Tensions escalate between Kurds and Arabs in Raqqa after Assad's fall

On December 8, 2024, the political landscape of Syria shifted dramatically with the fall of Bashar al-Assad. This event marked a significant turning point for various ethnic groups, particularly the Kurds and Arabs. In Raqqa, a city that once served as the capital of the Islamic State organization, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), primarily composed of Kurds, have been facing rising challenges to their governance. The overthrow of Assad has emboldened many Arabs in the region to voice their discontent with the SDF, seeking affiliation with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) for governance instead. This dispute is exacerbated by previous conflicts; the SDF lost control over predominantly Arab towns such as Tal Rifaat and Manbij to the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) prior to Assad's fall, further intensifying local tensions. Ibrahim Sheikh Nabi, a 35-year-old Kurdish law graduate working in Raqqa, highlighted the atmosphere of anxiety among Kurds following this political upheaval. Despite the celebrations that erupted on the day of Assad's demise, Nabi reported feeling unwelcomed and worried about the rising anti-Kurd sentiment expressed by some of the Arab population. Many Arabs in this area, dissatisfied with the SDF's authority, are calling for a re-integration into a unified Syria under HTS governance, prompting a deeper examination of alliances and identities within the region. The disappearance of Assad's regime creates a power vacuum that various local factions are eager to fill, igniting rivalries that were previously contained. The Kurdish-controlled areas are facing increasing calls for autonomy and recognition, as the Arabs demand equitable governance and representation. As tribal affiliations and nationalist sentiments have been rekindled, the situation illustrates a broader struggle for power in the post-Assad landscape. The escalation of hostilities between the two primary ethnic groups in this historically divided region poses significant implications for stability. Observers warn that unless these ethnic tensions are addressed constructively, Raqqa and surrounding areas may slide back into chaos, reflecting the potential for civil unrest amidst a fragile political environment. In summary, the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad has altered the dynamics in northeastern Syria, particularly in Raqqa where Kurdish-SDF governance is increasingly contested. The Arab population's demand for representation and governance under HTS is indicative of the complex inter-community relations. It remains crucial for international stakeholders to engage in dialogue and support conflict resolution efforts; otherwise, the region's future remains uncertain amid rising ethnic tensions and a volatility that could unravel hard-earned progress in recent years.