Syrian Forces Advance Against SDF and Impact on Kurds

President Ahmed al-Sharaa has gained ground in northeast Syria by retaking Raqqa and Deir Az Zor from the Kurdish-led SDF, with US backing bolstering his legitimacy. Ongoing negotiations since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 have led to an agreement for SDF integration into Syrian forces, although tensions remain. Al-Sharaa’s recent decree recognizing Kurdish rights, including language and citizenship, is seen as both a gesture and a political tactic. A ceasefire has been established, with further discussions on SDF autonomy and control over divisions continuing.