Syrian Kurds and Government Reach Historic Integration Agreement

The U.S.-backed deal merges Kurdish-led forces into Syria’s state institutions, aiming to unify the country after 14 years of war.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syria’s interim government signed an agreement to integrate military and civil institutions in northeastern Syria into the national administration.
The U.S. played a key role in facilitating the deal, with General Mazloum Abdi of the SDF transported to Damascus by U.S. military aircraft for the signing.
The agreement aims to reduce tensions with Turkey, which opposes the SDF due to its links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), and to stabilize the region after recent sectarian violence.
Key unresolved issues include how SDF forces will merge with Syria’s military and the management of borders, with committees set to address these details.
The deal is seen as a step toward unifying Syria and reducing conflict, with U.S. officials emphasizing the importance of stability and continued efforts against ISIS.