New Deal between Damascus and Kurds Paves Way for Potential Progress in Syria

Sajid Raza March 11, 2025

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Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) shakes the hand of Syrian Democratic Forces commander-in-chief Mazloum Abdi after the signing of an agreement in Damascus on 10 March 2025 (SANA/AFP)

A surprise agreement between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has created a sense of optimism for the future, despite several challenges that lie ahead. The deal, which was signed earlier this week, could mark a new chapter for Syria’s northeast, potentially offering greater rights and recognition to the Kurdish population.

The SDF, backed by the US and currently controlling the oil-rich northeast of Syria, reached an agreement with Damascus to integrate both its civilian and military institutions into the broader state framework. This deal has already sparked celebrations across various Syrian cities, with many seeing it as a step towards greater equality for Syria’s long-marginalized Kurds. It includes recognition of the Kurdish community as an integral part of Syria, granting them full citizenship and constitutional rights.

Mohammed A Salih, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, called it a positive development for Syria, especially for its Kurdish population. He highlighted that the deal addresses two significant issues: granting citizenship to the hundreds of thousands of Kurds left stateless since 1962 and ensuring the return of those displaced by Turkish-backed forces from areas like Afrin.

The eight-point agreement, signed by SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, also includes guarantees for all Syrians, irrespective of ethnic or religious background, to participate in state institutions based on competence. The deal also highlights the importance of a transitional phase that aligns with the aspirations of the Kurdish people, reflecting a shared commitment to justice and stability.

The SDF’s Abdi referred to the agreement as a “genuine opportunity” to build a new Syria that embraces all its diverse communities, ensuring good relations with neighboring states, particularly Turkey, which has opposed the SDF’s control of northeast Syria.

Despite the optimism surrounding the agreement, its implementation will be far from easy. The integration of SDF-controlled territories, such as border crossings, airports, and oil fields, into the Syrian state’s institutions will require significant coordination. Furthermore, the return of displaced Syrians and efforts to combat terrorism remain critical issues.

International mediation, particularly by the United States, has been a crucial factor in the negotiations, with months of talks leading to this breakthrough. Several Western countries, including France and Germany, have expressed support for the agreement, acknowledging the SDF’s role as a key player in the region.

However, experts caution that transforming the agreement into tangible actions that satisfy both parties will be a lengthy and complex process, especially in the face of external political influences. The ongoing presence of US troops in Syria and the precarious security situation in the region further complicate the path forward.

The deal also raises critical questions about the fate of detained Islamic State fighters and their families, who remain a source of instability in the region. The challenge of addressing these issues, along with the integration of the SDF’s military operations into Syria’s defense framework, looms large.

While the deal holds promise, the true test will be whether it leads to lasting peace and stability, not just for the Kurds, but for all Syrians.