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The Historic Agreement... Washington and Its Role as an Effective Mediator Between Damascus and Northeast Syria
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The successful American mediation represents a real investment in Syria's future and a contribution to a model that protects the country from the return of the central authoritarianism it suffered fro
Details of the agreement signed between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which control large areas in northeastern Syria, and the political administration in Damascus last Monday remain unclear, while new data has emerged about the role played by the friendly American forces.
American officers stated that the military practiced important diplomatic activity, away from the spotlight, and contributed to bringing together Kurdish factions and the Syrian interim caretaker government.
They also reported that American forces present in Syria to fight the return of "ISIS" mediated talks between the government and Kurdish fighters supported by the United States, according to what was reported by the Wall Street Journal.
American officers urged another group they cooperate with in southeastern Syria, near the Al-Tanf military base, the Free Syrian Army, to sign a truce with Damascus.
The officers explained that these initiatives aim to enhance stability in the country and prevent a return to civil war that could hinder efforts to contain ISIS, which is notably active in sparsely populated desert areas, and also aim to give Washington a seat at the table while Syria designs its future.
American military officials revealed that the possibility of American forces leaving Syria helped pressure the SDF to complete the agreement, with one of them saying: "I believe the threat of our departure made the matter more urgent."
A senior American military official disclosed that "multiple rounds of talks were held, and the US military played the role of mediator to help the SDF conduct these discussions."
He continued: "We exchanged views until we finally reached a consensus that satisfies everyone."
The process culminated in reaching the agreement suddenly, as the US-led coalition transported SDF commander Mazloum Abdi via helicopter to an airport near Damascus, where he signed the document with the interim Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara.
It is noted that the agreement signed last Monday evening between Al-Shara and Abdi ended a three-month confrontation between the two parties, while opening the way for government control over large areas of land that were under the administration of Kurdish factions.
These developments highlight the importance of the American role in building trust bridges between various Syrian components, and pave the way for a federal model that could form a sustainable solution to governance challenges in Syria, especially after decades of centralized rule that concentrated power and resources in the hands of a limited group.
The American mediation gains special importance as it supports a decentralized vision that gives regions broad administrative powers while maintaining the unity of Syrian territories, a model that spares the country the problems that resulted from the absolute control of the previous regime over the state and people's capabilities.
