Rising Tensions Between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces Over the Future of Syria
April 28, 2025, 11:13 am

Rising Tensions Between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces Over the Future of Syria

مظلوم عبدي

Tensions have renewed between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) just weeks after signing an agreement between the two parties, as fundamental disagreements regarding the concept of national unity and the future of northeastern Syria come to the forefront.

In an official statement, the Syrian presidency confirmed that the recent statements from the SDF, which call for federalism or secession, contradict the essence of the agreement made with President Ahmad al-Shara. It emphasized that the unity of Syria is a "red line" that will not be crossed, warning against any projects that threaten national identity or promote division.

For his part, academic and political researcher Moayad Ghazlan explained in a statement to "Sky News Arabia" that there is a revival of a general national sentiment that enhances the idea of a unifying national identity, which exceeds ethnic affiliations. He added that the Kurdish National Conference issued a final statement that they regard as a "constitutional declaration," criticizing its marginalization of the Arab majority in the Jazira region.

Ghazlan warned that the SDF's demands for the establishment of a "comprehensive political entity" for the Kurds in Syria could pave the way for the creation of a "state within a state," considering it a violation of the idea of decentralization.

On the other hand, writer and political researcher Rustam Mahmoud denied the accusations directed at the Kurds regarding aspirations for secession, emphasizing that their demands fall within the framework of their national, cultural, and political rights within a unified Syrian state. He confirmed that the agreement between President al-Shara and SDF leader Mazloum Abdi was focused on the reintegration of military and security institutions, stating that the Kurdish issue requires further negotiation.

Conversely, Ghazlan pointed out that the SDF has not effectively applied decentralization in the areas it controls, having centralized decision-making and prevented other forces from local governance, which raises doubts about the seriousness of their demands.

Ghazlan warned of the similarity between the SDF's experience and that of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in 2017, suggesting that Damascus organize a conference for the Arab majority in the Jazira region, which constitutes more than 80% of the population, to present their vision.

In conclusion, Mahmoud emphasized the importance of protecting minority rights as part of the concept of democracy, stressing that the constitution should be a social contract that is consensus-based among all components, not merely a ruling for the majority.

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