Moaz Al-Hamd
Al Hasaka, northeastern Syria– A delegation from the Syrian Government Committee met with representatives of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) at an American base in Hasakah governorate to discuss the implementation of the recently signed agreement between the two sides.
This meeting followed the formation of a five-member special committee by the Syrian presidency, led by the former governor of Deir ez-Zor, Hussein al-Salama. The committee was tasked with overseeing the agreement between the president of the interim government in Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and the commander of the SDF, Mazloum Abdi, aimed at reintegrating military and civilian institutions in northern and eastern Syria.
While some view the agreement as an opportunity to foster stability and bridge divisions, others see it as a mere reshuffling of influence under the oversight of external actors. With reactions ranging from cautious optimism to deep skepticism, the agreement’s success will depend on the mechanisms for its implementation and the level of commitment from all involved parties.
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Details of the Agreement
The agreement, signed on March 10 in Damascus, consists of eight key provisions. Most notably, it outlines the integration of military and civilian institutions in northern and eastern Syria into the Syrian state structure, including control over airports, oil and gas fields, and border crossings. It also includes a ceasefire and measures to facilitate the return of displaced persons to their homes.
Additionally, the agreement guarantees the Kurdish community’s right to citizenship and their inclusion in the Constitution. It also emphasizes the participation of all Syrians in the political process and supports the new Syrian administration in combating the “remnants of the Assad regime”. Notably, the agreement is set to be implemented by the end of this year.
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Responses and Controversies
Observers and social media users expressed optimism about the agreement, seeing it as a potential step toward national reconciliation and an end to Syria’s years of division.
Many viewed it as a turning point in unifying the country’s conflicting forces, enhancing the prospects for this political and security stability. Some analysts believe that integrating the SDF into the state structure could contribute to military and administrative reforms, helping to restructure the armed forces and ensure a more equitable distribution of power and resources.
However, despite the generally positive reception, the agreement has also faced sharp criticism, one of the most significant concerts is foreign interference, particularly the fact that the meeting took place at an American base in rural Hasakah. Many observers saw this as a sign of U.S. involvement in Syrian affairs, potentially undermining the country’s sovereignty.
On social media, some analysts voiced scepticism, fearing that the agreement may simply be merely a means of redistributing political influence rather than implementing reforms that benefit all Syrians.
For many, the success of the agreement depends on its implementation mechanisms, with only time can demonstrate the seriousness of the parties concerned. Observers have emphasized the importance of broadening to dialogue to include all Syrian political forces, ensuring the representation of all sectors of society in shaping the country’s future.
During his speech at the Brussels Conference on Syria, Asaad al-Shibani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Syrian provisional government, highlighted the widespread support for the agreement. He affirmed that the government was committed to ensuring its success and preventing any attempts to derail it.
Balancing optimism with caution, the agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF marks an important step toward national reconciliation. However, its success faces significant challenges, particularly in implementation and trust-building between the parties. As discussions continue, attention remains focused on whether this agreement can bring real change to Syria’s political landscape and achieve lasting stability after years of fragmentation.
