Syrian government and Kurdish forces agree to ceasefire | DW News

Key Concepts

• Syrian-Kurdish Ceasefire Deal
• Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)
• Kurdish Autonomy and Self-Administration
• Control of Oil and Gas Fields
• Integration of Kurdish Forces into Syrian Army
• Kurdish Civilian Reactions and Concerns
• Decentralization Demands
• Cultural, Linguistic, and Political Rights
• US Role and Kurdish Disappointment
• Battle of Kobani

Syrian Army Advances and Ceasefire Deal

A ceasefire deal has reportedly been reached between the Syrian government and the mainly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This agreement is said to include the merging of Kurdish and Syrian government forces and the transfer of control over oil resources to Damascus. This development follows the Syrian army's successful offensive against US-backed Kurdish forces, during which they captured the strategically important town of Tabka in the northeast. Footage shows Syrian government troops entering Tabka, and they also seized major nearby dams and significant oil and gas fields. The Syrian government has been actively working to integrate Kurdish-controlled territories and their populations into Syria since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Vladimir Van Vilgenberg, a freelance journalist, highlighted the significance of these captures, stating it's a "huge advance for the Syrian army" as they took control of the "biggest oil fields and gas fields in northeast Syria" that were previously under Kurdish-led forces after being taken from ISIS. The Syrian Minister of Energy has reportedly stated plans to "develop this oil fields for the benefit of Syria."

Status of Kurdish Autonomy and Self-Administration

Journalist Berivan Raol, reporting from Kamishi in northern Syria, near the Turkish border, addressed the question of Kurdish autonomy. While the self-administration in Kamishi announced a full curfew, there was still visible movement and transportation, possibly due to the city receiving a significant number of displaced people. Raol emphasized that what is being witnessed is not the immediate disappearance of Kurdish self-administration, but rather a "fundamental shift in the forms" it takes. The model that existed over the past year "is clearly being weakened," and its replacement "remains unclear and uncertain till now."

Implications of Oil and Gas Field Handover

The deal to hand over oil and gas fields to the Syrian government has elicited "deeply divided" reactions among Kurdish communities. While the revenue from these resources, even if not perfectly managed, was beneficial for providing basic services in the region, Kurdish people are "skeptical about the revenue of these oils if that will be distributed fairly or not." This skepticism stems from a "long history of what we suffer from the previous regime." The transfer of these resources represents a substantial gain for Damascus, as these were the largest oil and gas fields in the region.

Integration of Kurdish Forces into the Syrian Army

The requirement for Kurdish-led forces to integrate into the Syrian army has also met with "mixed" reactions. Some individuals view integration as a "good way to avoid fighting and keep civilians safe." Conversely, others perceive it as a "force" and fear it "will take away the Kurdish last means of self protection." This fear is particularly potent given the "long history of discrimination and the lack of trust in the Syrian army."

Vladimir Van Vilgenberg further elaborated on the complexities of this integration, noting that these areas have been autonomous for a very long time. Kurdish political parties generally demand "some form of decentralization." While the current government decree reportedly addresses "cultural and linguistical rights," Kurds also seek "political rights." A specific challenge highlighted is the integration of military units, particularly female fighters, into what might be a "more Islamist system of the new government."

Kurdish Mobilization and Ongoing Dialogue

The Kurdish administration has called on residents, especially young people, to "take up arms." This call is driven by fears that Damascus, having taken control of majority Arab areas, "will also advance and attack the Kurdish controlled areas." This mobilization echoes past events, such as the "battle of Kobani with ISIS," where Kurds mobilized to defend themselves, though a large part of the civilian population subsequently left.

Despite the military advances, dialogue has not ceased. Kurdish media reports indicate an agreement between Muslim Abdi, the leader of the SDF, and the Syrian government. The Syrian Minister of Information also announced that an agreement would be declared after six. These developments are seen as having "pushed both sides basically to solution" in their long-standing efforts to find a resolution since the fall of the Assad regime.

US Role and Kurdish Disappointment

A significant theme discussed is the profound disappointment among Kurds regarding the United States' role in Syria. Both Kurdish leaders and the general population feel "disappointment" and believe "Washington betrayed them," failing to stand with the Kurdish people despite their prolonged fight against ISIS. There is a widespread feeling that the US "now support Damascus," despite the immense "suffering and sacrifices" made by Kurds in the anti-ISIS campaign. The US envoy was recently in Erbil to discuss solutions with Iraqi Kurdish leaders, but the general sentiment among Kurds is one of abandonment by the US, despite their significant contributions and sacrifices.

Conclusion

The situation in northern Syria is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by the Syrian government's reassertion of control over strategic territories and vital oil resources. While a ceasefire deal is in place, promising integration of Kurdish forces and resource transfer, the future of Kurdish autonomy is uncertain, characterized by a "fundamental shift" rather than outright disappearance. Kurdish communities are deeply divided in their reactions, balancing hopes for protection against fears of losing self-defense capabilities and facing historical discrimination. Key challenges include ensuring fair distribution of oil revenues, addressing demands for political rights beyond cultural and linguistic ones, and integrating diverse military units, including female fighters, into the Syrian army. A pervasive sentiment among Kurds is one of deep disappointment and feeling abandoned by the United States, despite their critical role and sacrifices in the fight against ISIS. Dialogue continues, but the path to a stable and equitable resolution remains complex and fraught with historical mistrust and competing demands.