Tom Barrack: Strategic basis for US-SDF partnership has changed

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TÜRKİYE 

Tom Barrack, the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria and Ambassador to Ankara, stated on Tuesday that the emergence of a central Syrian government has fundamentally altered the strategic necessity of the U.S.-SDF partnership.

In an extensive statement released via social media, Barrack highlighted that the post-Assad era has provided Syria with a functional central administration under Ahmed Shara that is now a part of the international coalition against ISIS. Barrack argued that the Syrian Democratic Forces' (SDF) role as the primary ground partner against ISIS has largely reached its expiration, as Damascus is now both willing and ready to assume security responsibilities, including the control of ISIS prisons and camps.

An "Unprecedented Opportunity" for Syrian Kurds

Barrack emphasized that the current transition offers Syrian Kurds the greatest opportunity for full integration into a unified state—rights that were long denied under the Bashar al-Assad regime. He noted that the January 18 integration agreement provides a roadmap for constitutional protections for the Kurdish language and culture, including education and the national celebration of Newroz. According to Barrack, this path offers "full citizenship rights and political participation" far beyond the semi-autonomy previously held by the SDF.

Transition of Security Responsibilities to Damascus

The U.S. envoy confirmed that Washington is now focusing on facilitating the peaceful integration of SDF fighters into the national army and transferring critical infrastructure, such as oil fields and dams, to central authority. Barrack stated, "The situation has fundamentally changed today. Damascus is ready to take over security responsibilities." He added that the U.S. priority remains ensuring the security of facilities housing ISIS detainees while overseeing the political inclusion of the Kurdish population into the historical fabric of the Syrian state.

Trump: "We are trying to protect the Kurds"

U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the developments during a press conference at the White House, stating he had spoken with Syria’s transitional leader, Ahmed Shara, regarding ISIS prisoners. Describing Shara as "hardworking, strong, and tough," Trump responded to questions about Kurdish allies feeling abandoned by saying, "I love the Kurds. They were paid tremendous amounts of money. We get along well with the Kurds and we are trying to protect them."

International Reactions and Historical Context

The shift in policy has sparked debate among international figures. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad criticized the move on social media, stating that Kurdish forces who fought on the front lines against ISIS are being left alone at a critical moment. Historically, the U.S.-SDF partnership began in 2014 during the siege of Kobani. While the alliance was effective in defeating the ISIS caliphate by 2019, the current U.S. administration views the stabilization of a central Syrian state as the new priority for regional security.

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