Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to meet Mazloum Abdi, head of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in what could be a crucial step towards consolidating a ceasefire after days of intense battles between government forces and tribal allies. The meeting comes following a dramatic escalation that saw Syrian government forces retake significant territory in the northeast, forcing the SDF to accept a truce and an agreement that will see Kurdish civilian and military authorities brought under central state control.
Abdi accepted the ceasefire declared by al-Sharaa on Sunday, stating that the conflict had been imposed on the SDF and planned by several parties. He announced his acceptance in a televised address, saying he would outline the terms of the agreement after returning from Damascus.
The announcement of the ceasefire was met with widespread public joy in Damascus, with many expressing relief and cautious optimism about the future. However, fears persist that the ceasefire may not hold, given the country's history of deadly conflict.
Syrians are said to be exhausted by the ongoing crisis, with economic hardship looming large over their minds. "Everyone we spoke to here in Damascus, including many Syrian Kurds, just wanted a peaceful solution," said Al Jazeera's Ayman Oghanna.
The SDF is not seeking separation from Syria and has called for guarantees from international actors, while denying any support from Iran or Russia. However, the group's commander, Sipan Hamo, acknowledged that it would defend what he described as its gains.
Under the agreement, SDF fighters are expected to be integrated into state institutions, with government authorities deployed to key cities such as Raqqa, Deir Az Zor, and Hasakah. The Syrian presidency has hailed the deal as a major victory for Damascus, calling on tribal forces to allow its implementation.
Attention is now shifting from the ceasefire announcement to how the Syrian state will govern areas that have been recently brought back under its control. Al Jazeera's Zein Basravi said the meeting between al-Sharaa and Abdi would clarify unresolved questions regarding some of the ambiguities of the deal, but added that the immediate challenge lies on the ground.
The US has welcomed the agreement, with special envoy Tom Barrack saying it marked a turning point towards renewed dialogue and cooperation. However, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also discussed the developments in Syria with al-Sharaa during a phone call, reiterating Ankara's support for Damascus' efforts to eliminate terrorism from Syrian territory.
The Syrian government's regaining of control over oil and gas resources could reshape the ceasefire dynamics and give Damascus greater leverage. However, integration of fighters from the SDF is expected to pose significant challenges, given their international backing and the complexities of Kurdish politics.
Ultimately, the success of the agreement will depend on Damascus' ability to balance the competing demands of its citizens with the need for security and stability in a region still reeling from conflict.
Abdi accepted the ceasefire declared by al-Sharaa on Sunday, stating that the conflict had been imposed on the SDF and planned by several parties. He announced his acceptance in a televised address, saying he would outline the terms of the agreement after returning from Damascus.
The announcement of the ceasefire was met with widespread public joy in Damascus, with many expressing relief and cautious optimism about the future. However, fears persist that the ceasefire may not hold, given the country's history of deadly conflict.
Syrians are said to be exhausted by the ongoing crisis, with economic hardship looming large over their minds. "Everyone we spoke to here in Damascus, including many Syrian Kurds, just wanted a peaceful solution," said Al Jazeera's Ayman Oghanna.
The SDF is not seeking separation from Syria and has called for guarantees from international actors, while denying any support from Iran or Russia. However, the group's commander, Sipan Hamo, acknowledged that it would defend what he described as its gains.
Under the agreement, SDF fighters are expected to be integrated into state institutions, with government authorities deployed to key cities such as Raqqa, Deir Az Zor, and Hasakah. The Syrian presidency has hailed the deal as a major victory for Damascus, calling on tribal forces to allow its implementation.
Attention is now shifting from the ceasefire announcement to how the Syrian state will govern areas that have been recently brought back under its control. Al Jazeera's Zein Basravi said the meeting between al-Sharaa and Abdi would clarify unresolved questions regarding some of the ambiguities of the deal, but added that the immediate challenge lies on the ground.
The US has welcomed the agreement, with special envoy Tom Barrack saying it marked a turning point towards renewed dialogue and cooperation. However, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also discussed the developments in Syria with al-Sharaa during a phone call, reiterating Ankara's support for Damascus' efforts to eliminate terrorism from Syrian territory.
The Syrian government's regaining of control over oil and gas resources could reshape the ceasefire dynamics and give Damascus greater leverage. However, integration of fighters from the SDF is expected to pose significant challenges, given their international backing and the complexities of Kurdish politics.
Ultimately, the success of the agreement will depend on Damascus' ability to balance the competing demands of its citizens with the need for security and stability in a region still reeling from conflict.
the fact that syrian government forces retake significant territory without international intervention is kinda worrisome ... what if they just use this as an excuse to crush any opposition? i'm not sure about abdi's decision, seems like he's being forced into a corner by the parties involved 
, you can feel the desperation in people's voices when they talk about wanting peace. the sdf's not asking for separation or anything drastic, but their gains are already under threat. it's interesting that turkey's got a hold on this too... Erdogan's got a lot to say now that syria's back in control of its own resources 
. for the ceasefire to stick, damascus needs to prove they can deliver on security and stability without suffocating the local population 
. It's like trying to put together a puzzle blindfolded.
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! Syria's been through so much already, it's hard to imagine how exhausting life must be under all this uncertainty 
. I mean, can you blame the SDF for wanting guarantees from int'l actors tho? It's not like they're just gonna roll over and let Damascus take control 
. And what about those oil and gas resources? If Syria gets a grip on that, it'll be interesting to see how it all plays out 
. One thing's for sure, the world is watching, so we'll have to wait and see if this agreement holds up 
#SyriaCeasefire #SDF #Damascus #GlobalStability
it seems like it's all about damascus getting what they want back, but what about the people who are actually affected by this war? i mean imo, this meeting between al-sharaa and abdi is just a step in the right direction, but we still gotta see how it plays out on the ground. and what about the sdf's demands for guarantees from int'l actors? does anyone even care anymore?