed forces autonomy. However, the interim president’s stance on maintaining a centralized Syrian state presents a challenge to the Kurds’ aspirations.

The recent signing of a temporary constitution by Al-Sharaa, establishing Islamist rule, has faced pushback from the SDF’s political council, which decried it as reestablishing authoritarianism. They advocate for a reformation of the declaration to ensure equitable power distribution and recognize the rights of all Syrian groups.

The recent agreement between the interim Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces represents a critical potential shift in Syria’s political landscape aimed at fostering national unity. Despite its promise, the successful implementation remains contingent on how the involved parties navigate the complexities of diversity and autonomy within the framework of a unified state. The commitment to cease hostilities and recognize the rights of the Kurdish community highlights potential avenues for reconciliation, yet significant obstacles must be surmounted to realize lasting peace.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com