A peace agreement in Syria between the government and the SDF aims to foster stability and equality among citizens, prompting optimism among Iraqi Kurdish leaders, while some analysts express doubts about its implementation. The agreement includes a ceasefire and central governances over key areas. The impact on Iraq’s politics remains uncertain, as the Iraqi government has not yet responded formally.
A significant peace agreement was reached in Damascus between Syria’s transitional government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), fostering cautious optimism among Iraqi Kurdish leaders despite skepticism from political analysts regarding its feasibility. The agreement aims to restore stability, unity, and democratic reforms in Syria, a nation devastated by prolonged conflict. Key provisions emphasize equitable political representation for all Syrians based on merit rather than ethnic or religious affiliations, acknowledging the Kurdish community’s integral role in the state with full citizenship rights and constitutional safeguards.
The agreement also stipulates a national ceasefire and mandates the integration of civil and military institutions in northeastern Syria under central government control, concentrating authority over critical infrastructure, including border crossings and oil fields, within Damascus’s purview. Iraqi Kurdish leaders expressed optimism about the agreement’s potential impact on regional stability, although the Iraqi government remains officially silent. Fethullah Husseini, a representative from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, remarked that the deal could enhance stability in both Syria and Iraq. He further noted the importance of recognizing Kurdish rights across the region.
Presidents and leaders of Kurdish political parties, including Pavel Jalal Talabani and Nechirvan Barzani, praised the agreement as a positive step toward achieving coexistence and stability. Barzani emphasized the Kurdistan Region’s support for Syria’s stability and the protection of all communities in the nation. However, contrasting perspectives emerge from political analysts who question the agreement’s viability. Kamaran Mantik, a political science professor, expressed doubts about the foundational support necessary for successful implementation, citing divergent visions held by the Kurdish groups and the Syrian government.
Mantik highlighted potential tactical motivations behind the Syrian government’s engagement in the agreement, suggesting it may be a response to international scrutiny following recent violence. He also pointed to international dynamics, noting rivalries among global powers, particularly regarding the support displayed by Russia, Turkey, and Israel towards different Syrian governance frameworks. In remarks echoing similar sentiments, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commended the agreement, underscoring the necessity of non-sectarian governance to avert further conflict.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged full adherence to the agreement, positing that its successful implementation would benefit the Syrian populace. As Syria navigates this pivotal period, the outcomes of the Damascus agreement will significantly influence the nation’s prospects for enduring peace and the resolution of longstanding divisions borne from years of conflict.
The recent peace agreement between Syria’s transitional government and the SDF holds significant implications for both regional stability and Iraqi politics. While it has garnered support from Iraqi Kurdish leaders, skepticism remains regarding its actual viability amid geopolitical complexities. The success or failure of this agreement will crucially affect Syria’s future, potentially determining whether the country can achieve lasting peace or continue to grapple with deep-rooted divisions.
Original Source: www.newarab.com