Kurdish general on peace deal with Syria and hopes for the future

Key Concepts

• Syrian Kurds: The primary focus of the interview, discussing their autonomy, relationship with the Syrian government, and future prospects.
• ISIS Resurgence: The ongoing threat posed by ISIS, despite territorial losses, and the implications for regional and global security.
• U.S. Role in Syria: The shifting U.S. policy, troop withdrawals, and diminishing support for the Syrian Kurds.
• Autonomy vs. Local Administration: The distinction between full self-governance and limited administrative control for Kurdish regions.
• Syrian Government Consolidation: The Syrian government’s efforts to regain control over territory previously held by Kurdish forces.
• Prisoner Transfers: The transfer of ISIS prisoners to Iraq and the concerns surrounding the fate of ISIS families.

The Shifting Landscape in Syria: A Conversation with General Mazloum Abdi

The interview with General Mazloum Abdi, head of the Syrian Kurds, reveals a dramatically changing situation in Syria, marked by a deal between the Syrian Kurds and the Syrian government, a reduced U.S. presence, and the persistent threat of ISIS. The conversation centers on the implications of these shifts for the Kurds, the fight against ISIS, and the future of Syria.

The January Agreement and Kurdish Autonomy

The late January agreement between the Syrian Kurds and the Syrian government was described by General Abdi as “the best possible outcome under the Kurds’ circumstances,” despite not being the ideal solution. This agreement came after military and economic setbacks for the Kurds, including the loss of territory, oil and gas revenue, and the forced withdrawal from northern Syria in January. Key components of the deal include the handover of border checkpoints to the Syrian government, the integration of Kurdish brigades into the Syrian military, and guarantees of civil and educational rights for Kurdish regions.

While the Kurds initially sought full autonomy, General Abdi acknowledged that, “due to the current circumstances and the condition for the domestic government to accept us, it is just local administration.” He clarified that empowered local governance, including control over local police and schools, is currently the achievable goal, but reiterated the continued desire for autonomy. He stated firmly, “If the deal collapses, we will persist until the very end. It is impossible for us to give up on the kurdish regions,” hinting at the possibility of renewed conflict should the agreement fail.

The Evolving Fight Against ISIS

The interview highlights a significant shift in the counter-ISIS strategy. The U.S. is increasingly relying on the Syrian central government, military and police, as its primary partner in combating ISIS. General Abdi warned that “ISIS is still very strong and has gradually gained access to major Syrian cities,” capable of launching attacks “whenever it wants.” He emphasized the need for continued vigorous efforts to prevent the organization from regaining its strength and posing a global threat.

Recent actions include the transfer of 5700 ISIS prisoners to Iraq by the U.S., described by a U.S. official as removing “the most dangerous prisoners” and weakening ISIS’s influence. However, a concerning development is the lack of tracking of at least 10,000 ISIS women and children who left the largest camp after control was transferred to the Syrian government. This raises serious concerns about potential radicalization and future recruitment.

U.S. Withdrawal and Kurdish Disappointment

The U.S. has already begun to consolidate its forces in Syria, closing two bases, and officials indicate further movement will be “based on conditions,” with outside experts predicting a full eventual withdrawal. General Abdi expressed disappointment with the U.S. stance, stating, “A major attack was launched against our regions and many people were killed. The U.S. stance was not strong enough to stop the attack,” leading to “widespread disappointment among our people.”

Former President Trump’s comments, quoted in the report, further illustrate the shift in U.S. policy: “The kurds will pay tremendous amounts of money. We give them oil and other things. They were doing it for themselves. More so than they were doing it for us.” This underscores the perception that the U.S. viewed its support for the Kurds primarily as serving its own interests.

Identity and the Future of Syria

General Abdi articulated a dual identity, stating, “I have two identities. One is being Syrian and the other is being kurdish. I am essentially kurdish.” He expressed a desire for a rebuilt Syria where Kurdish regions can “develop and prosper” and Kurds have “their own major roles within the country.” This vision reflects a complex balancing act between national unity and the preservation of Kurdish identity and interests.

Conclusion

The interview paints a picture of a Syria in transition, where the Kurds are navigating a precarious situation, balancing pragmatism with their long-held aspirations for autonomy. The diminished U.S. role and the resurgence of the Syrian government as a key player in the fight against ISIS create a new dynamic with uncertain consequences. The future of Syria, and the ongoing threat of ISIS, will depend on the success of this fragile transition and the ability of all parties to address the underlying issues of security, governance, and identity. The situation remains fluid, and the potential for renewed conflict remains a significant concern.