Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has signed a significant agreement with the Kurdish forces in the country. This deal, finalized on Monday, aims to integrate the Kurdish community into the Syrian state by the end of the year.
The agreement, made with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), promises to uphold the rights of all Syrians, ensuring they can participate in the political process and state institutions based on their skills, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds. This marks a notable shift, as the Kurdish community, mainly located in eastern Syria, will be formally recognized as part of the state. The deal also allows for citizenship for tens of thousands of Kurds who were previously denied it under the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad.
In a move to rectify past injustices, the agreement will lift restrictions that banned the Kurdish language in schools and prohibited the celebration of Kurdish holidays. Additionally, Kurdish institutions in northeastern Syria will be integrated into the Syrian state, and displaced Kurds will be permitted to return home under state protection.
The Kurds have also pledged to support the Syrian state in combating threats from remnants of Assad’s regime. This agreement comes on the heels of violent clashes that resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,300 people, including civilians and security forces, following attacks on the new regime’s checkpoints.
In a speech delivered from a mosque in Damascus, Shaara called for national unity and launched a fact-finding committee to investigate the recent killings. He has urged all armed groups, including the SDF, to join the Syrian army after his forces overthrew Assad in December with the help of the U.S.-designated terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi hailed the agreement as a chance to build a new Syria that includes all communities. The deal has sparked celebrations in major cities across Syria, as many see it as a step toward coexistence. Leaders from the Kurdish political parties in Iraq have also praised the agreement, calling it a vital move for partnership in the new Syria.
Despite the optimism, some experts express caution. Diliman Abdulkader, a Kurdish politics expert, acknowledges the deal’s political necessity, emphasizing that the Kurds are crucial to Syria’s future. He noted the sacrifices made by the Kurdish forces in the fight against ISIS and highlighted their role in maintaining security in northeastern Syria.
While the agreement marks progress for the Kurdish community, Shaara still needs to negotiate with the Druze minority in southern Syria. Israel has promised to protect the Druze from any threats amid ongoing tensions in the region.
As the situation unfolds, many are hopeful that this agreement will lead to a more inclusive and stable Syria, but the path ahead remains uncertain.