Following the conclusion of the decades-long civil war in Syria, a critical phase regarding the country's future has commenced. With the collapse of the 60-year Ba'ath regime, significant steps are being taken toward the restoration of central authority under the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa. One of the primary obstacles in this process—the presence of the YPG terror organization in the region—has been significantly weakened within just 48 hours, resulting in a new strategic agreement.
Economic and Social Pressures of the Terror Group
For many years, using the pretext of "fighting ISIS," the YPG maintained control over vast territories in northern and eastern Syria, establishing a governance model that disregarded the will of the local Arab population. The misappropriation of oil and gas fields, particularly in the Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Hasakah regions, sparked sharp protests from the local populace. The forced conscription of youth and pressure exerted against tribal leaders led to a complete loss of legitimacy for the organization.
Tribal Uprisings and Rapid Collapse
The largest tribal confederations in eastern Syria, including al-Akidat and al-Baqqara, withdrew their support for the YPG and aligned themselves with the central government. This social fracture facilitated the rapid disintegration of the organization's military power. Consequently, a historic 14-point agreement was signed between the Syrian government and the SDF.
Key Terms of the Agreement:
- Immediate ceasefire on all frontlines and the withdrawal of SDF forces to the east of the Euphrates;
- Full transfer of administration in Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa to the central government;
- State control over all oil and gas fields, as well as border crossing points;
- Expulsion of all non-Syrian PKK members from the country;
- Individual integration of SDF personnel into the structures of the Syrian Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Internal Affairs.
This agreement is of historic significance in terms of preserving Syria's territorial integrity and ending the ambitions of creating a "state within a state." The new leadership has declared that all ethnic and religious groups in the country will live as equal citizens. This development aligns with the broader regional efforts to restore stability and sovereign control over territories previously held by non-state actors and militant groups.
The restoration of central authority in Syria is viewed by international observers as a pivotal moment for Middle Eastern geopolitics. Similar to Azerbaijan's firm stance on territorial integrity and the restoration of sovereign rights over its lands, the new Syrian administration emphasizes the necessity of a unified national command and the removal of foreign militant elements to ensure long-term peace and security in the region.
Mehman Mirzazade
