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The United States has formally endorsed a major ceasefire and political integration deal between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
In a statement on Sunday, US Special Envoy for Syria and Ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack, described the agreement as a “pivotal inflection point.” He also pledged Washington’s full support for the implementation process.
US Policy Shift and New Partnership Framework
Barrack’s statement marks a significant shift in US policy. The United States has long supported the SDF as the main ground force against the Islamic State (ISIS).
He said Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has recognized the Kurds as an integral part of Syria. Barrack added that the US looks forward to the smooth integration of the SDF, which has been a key partner in the fight against ISIS.
He noted that finalizing the details of the integration agreement will be challenging. However, he affirmed that the United States will support the process at every stage.
Terms of the Syrian Government’s Announcement
The US endorsement followed the Syrian government’s official announcement of the ceasefire and integration deal.
State media reported that the agreement requires an immediate and full ceasefire across all front lines. It also calls for SDF-linked military forces to withdraw to areas east of the Euphrates River.
This withdrawal is meant to prepare for the SDF’s eventual redeployment and integration into state security structures. The goal is to restore the central government’s authority in northeastern Syria, a region outside its control for over a decade.
What the Deal Means for Regional Stability and Türkiye
The agreement has major implications for regional stability, especially for Türkiye.
Ankara views the SDF’s dominant faction, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), as linked to the PKK and a threat to Turkish security. If the deal succeeds, it could dismantle the YPG as an independent armed force and bring northeastern Syria under Damascus’s control.
For Türkiye, this would address a key security concern. However, the deal’s success depends on trustworthy implementation and the actual disbandment of the YPG’s separate military structure.
