Head of the Syriac National Council of Syria Bassam Ishak: Americans view SDF as the most reliable partner for stability

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bassam Ishak, representative of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) in Washington and head of the Syriac National Council of Syria (SSNC), stated that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue to be regarded by Washington as the most reliable partner on the ground for fostering stability, according to a US Department of Defense report. 

Speaking to news outlet Rudaw, Ishak explained that Washington measures its partners by their ability to provide security—something the SDF and the internal security forces in the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria have consistently demonstrated. He noted the report also hinted that the Syrian government lacks “genuine stability” unless it improves relations with other Syrian communities. 

Ishak argued that having stable regions willing to engage in dialogue with Daramsuq (Damascus) serves the central government’s interest, as it could be a first step toward a broader political solution. At the same time, he noted that Ankara “fears any potential understanding between Damascus and the SDF made without its involvement,” emphasizing that Turkey “aims to widen the gap between the two sides to maintain its influence east of the Euphrates.” 

Despite regional pushback, Ishak emphasized that US support for the SDF remains firm. He said Washington would be open to a decentralized model for Syria if it emerged from internal dialogue and national consensus, calling it “perhaps the best option if Syrians themselves embrace it.” 

Regarding Daramsuq (Damascus), Ishak urged the Syrian government to free itself from “influences that drive it to repeat wrong policies” toward minorities such as Alawites and Druze, warning that continuing the same approach toward the SDF and the communities east of the Euphrates would “repeat the same mistakes.” 

These remarks coincided with the release of a quarterly U.S. Department of Defense report prepared by three inspectors for Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR)—the international coalition against ISIS—covering the period from April 1 to June 30. The report confirmed that the SDF remains “capable of maintaining security” despite challenges posed by Syria’s evolving environment.