Kurdish fighters withdraw from Aleppo under new agreement with Syria's government

In a significant development, the withdrawal of U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters from two neighborhoods in Aleppo, Syria, occurred on Friday, marking a pivotal move in the ongoing conflict that has plagued the region for over a decade. The neighborhoods of Sheikh Maksoud and Achrafieh, which had been under the control of Kurdish fighters, have been relinquished as part of a deal with the Syrian government in Damascus. This agreement is seen as an effort to expand the government’s authority across the country, particularly in areas where Kurds have traditionally held power. This shift follows a prior arrangement made last month involving Syria’s interim government and the Kurdish-led authority that governs the northeast part of Syria. The deal aims to potentially integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the main U.S.-backed force in the region, into the national Syrian army, a move that could significantly alter the strategic dynamics in the area. The fighters' withdrawal comes on the heels of a prisoner exchange that took place a day earlier, highlighting ongoing efforts for reconciliation between the conflicting parties. This exchange involved the release of dozens of prisoners from both the Syrian government and the Kurdish forces, indicating a renewed interest in resolving longstanding tensions. As Syrian state news agency, SANA, reported, government forces have already been stationed along the routes that the withdrawing SDF fighters will use, facilitating their movement between Aleppo and territories east of the Euphrates River. The SDF continues to control nearly a quarter of Syria, making this agreement particularly vital for the government’s regain of authority. Sheikh Maksoud and Achrafieh had remained under SDF control since 2015, despite significant military changes in Aleppo, including the capture of the city by forces loyal to ousted President Bashar Assad in late 2016. Even with the transition of power following the capture of the capital, Damascus, by the current interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, these neighborhoods continued to resist government control. The signing of this recent agreement is particularly notable as it offers constitutional rights to Kurdish residents, allowing for the use and teaching of their native language, which had been suppressed for decades. Furthermore, it proposes the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced Kurds to their homes, addressing longstanding grievances related to citizenship that many Kurds have faced under the previous regime. Despite the progress indicated by this recent deal, Kurdish leaders have firmly expressed their intention to avoid seeking full autonomy or a separate governance structure. Instead, they are advocating for decentralization that allows them to manage their local affairs without full governmental control. The implications of this agreement could set the stage for a more stable environment in Syria, with the hope that it may foster cooperation and peace long absent in the region. The commitment to recognizing the rights of Kurds could initiate a new chapter in Syrian politics, allowing for greater inclusion and addressing some of the historical marginalization they have faced.