Calm in Damascus Contrasts with Ongoing Battles in Northeastern Syria

Under new leadership, Syria appears stable in Damascus with President Ahmed al-Shara promoting unity; however, northeastern regions are embroiled in conflict. Clashes between U.S.-backed Kurdish forces and Turkish-supported militias continue, raising concerns about Islamic State resurgence and Kurdish autonomy amid regional instability.

In Damascus, recent developments signify an era of hope under the nation’s new interim president, Ahmed al-Shara. He has convened a national unity conference and welcomed international dignitaries as citizens express themselves freely at local cafes for the first time in decades. However, the tranquility in the capital starkly contrasts the ongoing turmoil in northeastern Syria.

Approximately 400 miles from Damascus, violence continues to engulf northeastern Syria, an area largely outside the reach of the central government. Drones surveil the skies constantly while airstrikes and artillery attacks have resulted in mass displacement of residents. The conflict primarily features two militant groups: the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which receive support from the United States, and a predominantly Arab militia backed by Turkey.

The renewed fighting has escalated since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s former dictator, in December. At stake is President al-Shara’s ability to unify Syria, exert control over various ethnic and religious militias, and contain the resurgent Islamic State group, which poses a growing threat. Nearby nations remain vigilant, concerned about the effects of factional instability spilling over their borders.

The fate of Syria’s Kurds, who constitute about 10% of the population and have established a semiautonomous region in the northeast, also hangs in the balance. A significant factor in the ongoing conflict is Turkey’s increasing leverage over the Kurds, whom it views as a potential threat due to their aspirations for greater autonomy.

In conclusion, while Damascus experiences a semblance of calm with new leadership, the northeastern regions of Syria continue to face fierce battles, highlighting the complexities of unifying a deeply divided country. The outcome of these conflicts is critical not only for Syrian stability but also for the broader regional security landscape.

In summary, the situation in Syria remains tenuous, with significant dichotomies between relative peace in the capital and ongoing conflict in the northeast. President Ahmed al-Shara faces the formidable challenge of unifying a divided nation while managing rising threats, including the Islamic State and regional tensions surrounding Kurdish autonomy. The political and military landscapes in Syria will continue to evolve, impacting both domestic stability and international relations.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com