Syrian government secures Kurdish alliance

The Syrian interim government has made a major step toward stability as President Al-Sharaa has reached a significant agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

According to Aljazeera reports on March 10th, Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi said they had struck a deal to merge “all civil and military institutions in northeastern Syria” into the national administration, including an airport and oil and gas fields.

The comprehensive agreement includes a nationwide ceasefire and integrates SDF forces in the fight against pro-Assad fighters. Crucially for the Kurdish population, the deal affirms them as integral to Syria, guaranteeing citizenship rights and constitutional protections.

This represents a significant development for the interim government, which has faced severe backlash over the killings of Alawites in northwestern Syria. These attacks undermined the government’s stated commitment to protecting minority groups while building national unity.

Yet in recent days following the attacks which started on the 6th of March, the new government has created peaceful agreements in the south with the Druze and now with the Kurds in the North.

This is a step in the right direction to provide stability in the region which has been in a civil war since 2011 under the Assad regime.

The Kurds and SDF themselves are a large force for power in the divided Syria for multiple reasons. SDF has over 100,000 fighters alongside modern military equipment, they have an economic stronghold and have the support of the US government.

The US government has openly condemned the new regime yet with the new agreement between the SDF and the government, the US has come out in support.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a statement on 11th of March endorsing the relationship. “The United States reaffirms its support for a political transition that demonstrates credible, non-sectarian governance as the best path to avoid further conflict.”

This offers a positive step for Syrian economic stability alongside the chance for the new government to hold onto its power. The US has still warned that they are keeping an eye on the moves which the government is going to make, as deadly violence such as that taken against the minorities in the country, has still left concern over the new government.

Though it is not just the US which will have been affected by this deal; other outside forces such as Israel will have been disheartened by the agreement.

In Israel, there has been an attack on Syria, with attacks taking place on the 10th-11th of March on the military headquarters in Syria. Israel believe Syria is a place where they can again wield power in the region.

Yet with agreements now secured with both the SDF and Suweida in the South, the Israeli government has lost potential factions it could influence.

The Syrian government has made important moves towards uniting and stabilising the country this week. With two serious factions of sway for outside instigators, such as Israel, having been integrated into the new state, removing two factions which easily could have caused problems for the new government.

The specific integration of the SDF is a big turning point for the government and could be looked back on in the future as the moment they found their power. Implementing over 100,000 new soldiers, equipment and also removing the threat at the same time will be a decisive move for the government. It has also offered a lifeline for the US government to recognise the new government further affirming their power in the country.

While the attacks on Alawites in the northwest still raise serious questions about their commitment to peace and unity, they’ve addressed some concerns through inclusive deals with powers in both northern and southern Syria. Though US approval remains uncertain, these moves have certainly opened the door to potential recognition.

Aljazeera, U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkİye