Syria’s Kurds Will Maintain Arms Until ISIS Is Defeated

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) will not disarm until ISIS is defeated in Syria, according to Ilham Ahmed. The SDF, holding significant territory, opposes the centralization policy of new Syrian President Ahmed Al Shara. They emphasize the need for dialogue to address both military and civil issues, as they fear marginalization could lead to conflict.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a predominantly Kurdish paramilitary group supported by the US, will retain their weapons until the ISIS threat is neutralized in Syria. Ilham Ahmed, a senior Kurdish official, emphasized the necessity of their arms due to the resurgence of ISIS. The SDF controls significant areas in north-east Syria and is wary of marginalization under the new government’s centralization efforts led by President Ahmed Al Shara.

Ahmed Al Shara has indicated a desire for inclusion but insists on the disarmament of paramilitary groups. During discussions with SDF representatives, he expressed a commitment to engaging with local actors. The SDF advocates for decentralization and has been pushing for semi-autonomous governance to safeguard their territorial gains, including control over vital oil and gas resources.

The current governing body in Damascus has not accepted the SDF’s requests for autonomy within the proposed structured armed forces. Ahmed warned that ignoring the identities of Syria’s diverse groups could lead to internal conflict, as Kurdish identity has faced historical negation. During her visit to Paris, Ahmed met with diplomats but did not participate in the broader supportive conference for Syria, hinting at ongoing exclusion of Syrian Kurds from critical discussions.

US officials reaffirmed their ongoing cooperation with the SDF against ISIS, despite uncertainty about future US involvement in Syria. The SDF, numbering 100,000 personnel, views its military experience as essential for maintaining regional security against ISIS. Discussions on integration with the Syrian army remain conditional on factors such as a ceasefire with Turkey and the cessation of ISIS activities.

Further negotiations are anticipated to address both military and civil concerns in Syria, signaling the importance of continued dialogue between the SDF and the new leadership. Ahmed noted that past discussions became overly focused on military aspects rather than addressing comprehensive local needs. Her emphasis on persistent dialogue underlines the critical nature of collaboration among diverse Syrian factions as the situation evolves.

The SDF remains committed to combating ISIS while retaining their military capabilities until the threat subsides. As Syria navigates political transition and potential integration of armed forces, the voices of minority groups like the Kurds must be acknowledged to prevent further conflict. Future negotiations are crucial for establishing a collaborative framework amongst various factions and ensuring regional stability.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com