The United States has intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate critical tensions between Syria's new central authorities and the predominantly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as recent escalations threaten to ignite an all-out conflict. Sources indicate that a high-level Kurdish politician is set to travel to Damascus with new proposals following crucial meetings with US officials in Amman.
The recent surge in violence has heightened concerns. In the past days, Syrian authorities reported the seizure of rocket launchers and other weaponry allegedly en route to SDF-controlled eastern territories. Damascus also claims to have thwarted an SDF infiltration attempt in the Deir Ezzor governorate, a claim the SDF denies. Meanwhile, Turkish jets, a key backer of the current Damascus government, bombed SDF positions along the Euphrates River.
The National reports that the renewed US strategy involves a less confrontational approach towards the Kurds, particularly after Washington opposed their demands for a decentralized Syrian government. Crucially, American officials have presented proposals aimed at bridging the fundamental divide over Damascus's insistence that the SDF disbands. "The State Department had basically shuttered its doors to the Kurds. Now they are open again," a source in Washington revealed. This shift in US posture is reportedly linked to the Syrian government's campaign in the predominantly Druze province of Sweida, where hundreds of civilians were killed before an Israeli military intervention essentially halted the offensive. "They are listening to them more than before," the source added, referring to the increased engagement with Kurdish representatives.
Despite this renewed engagement, US officials have cautioned the SDF against expecting the same level of protection that Israel extended to the Druze. While direct contact between the SDF and Israel has increased, Washington remains firm on the need for substantive concessions from the Kurdish forces. "Washington is still adamant that the Kurds make substantive concessions," a source explained. "Israel cannot defend two minorities at the same time and will always choose the Druze first." The US anticipates the SDF will relinquish Arab-controlled areas in the east and end its monopoly on regional oil production.
This diplomatic outreach comes as senior Kurdish politician Ilham Ahmad, a key SDF negotiator, met with members of the US Senate and House foreign relations committees in Amman on Sunday. A diplomat present at the meeting confirmed that the State Department was closely involved. Scott Bolz, a senior American diplomat handling the Kurdish file, also met with Ms. Ahmad in Jordan.
The issue of the SDF's future has become a central challenge in US-led efforts to stabilize Syria post-civil war. The SDF, established by the US as an ally against ISIS, controls vital resource-rich regions of eastern Syria. Damascus views regaining these areas as essential for President Ahmad Al-Shara to solidify his authority. A previous agreement in March to integrate the SDF into the post-Assad state has stalled, primarily due to Damascus's demand for the SDF's dissolution.
The US proposal suggests a partial integration of the SDF into the new Syrian army, which could allow Al Shara to achieve his goal while enabling SDF leader Mazloum Abdi to retain a significant portion of his forces and maintain a channel to Damascus. However, deep-seated mistrust persists, with the SDF reportedly more resolute than ever not to disband, particularly in light of the Sweida events, fearing a repeat scenario in the east.
An underlying factor influencing the situation is Turkey's significant influence over Damascus's approach to the SDF. Ankara views the SDF as a substantial security threat and vehemently opposes any decentralization that could empower Kurdish and other minority groups. Western diplomats note that even with potential flexibility from Al Shara, Turkey's stance remains a formidable obstacle. Ms. Ahmad is expected to travel to Damascus in the coming days for further negotiations, facing a challenging landscape where the SDF's hardline position, bolstered by recent events, clashes with the Syrian government's insistence on a unitary state. Without the Syrian government's acceptance of decentralization, any talks are likely to be perceived as procedural gestures to appease American pressure, rather than a genuine move towards relinquishing control.