Syrian-Kurdish Deal: The Race Against The Year-End Deadline

Syrian, Kurdish, and U.S. officials are rushing to show progress in merging Kurdish forces with the Syrian state before a year-end deadline. Talks have accelerated, but a comprehensive deal remains unlikely. The U.S. continues to mediate, while Turkey warns of military action if no resolution is reached.

Officials from Syria, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and the U.S. are working rapidly to demonstrate progress in negotiations to integrate Kurdish forces into the Syrian state ahead of a looming year-end deadline. Talks have gathered momentum recently despite enduring frustrations and skepticism about a substantive breakthrough.

Damascus has proposed that the SDF, which controls the northeast, reorganize its 50,000 fighters into main divisions while allowing Syrian army access to its territories—a plan met with mixed reactions. As the end of the year draws near, discussions regarding the proposal continue, with the possibility of 'saving face' by extending negotiations.

The potential failure to resolve this deep-rooted issue risks further conflict that could involve Turkey, which regards Kurdish forces as militants. The U.S., facilitating talks between the SDF and the Syrian government, stresses the importance of reaching an agreement. With pressures mounting, both sides are urged to act decisively.

(With inputs from agencies.)