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Breadcrumb
A historic peace agreement signed in Damascus between Syria‘s transitional government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has generated cautious optimism among Iraqi Kurdish leaders, although political analysts remain sceptical about the ambitious plan’s feasibility.
The agreement was finalised in Damascus on Monday evening by Syria’s interim president Ahmed Al-Sharaa and SDF Commander Mazlum Abdi after extensive negotiations. It seeks to deliver stability, unity, and democratic reforms to a nation shattered by years of conflict.
Under the terms of the agreement, all Syrians will have equal political opportunities, with roles in state institutions allocated by merit rather than ethnic or religious affiliation.
Significantly, the Kurdish community, historically marginalised in Syria, has been recognised as integral to the state, receiving full citizenship rights and constitutional protections.
Additionally, the agreement mandates a nationwide ceasefire and the integration of all civil and military institutions in north-eastern Syria into central government control. Key infrastructure, including border crossings, an airport, and vital oil and gas fields, will directly fall under Damascus‘s authority.
Iraqi Kurdish political figures have widely welcomed the agreement, optimistic about its potential regional impact. However, the Iraqi government has yet to have any formal position on the deal.
Fethullah Husseini, representative of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) in Iraqi Kurdistan, told The New Arab that the deal “will establish peace and stability in Syria, thereby positively affecting stability in Iraq and the wider Kurdish region.”
“The recognition of Kurdish rights in Syria’s future constitution is a victory not only for Syrian Kurds but for Kurds across Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq,” Husseini said. He also noted that the SDF, recognised for its role against terrorism, could become a foundation for Syria’s future national army.
Pavel Jalal Talabani, President of the ruling Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), called the deal “a positive move towards coexistence and stability,” reaffirming support for Mazlum Abdi’s peace efforts. Salahad-Din Mohammed Bahaaddin, secretary-general of the Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU), described the agreement as “the correct path,” especially after recent violent clashes.
Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region and Deputy Head of the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), posted on the X platform: “We congratulate our brothers in Syria on this agreement. The Syrian people’s positive reception reflects their desire for stability and peaceful solutions away from violence.”
Barzani further emphasised the Kurdistan Region’s full support for Syria’s stability, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the rights of all Syrian communities and their active participation in building a prosperous Syria.
Despite optimism among Kurdish leaders, some political analysts question the agreement’s viability. Kamaran Mantik, professor of politics at Salahadin University, told The New Arab, “All aspects of this agreement lack the necessary foundation for successful implementation. The Kurds and the Syrian government fundamentally differ in their visions for Syria.”
Mantik suggested Damascus might be using the agreement tactically to deflect international criticism following recent mass killings on Syria’s coast. He doubted Damascus’ genuine commitment to peace, saying, “Damascus is under pressure and might use this deal to ease internal tensions, preventing Kurds, Druze, and Alawis from unifying against it.”
Mantik further argued that broader geopolitical rivalries complicate Syria’s future, notably as Russia and Turkey back a strong centralised government in Damascus, while Israel favours a divided Syria to prevent the emergence of a unified state seen as a potential threat.
“International powers are currently in conflict, each aiming to shape Syria according to their interests,” Mantik stated, warning that Israel pursues expansion policies to achieve broader geopolitical goals after largely weakened Iran‘s proxies in the region.
On his part, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the X platform, writing, “The United States also welcomes the agreement between Syrian interim authorities and the SDF, reaffirming support for credible, non-sectarian governance as the best path to avoid further conflict.”
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for the full implementation of the agreement, stating, “The winners will be Syrians.”
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously affiliated with Al-Qaeda, took control of Damascus on 8 December following an offensive that forced former dictator Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia, ending over five decades of authoritarian family rule.
As Syria stands at a critical crossroads, the Damascus agreement’s success or failure will significantly determine whether lasting peace and unity can finally be achieved, or whether entrenched divisions from decades of conflict persist.
SDF agrees to deal to integrate into Syrian state institutions
