Syria stands at a pivotal moment in its history. After more than a decade of civil war, a fragile transition is underway, bringing renewed hope for unity and stability. However, one major obstacle remains: the fate of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). While the SDF has been a crucial ally in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), its continued autonomy is increasingly seen as incompatible with Syria’s evolving political landscape.
A Nation Rebuilding Amid Challenges
During a recent trip across Syria, it became evident that Syrians from all backgrounds are eager to move beyond the Assad era. The country’s transition is being managed by the interim government, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which, despite its past as a jihadi group, is attempting to restore governance. However, the state remains broken, the economy devastated, and security fragile.
Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar, have moved quickly to engage with Damascus, offering aid, investment, and trade deals. Yet, U.S. and European sanctions originally imposed to target the Assad regime remain in effect, stifling economic recovery. Within this fragile dynamic, the question of Kurdish autonomy looms large.
The SDF’s Role and Growing Domestic Pressure
The SDF has been a key U.S. partner in the fight against ISIS, playing a vital role in defeating the group’s territorial caliphate in 2019. Since then, the SDF has continued to combat ISIS remnants and oversee the detention of thousands of ISIS fighters and their families in Syria’s northeast.
Despite these contributions, there is a growing consensus among Syrians that the SDF’s autonomous administration must be dissolved and its resources brought under Damascus’s control. Many view the group as an occupying force rather than a legitimate stakeholder in Syria’s future. This sentiment was echoed across all provinces and communities during discussions with Syrians from diverse backgrounds.
Negotiations for Integration
Since December 2024, the SDF has been in talks with the interim government regarding a potential agreement that would integrate its forces into a unified Syrian military. However, negotiations have stalled, particularly following a car bombing in Manbij that killed over 20 people, an attack blamed on the SDF.
U.S. military officers have reportedly facilitated these discussions, with meetings taking place at the Dumayr Airbase near Damascus. The Syrian Free Army, a smaller U.S.-backed force based at al-Tanf, has already agreed to dissolve under interim government control, signaling Washington’s broader shift in policy.
The Deal on the Table
The interim government has proposed a settlement that offers the Kurds equal rights, recognizes Kurdish as Syria’s second language, and guarantees Kurdish representation in transitional bodies, including a temporary parliament and constitutional committee. Additionally, revenues from Syria’s oil, gas, and agriculture sectors would be proportionally reinvested in the northeast.
While the SDF has agreed in principle to integration, the primary dispute lies in the structure of Syria’s new armed forces. SDF leader Mazloum Abdi insists that Kurdish fighters remain a distinct bloc, stationed exclusively in their current regions. Damascus, however, rejects this proposal, arguing that all armed factions across Syria must be fully dissolved and reintegrated to prevent regionalism and warlordism.
The Urgency for a Resolution
U.S. policy must recognize the profound changes unfolding in Syria. Intelligence cooperation between Washington and the interim government has already led to the disruption of eight ISIS plots. The U.S. military, sensing the shifting dynamics, has encouraged the SDF to accept a deal.
Time is running out. If negotiations fail, Turkey, which views the SDF as a security threat, is prepared to launch a military offensive, potentially with support from Arab tribal factions. This scenario would leave the SDF vulnerable and without viable alternatives.
Given the interim government’s commitment to combating ISIS and stabilizing Syria, Washington must push for a pragmatic and fair resolution. Encouraging the SDF to finalize an agreement with Damascus will not only strengthen Syria’s unity but also ensure the long-term security of the region and U.S. interests.
The path forward for Syria’s Kurds is clear: integration into a united Syria or increasing isolation and vulnerability. The time to act is now.
