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The meeting between Ahmed al-Sharaa and the SDF is a cautious but meaningful step toward addressing Syria’s enduring divisions. While significant hurdles lie ahead, continued dialogue could play a critical role in shaping the country’s future amidst ongoing conflict and foreign interference.
Syria’s HTS leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, held his first official talks with delegates of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Monday, described by officials as “positive.” The meeting marks a significant step in relations following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad earlier this month.
The talks, conducted in Damascus, aim to establish a foundation for dialogue between Sharaa’s Islamist-led administration and the SDF, a US-backed coalition that played a critical role in the defeat of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria.
A Step Toward Dialogue
An official familiar with the discussions told AFP, “Monday’s meeting was preliminary, aiming to lay the groundwork for future understandings.” The official, speaking anonymously, added that both sides agreed to continue their dialogue, with intensified meetings expected in the coming weeks.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known by his nom de guerre “Jolani,” emerged as Syria’s new leader following the Islamist-led rebellion that ousted Assad in early December. The meeting signifies a potential shift in Syria’s fractured political landscape as Sharaa attempts to consolidate power and navigate the complexities of the country’s multi-factional conflict.
SDF’s Role in Post-ISIS Syria
The Syrian Democratic Forces, dominated by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), have been a key ally of the US-led coalition against ISIS. Since the defeat of the jihadist group in 2019, the SDF has governed large swaths of northeastern Syria under the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).
However, Turkey views the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). This perception has fueled tensions between Turkey and the SDF, particularly in northern Syria, where clashes with Turkish-backed factions have escalated in recent weeks.
Rising Violence in Northern Syria
The meeting comes amid ongoing clashes between the SDF and Turkish-backed forces. On Tuesday, Turkish-backed fighters reportedly killed three members of Kurdish-affiliated security forces in Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
These incidents underscore the fragility of the security situation in northern Syria, where Turkish-backed factions seek to expand their influence. Sharaa’s ties with Turkey and the SDF’s resistance to Turkish incursions add layers of complexity to the dialogue.
Challenges and Opportunities
Sharaa’s ability to engage the SDF in dialogue represents both an opportunity and a challenge. While these talks could pave the way for a more unified approach to stabilizing Syria, deep-seated animosities and competing interests remain significant obstacles.
Turkey’s influence over Sharaa’s administration and its hostility toward the SDF complicates the prospects for reconciliation. Additionally, the SDF’s desire to maintain autonomy in northeastern Syria might clash with Sharaa’s centralizing ambitions.
The meeting between Ahmed al-Sharaa and the SDF is a cautious but meaningful step toward addressing Syria’s enduring divisions. While significant hurdles lie ahead, continued dialogue could play a critical role in shaping the country’s future amidst ongoing conflict and foreign interference.
As tensions persist in northern Syria, all eyes will be on how these talks evolve and whether they can bring meaningful change to a war-torn nation.
This news written by Kardo RoJ was originally published by North Press Agency.
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Photo: The flag of Syrian Democratic Forces/Syriac Press
