Regional and local reactions to Abdi-Sharaa Agreement

BETH NAHRIN — The recent agreement between the General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Mazloum Abdi and Syrian Transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa has sparked significant reactions from local and regional actors. This deal, which seeks to integrate the SDF and the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) into the institutions of the Syrian state, is widely regarded as a pivotal development in Syria’s post-war trajectory.

New Era of Political Partnership

Following the announcement, the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) issued a statement welcoming the agreement, describing it as a crucial step toward building a political partnership that acknowledges mutual interests and ensures justice. The SDC emphasized that the deal addresses a broader national need for an inclusive transition, allowing all Syrians — regardless of their ethnic or political backgrounds — to participate in shaping the country’s future through genuine political engagement that guarantees equality, dignity, and fundamental freedoms.

Mazloum Abdi: A Chance to Rebuild Syria

SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi portrayed the agreement as a historic opportunity to build a new Syria that embraces its diverse communities and meets their aspirations for peace and dignity. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Abdi highlighted the importance of this transitional phase, stating that their priority is to establish stability and justice while safeguarding the rights of all Syrians. His remarks suggested a broader vision for long-term political reform rather than a short-term tactical arrangement.

Ilham Ahmed: Step Toward Ending Coastal Violence

Ilham Ahmed, the Co-Chair of the DAARNES Foreign Relations Commission, linked the timing of the recent agreement to the ongoing massacres in Syria’s coastal regions. She suggested that the deal is, in part, a response to the worsening security situation, which has been marked by brutal killings, primarily targeting Alawite communities. Ahmed expressed hope that the agreement could lay the groundwork for a comprehensive national reconciliation process and pave the way for transitional justice that includes all Syrian communities.

Gulf States Welcome the Deal

The agreement has also attracted attention from the Gulf region. The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, issued a statement expressing optimism that integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into state institutions would enhance national stability and unity.

Qatar also welcomed the development, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizing that a stable and prosperous Syria requires a single, unified army representing the entire Syrian population.

Saudi Arabia stated that the agreement is a positive step towards maintaining civil peace in Syria, the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Jordan released a statement indicating that this development represents a significant step towards the reconstruction of Syria.

Implications for Syria’s Balance of Power

The agreement represents a significant shift in Syria’s internal dynamics. By agreeing to the integration of the SDF — a force that has operated with considerable autonomy and Western support — the Syrian Transitional Government (STG) aims to consolidate military control under a unified central command. Although the terms of the integration have not yet been hammered out, the agreement raises questions about the future of other factions, particularly the militias of the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army (SNA). Some analysts speculate that the General Security of the STG, which wields considerable influence in northwestern Syria, may need to seek an alliance with the SDF to counterbalance Turkish control over the SNA.

Alawite Question: Calculated Move?

One of the most pressing concerns in the aftermath of the agreement is the future of Syria’s Alawite community, historically at the heart of the Assad regime’s power base. The timing of the deal — coming in the wake of massacres in Latakia and other coastal areas — has sparked suspicions that it may be an effort to shift military priorities and redefine alliances. Some observers speculate that the STG aims to prevent further sectarian violence while simultaneously consolidating its control over key military forces.

US-Backed Political Transition?

The broader geopolitical implications of the agreement cannot be overlooked. The US and its allies have long advocated for an inclusive political transition in Syria, often linking reconstruction funding and diplomatic engagement to this goal. SDF now playing a central role in the country’s security structure, Washington may view this integration as a step toward safeguarding minority rights and maintaining decentralized governance structures under a future government.

What Comes Next?

The true test of this agreement lies in the weeks and months ahead. Key questions remain regarding the operational integration of SDF forces into the state’s security apparatus, the role of existing political institutions in accommodating Kurdish and other minority representatives, and whether opposition factions — particularly those backed by Turkey — will accept the new power dynamics.

For now, the Abdi-Sharaa agreement represents a significant turning point in Syria’s ongoing transformation, with both internal and external actors closely monitoring its progress.