Negotiations between Damascus and the SDF fail: How will Syria's future be shaped?

Negotiations were held between the leader of the new administration in Syria, Ahmed al-Shara, and the leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, to decide the country's future. Critical issues such as the east of the Euphrates and the future of the SDF were discussed at the meeting. Al-Shara demanded that the economic resources under the control of the SDF be transferred to the new government. However, Abdi did not respond positively to this request. It was reported that the talks between the parties yielded negative results.

In a statement made before the negotiations, al-Shara had said, "We cannot accept the presence of foreign militant groups in Syria." This statement pointed to one of the fundamental disagreements between the parties.

Mazloum Abdi made two primary demands during the negotiations. These demands were the preservation of the autonomous administration's status and the independence of the SDF's military structure. These requests, which contradict the Damascus administration's goals of strengthening central authority, were not accepted by al-Shara.

Ahmed al-Shara, on the other hand, presented a roadmap that included steps such as the SDF handing over its weapons to the state, the removal of foreign militants from the region, and the transfer of control over oil resources to Damascus. Al-Shara also pledged that the cultural and political rights of the Kurds would be guaranteed.

According to a report by Independent Türkçe, the plan presented by the Damascus administration had been welcomed by the United States and the European Union. However, the SDF's rejection of this plan could increase the risk of the Damascus administration losing international support.

On the other hand, it has been alleged that the Damascus administration, which has begun communicating with Arab groups within the SDF, is trying to strengthen its influence in the region.

It is known that the SDF aims to strengthen its hand at the negotiating table by retaining control of resources and obstructing the construction of state institutions. However, the possibility of the US withdrawing from the region, in particular, has led to question marks regarding the future of the SDF in the region.

The YPG, the armed wing of the SDF, controls approximately one-third of Syria. The YPG is known to have direct links to the PKK

THE SDF'S POSITION IN SYRIA

The deadlock in negotiations may lead the Damascus administration to turn to alternative options. These options include reducing international support for the SDF and allowing limited military operations with Turkey.

The SDF, meanwhile, is struggling with both an internal legitimacy crisis and external uncertainties. In particular, the influence of the Qandil wing and Iran's growing role in the region stand out as important factors that will shape the future of the SDF.

This complex picture in Syria could change rapidly depending on the attitudes of regional and international actors. However, for now, the uncompromising stances of the parties make a solution even more difficult.