Syria-SDF Talks on Military Integration End Inconclusively
Would the SDF's demands strengthen Syria, or mark a delusional power grab?
Above: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) and SDF leader Mazloum Abdi (L) after signing an integration agreement in Damascus, Syria, on Mar. 10, 2025. Image credit: @SyPresidency via X
The Spin
Narrative A
Rather than weakening the Syrian state, the SDF's demands will strengthen it. Preserving the structural integrity of the SDF will provide the Syrian army with combat-proven, cohesive military formations. Political decentralization, meanwhile, will help build a fairer and more inclusive Syria by sharing power evenly between Damascus and the provinces.
Narrative B
Through its outrageous demands, the SDF has completely abandoned the March 10 framework, making its intent to partition the country and keep control over its land and resources abundantly clear. This power grab is nothing short of delusional, given that their fragile hold on northeastern Syria exists only because Damascus and Ankara have shown restraint.
