Syria’s Government Signs Historic Agreement with Kurdish Forces for Unification

Syria’s interim government has signed a landmark deal with Kurdish-led forces, aimed at merging the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces into the Syrian army. This agreement, enhancing governmental control over key regions and preserving Kurdish rights, will be implemented by year-end and allows for the return of displaced Kurdish populations.

On Monday, Syria’s interim government finalized a historic agreement with the Kurdish-led authorities governing the northeastern part of the country. The arrangement includes a ceasefire and plans to integrate the principal US-backed force, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), into the Syrian army, a significant move towards unifying the nation’s control.

This breakthrough initiative is expected to bring the majority of Syria under the government’s authority, which is currently dominated by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham following their ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December. The signing of the agreement involved interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi.

The implementation of the deal, anticipated by year-end, will see all border crossings with Iraq and Turkey, along with airports and oilfields in the northeast, come under central government jurisdiction. Additionally, prisons holding around 9,000 alleged Islamic State (Isis) members will shift to government control.

The accord also guarantees Syrian Kurds their “constitutional rights,” which include the right to use and teach their language—a privilege that remained unrecognized for decades under Assad’s regime. Furthermore, the agreement facilitates the return of hundreds of thousands of Kurds displaced during Syria’s prolonged civil conflict.

In conclusion, this agreement marks a critical juncture in Syria’s ongoing struggle for unity and stability. It consolidates the government’s power, integrates Kurdish forces into state frameworks, and acknowledges Kurdish rights, offering a pathway for displaced populations to return home, thereby fostering reconciliation in the region.

Original Source: www.scmp.com