Syrian government and SDF agree on gradual integration roadmap

BY AHMET TAŞ | WISE NEWS PRESS

DAMASCUS, SYRIA — The Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have officially announced a historic agreement on a comprehensive ceasefire and a detailed roadmap for the gradual administrative and military integration of the northeast into the central state.

The deal, finalized late Thursday, marks a definitive turning point in the 13-year Syrian civil war. It seeks to end weeks of intense clashes between the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Kurdish-led SDF, transitioning the region from a decade of de facto autonomy to a unified national governance structure under the leadership of Ahmet Shara in Damascus.

A phased roadmap for military integration

The core of the agreement lies in a meticulous, multi-stage plan to dissolve the SDF’s independent military presence and incorporate its fighters into the national defense framework. According to statements from Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mustafa and official SDF channels, the process will begin with a strategic withdrawal of forces from current contact points.

Initial security responsibilities in major urban centers will shift immediately. Security forces under the Syrian Ministry of Interior are slated for deployment in the city centers of Hasakah and Qamishli, areas previously under exclusive SDF control. Furthermore, the roadmap specifies the creation of specialized units:

• The Kobani Brigade: A new unit to be established under a division of the Aleppo Governorate, specifically composed of former SDF personnel.

  
  

• Army Integration: The formation of three additional Syrian Army brigades entirely drawn from the ranks of the SDF.

This military merging aims to solidify state sovereignty while retaining the combat experience of the SDF forces, who played a pivotal role in the fight against regional extremism.

Presidential Decree 13: A new era for Kurdish rights

The administrative aspect of the deal is anchored by the implementation of Presidential Decree No. 13, a transformative legislative package aimed at correcting long-standing injustices against the Kurdish population. Damascus has committed to recognizing the cultural and civil identity of Kurds as an integral part of the Syrian fabric.

Key provisions of the decree and the agreement include:

1. Language Recognition: The Kurdish language is now officially recognized as a national language alongside Arabic, with mandates for its instruction in relevant regional schools.

2. Restoration of Citizenship: The immediate return of Syrian citizenship to Kurds who were previously stripped of their legal status or excluded from national registries.

3. Administrative Entegration: The gradual merging of autonomous administrative institutions and their employees into the central government’s payroll and hierarchy.

4. Right of Return: Guarantees for the safe return of displaced persons to their original homes in the northeast.

US reaction: A message of diversity and stability

The announcement was met with strong support from the United States. Tom Barrack, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, emphasized the importance of this "brave step" toward a unified state. Barrack noted that the integration of SDF representatives into high-level state functions acknowledges the legitimate aspirations of all Syrian people.

"Syria’s strength is derived from embracing diversity," Barrack stated, adding that the agreement sends a clear message to the international community about Damascus's commitment to openness and justice. He highlighted that such a move not only consolidates sovereignty but also paves the way for attracting the international investment necessary for the nation's reconstruction. The U.S. envoy further noted that the sacrifices of the Kurdish people in defending Syria against radicalism have been rightfully affirmed through this integration process.

The impact on the dream of autonomy

While the agreement is being hailed as a path toward lasting peace, international analysts suggest it deals a significant blow to the hopes of absolute Kurdish autonomy. For over a decade, the northeast operated as a "state within a state." By agreeing to integrate into central institutions, the SDF leadership has effectively traded its independent political ambitions for constitutional protections and a seat at the national table.

A senior Syrian government official confirmed that the implementation of the roadmap begins with "immediate effect." As the 15-day ceasefire extension provides a buffer, the world watches to see if this "unity through dialogue" can truly transform Syria into a beacon of stability in the Middle East.

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