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3. Syria–Kurds Reach Integration Deal After Weeks of Fighting

Syria’s government and Kurdish forces on Friday reached a broad agreement to gradually integrate Kurdish military units and administrative structures into the central state, following weeks of clashes that ended in a ceasefire.

The deal, confirmed by both the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syrian state television, comes after government troops regained large areas previously held by the Kurds.

Once controlling much of northern and northeastern Syria, Kurdish forces have now been pushed back to predominantly Kurdish regions. Under the agreement, Syrian government forces are set to enter the northeastern cities of Hasakeh and Qamishli, while three Syrian army brigades will be formed from SDF fighters. A separate brigade will also be established for the Kurdish-majority town of Kobani in the north.

It is worthy to note that on Sunday, Damascus and the SDF agreed to extend their ceasefire by 15 days as negotiations over the integration process continue. The move aligns with efforts by Syria’s new authorities to reassert state control across the country.

The agreement marks a significant setback for Kurdish aspirations of self-rule, after years of operating an autonomous administration in practice during Syria’s 13-year civil war.