Turkey's Reconciliation Process Risks Stall Over Syria Deadline Dispute

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TURKEY — JAN. 2, 2026

Tensions within Turkey's domestic political sphere have risen after the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) declared that a critical deadline for Kurdish forces in Syria had expired, prompting the pro-Kurdish DEM Party to warn that linking the two issues could derail Ankara's new reconciliation process.

The dispute centers on the "March 10 Agreement," a pact intended to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the new Syrian state structure following the collapse of the Baathist regime. The failure to implement this agreement by the start of 2026 has raised fears of a new cross-border military operation.

MHP declares 'time is up'

Feti Yıldız, Vice Chairman of the MHP—a key ally of the ruling government—issued a statement on social media to mark the new year, asserting that the timeframe for the SDF to comply with the integration deal ended in December 2025.

"The time given to the PKK's Syrian branch, the YPG/SDF, to comply with the March 10 agreement has expired," Yıldız stated.

Emphasizing that the ultimate goal is the "complete liquidation of terrorist organizations," Yıldız referenced recent comments by Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, reiterating that Turkey will not tolerate any "fait accompli" or terror activity along its borders. Yıldız also alleged that Israel is attempting to reach Turkey via Syria, adding a layer of geopolitical urgency to his remarks.

DEM Party warns of 'preconditions'

The MHP’s sharp rhetoric has caused concern within the DEM Party (Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party), which is currently engaged in tentative peace talks with the state. Party sources speaking to BBC Turkish argued that making developments in the Syrian theater a "precondition" for the domestic process would be counterproductive.

"If there is war in Kobani, there cannot be peace in Diyarbakır," party sources stated, highlighting the emotional and political link between Kurds in Turkey and Syria.

DEM Party officials contend that the new solution process began independently of Syria and should remain so. They urged Ankara to adopt a constructive role rather than a threatening one regarding the March 10 agreement, noting that jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan had also referenced the pact as a basis for a "democratic political model" in his New Year message.

The failed integration pact

The controversy stems from the political vacuum in Syria following the end of the 61-year Baath regime on Dec. 8, 2024. The new Syrian government and the SDF signed an eight-article memorandum on March 10, 2025, which envisioned the integration of the SDF into Syrian state institutions by the end of the year.

However, Syria entered 2026 without the agreement being implemented. The Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MSB) stated on Dec. 30 that the SDF continues to demand "decentralization and federalism" rather than integrating into the central authority.

Ankara supports 'One Army' policy

Turkey’s official stance aligns with the new Syrian central government's push for centralization.

"We continue close cooperation with the Syrian government in line with the 'One State, One Army' principle," the Ministry of National Defense said in a recent statement. "If the Syrian government decides to take initiative for its unity and integrity, Turkey will support it."

Observers in Ankara note that a potential military escalation in Syria could delay the work of the Parliamentary Commission on National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy. The commission was expected to finalize a critical report on domestic reconciliation by mid-January, but the timeline is now uncertain.

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