Trump’s Strategic Reassurance: What Does It Mean for the SDF?

January 18, 2025January 21, 2025

In recent developments concerning the Syrian Kurdish crisis, a significant meeting took place between Mazloum Abdi, the commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and Masoud Barzani, the leader of the Iraqi Kurdistan region. This meeting focused on vital strategies to support US efforts in curtailing Turkish aggression against the SDF, indicating potential shifts in the geopolitical landscape of northeastern Syria.

The discussions between Abdi and Barzani highlighted several key points regarding the Kurdish situation:

The necessity of supporting US mediation to halt Turkish attacks on the SDF.
Possibilities for Peshmerga Rojava forces to enter SDF areas for protection.
Importance of Kurdish reconciliation to establish a unified Kurdish front.

During their conversation, it was also agreed to send a unified Kurdish delegation to Damascus to engage with the new Syrian administration. This strategic dialogue is crucial for securing the rights of the Kurdish population in Syria.

Coinciding with this meeting was the reaffirmation of support for the Kurds from US President-elect Donald Trump. His commitment followed the visit of Michael Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), to US bases in Syria where he engaged with SDF officials about the ongoing fight against ISIS.

During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State candidate, reiterated Trump’s support for the SDF. He emphasized the importance of preventing Turkey from taking hostile actions against the Kurds, citing that Kurdish forces have played a critical role in dismantling ISIS by safeguarding its prisons.

Rubio further underlined the goal of ensuring that Syrian territory does not become a safe haven for ISIS or a base for Iranian influence. He stated:

“We must ensure that Syria does not serve as a refuge for ISIS, nor should it be used by Iran to further its agenda.”

Abdi’s visit to Erbil followed a meeting involving Barzani’s envoy, Hamid al-Darbandi, and representatives from the Autonomous Administration and the Kurdish National Council in Syria. This meeting aimed to promote unity among Kurdish factions.

In a post on the social platform X, Abdi conveyed that the objectives of the SDF and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq are aligned, focusing on:

Engaging in peaceful dialogue with Damascus.
Guaranteeing the rights of the Kurdish people.

Moreover, during Kurilla’s visit to the Al-Hawl camp for displaced persons, he stressed the need for global efforts to repatriate ISIS families for rehabilitation and integration into their home countries. This reflects the US’s stance against Turkey’s attempts to exploit the situation following the Assad government’s decline.

However, tensions are rising regarding the US-Turkish relationship, particularly concerning the SDF. Turkish airstrikes have escalated in regions such as Ayn al-Arab (Kobani) and around Manbij, leading to increased pressure on the new US administration to reconsider its support for the SDF.

The situation is further complicated by the opening of the headquarters of the Syrian Democratic Council in Damascus, which has led to ongoing coordination between the SDF and the al-Julani government regarding the northeastern regions of Syria. According to Ahmed al-Dalati, a leader in the al-Julani government, the new administration prefers peaceful settlements over military conflict with the SDF.

It’s important to note that Siyamand Ali, director of the media center of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units, has denied any negotiations with the al-Julani government, especially concerning sensitive issues like ISIS detainees. He emphasized that such matters require careful deliberation to ensure all parties’ interests are respected.

Ali revealed that there are currently 26 prisons in northeastern Syria housing over 12,000 detainees linked to ISIS, coming from 55 different countries, with a majority from Syria and Iraq. This highlights the complexities surrounding the management of ISIS fighters and their families within the region.

Furthermore, the al-Julani government’s stance appears to align with US-Israeli priorities, especially regarding the dismantling of the Axis of Resistance in the region. The US aims to reshape Syria’s strategic positioning, which has historically supported resistance movements since the Camp David Accords of 1978.

In conclusion, the dynamics surrounding the Kurdish crisis in Syria are shifting, with significant implications for regional stability and international relations. The ongoing dialogues and agreements between Kurdish leaders, the US, and other stakeholders will play a critical role in shaping the future of the region and its approach to combating extremist threats.

International

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Impending Collapse of HTS-Led Regime Under Jolani, Says Kurdish Envoy

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International

Bold Alliance: US and Israel Challenge Lebanon’s Sovereignty Together

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