https://arab.news/gu4me
Syria’s Defense Ministry on Tuesday declared a four-day ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces, an announcement that coincided with a significant American policy signal. US envoy Tom Barrack stated that integration into the Syrian state — complete with “citizenship rights, cultural protection and political participation” — represents “the greatest opportunity for the Kurds in Syria right now.” He added that the SDF’s original anti-Daesh support mission has “largely expired” and emphasized America has “no interest in (a) long-term military presence in Syria.”
Barrack’s remarks clearly favored Damascus’ central government, likely surprising Kurdish expectations. They signal a recalibration of American engagement in post-Assad Syria, fundamentally reframing the SDF’s status from anti-Daesh combat force to a local faction expected to merge into state structures.
The EU adopted a similar stance, declaring that “the integration of military, security and civilian institutions into unified state frameworks, alongside meaningful political and local participation, is essential.” Brussels did stress, however, that “the full protection of Kurdish rights is also crucial” — seeking simultaneously to empower Damascus while preventing Kurdish marginalization.
