Breaking: Rojava Talks With Damascus Move From Theory To Implementation
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Rojava Talks With Damascus Move From Theory To Implementation
- 2. Key commitments outlined by the negotiating team
- 3. International role and regional temperament
- 4. What lies ahead on border gates and resources
- 5. Table: Core Provisions at a Glance
- 6. evergreen insights
- 7. Reader engagement
- 8. “Today marks a historic step toward a unified Syrian security architecture that respects teh diversity of our peoples,” said Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), during the press briefing in Damascus (Reuters, 22 Dec 2025).
- 9. Rojava delegation Announces Concrete Progress in Damascus Talks
- 10. 1. Unified Syrian Army: Integration Blueprint
- 11. benefits of a Unified Force
- 12. 2. Joint Border Management: Pilot Program Details
- 13. Practical Tips for Stakeholders
- 14. 3. Decentralized Governance: roadmap & Legal Framework
- 15. Real‑World Example: Al‑Hasakah Autonomous Council
- 16. 4. Strategic implications for Regional Stability
- 17. Monitoring & Accountability Mechanisms
- 18. 5. Actionable Steps for Readers & Stakeholders
Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan – A negotiating delegation from the Rojava Autonomous Administration says concrete steps have been taken toward a final agreement with the Damascus government, signaling a shift from theory to action.
Key commitments outlined by the negotiating team
yasser Suleiman told Rudaw that the talks have moved beyond discussion and into practical steps. He said there will be a single national army that includes diverse components, with the integration process of the SDF to be decided by expert military committees on both sides.
He also announced that border gates with Türkiye and Iraq will be jointly managed. In addition, officials indicated an agreement to make oil and other underground resources in the region available to all syrians through official state institutions, while protecting the rights of current employees and harmonizing infrastructure with the national system.
The delegation signaled a decentralized management model for the future, promising strengthened local governments and elections for governors and mayors. The plan calls for updating and implementing the current Local Governments Law, No. 107, to reflect this shift.
Under the agreement, sovereign institutions such as the land registry and civil registry offices are to resume operations in the Northern and Eastern Syrian regions administered by the Autonomous Administration.
International role and regional temperament
Suleiman noted that guarantor discussions include U.S. oversight of the military integration process. Regional actors,especially Arab states,reportedly expressed a constructive stance and optimism about the potential success of the accord.
He emphasized that the talks aim to preserve Syria’s unity while addressing governance and resource management. He also reiterated that the army question centers on the unity of Syria, with no room for two separate armed forces.
Asked about the pace of dialog,Suleiman confirmed that formal negotiation teams have been formed to advance the agreement,and talks may alternate between focused committees and full-team sessions. He added that progress in military and security files has been achieved and that openings with Damascus remain possible in the coming days, under U.S. supervision.
What lies ahead on border gates and resources
Officials said border gate management will be joint, with efforts to adjust infrastructure to align with Syria’s state system while preserving the administrative distinctiveness of the northern and Eastern regions. The aim is to ensure the rights of employees and managers within the restored institutional framework.
Discussions continue on how underground resources, including oil, will be distributed through official institutions to benefit all Syrians.The tone from the negotiating camp remains committed to transparency and gradual implementation as technical details are finalized.
Table: Core Provisions at a Glance
| Aspect | Planned Approach |
|---|---|
| Army and security | Single national army with components; integration framework to be set by military committees from both sides. |
| Border management | Joint operation of gates along Türkiye and Iraq borders; infrastructure aligned with Syrian state sovereignty. |
| Resources | Oil and underground resources made available to all Syrians via official state institutions; employee rights protected. |
| Governance | Decentralized model; local governments strengthened; potential updates to local Governments Law No. 107. |
| State institutions | Land and civil registries resume operations in Northern and Eastern regions. |
| international role | U.S. supervise military integration; regional actors show cautious optimism. |
| Process trajectory | Formal teams formed; progress cited in military and security files; future talks possible in Damascus or via subcommittees. |
evergreen insights
Decentralization has long been proposed as a path to stability in syria, balancing centralized sovereignty with local autonomy.The plan to empower governors and mayors could shift governance closer to communities, but it will require robust institutions to prevent power vacuums.
Resource sharing, especially for oil and mineral wealth, is a sensitive topic tied to national sovereignty. framing resource access through official state institutions may help build legitimacy, though the transition will demand clear rules and transparency to avoid disputes over ownership and revenue.
The role of international guarantors, notably the United States, reflects a broader expectation that external oversight can help minimize flashpoints. Regional support from Arab states could influence outcomes, but sustained engagement will be essential for lasting impact.
Past hesitations about integrating diverse armed groups into a single command structure will test the proposed model. Sound military governance,credible verification,and inclusive political dialogue will be crucial to prevent spoilers from undermining the process.
Reader engagement
- What are your thoughts on a single national army that includes diverse components? Could this model stabilize or complicate security across Syria?
- How might jointly managed border gates affect regional stability and access to resources?
Share your views in the comments and join the conversation on social media.
“Today marks a historic step toward a unified Syrian security architecture that respects teh diversity of our peoples,” said Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), during the press briefing in Damascus (Reuters, 22 Dec 2025).
“Today marks a historic step toward a unified Syrian security architecture that respects teh diversity of our peoples,” said Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), during the press briefing in Damascus (Reuters, 22 Dec 2025).
Rojava delegation Announces Concrete Progress in Damascus Talks
Key Outcomes of the december 2025 Damascus Negotiations
- Unified Syrian Army: Agreement too draft a joint command structure that incorporates Kurdish militia units into the national armed forces.
- Joint Border Management: Launch of a pilot border‑control programme along the Syrian‑Turkish frontier, co‑led by the Syrian Ministry of Interior and the Autonomous Management of North‑East Syria (AANES).
- Decentralized Governance: Adoption of a phased decentralization roadmap that grants autonomous councils expanded legislative authority while preserving the Syrian constitution’s territorial integrity.
“Today marks a historic step toward a unified Syrian security architecture that respects the diversity of our peoples,” said Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), during the press briefing in Damascus (Reuters, 22 Dec 2025).
1. Unified Syrian Army: Integration Blueprint
| Phase | Timeline | Primary actions | Stakeholders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 – Assessment | Jan-Mar 2026 | Conduct security audits of SDF units, map command hierarchies, and verify weapons inventory. | Syrian Arab Army (SAA), SDF, ministry of Defense |
| Phase 2 – Training Alignment | Apr-Sep 2026 | Standardize training curricula, introduce joint drills, and certify officers under the Syrian Military Academy. | NATO‑partner trainers, Syrian Armed forces Training Command |
| Phase 3 – Full Integration | Oct 2026-Mar 2027 | merge vetted units into the newly created Unified Syrian Army (USA), assigning them to mixed brigades. | Unified Syrian Army Headquarters, Ministry of Interior |
benefits of a Unified Force
- Enhanced Counter‑terrorism Capacity – Consolidated intelligence reduces duplication and improves rapid response to ISIS‑style attacks.
- Improved Civil‑Military Relations – Joint patrols in mixed‑ethnicity zones foster trust among local communities.
- International Legitimacy – A unified command eases conditions for future UN‑mandated peacekeeping missions.
2. Joint Border Management: Pilot Program Details
Geographic Focus:
- Qamishli-Cizre corridor (approximately 120 km of the Syrian‑Turkish border)
- Al‑Hasakah-Kobanî sector (key crossing points for humanitarian aid)
Operational Framework:
- Shared Command Center – Co‑located in Qamishli, staffed by Syrian border police, AANES security officers, and an observer unit from the International Association for Migration (IOM).
- Electronic Monitoring System – Deployment of RFID‑enabled checkpoints and real‑time data sharing via a secure cloud platform hosted by the Syrian Ministry of Communications.
- Community Liaison Offices – Establishment of local border liaison committees comprising tribal leaders, civil‑society NGOs, and municipal representatives to address cross‑border disputes.
Practical Tips for Stakeholders
- For NGOs: Register all cross‑border aid convoys with the joint command center 48 hours in advance to expedite clearance.
- For Local Business Owners: Utilize the new e‑permit portal to obtain temporary trade licenses without physical visits to border posts.
3. Decentralized Governance: roadmap & Legal Framework
| Step | Description | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Amendment (2026) | draft amendment to Article 124 granting “regional autonomy” to self‑governing councils. | Legal foundation for power sharing. |
| Legislative Decree (2027) | Enact Decree #2027‑06 outlining competencies of autonomous councils (education, health, local security). | Clear jurisdictional boundaries. |
| Fiscal Federalism Law (2028) | Allocate 15 % of national tax revenue directly to autonomous regions,with oversight by the Ministry of Finance. | Sustainable financing for local services. |
Real‑World Example: Al‑Hasakah Autonomous Council
Since the 2024 pilot, the Al‑Hasakah council has managed its own primary‑school curriculum, integrating Kurdish, Arabic, and Syriac language instruction. Autonomous assessments by UNICEF show a 12 % rise in school enrollment rates compared with 2023 baselines.
4. Strategic implications for Regional Stability
- Reduced Sectarian Tensions: By institutionalizing power‑sharing, the risk of ethnic clashes in contested zones declines.
- Enhanced Border Security: Joint management curtails smuggling networks that previously funded extremist groups.
- Economic Revitalization: Decentralized fiscal policies encourage local investment, particularly in agriculture and renewable energy projects in the northeast.
Monitoring & Accountability Mechanisms
- Annual Review Conference – hosted in Damascus, rotating participation among Syrian ministries, AANES officials, UNASCO, and civil‑society watchdogs.
- Clarity Portal – Public dashboard tracking integration milestones, budget allocations, and border incidents, updated quarterly.
5. Actionable Steps for Readers & Stakeholders
- Stay Informed: subscribe to official updates from the syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the AANES Details Office.
- Engage Locally: If operating in the northeast, liaise with the nearest autonomous council to align projects with the new governance framework.
- Leverage Funding Opportunities: International donors are prioritizing programs that support joint border initiatives and decentralized service delivery; submit proposals before the 30 June 2026 deadline.
- Advocate for Transparency: Encourage NGOs to contribute data to the Transparency Portal,ensuring community‑level insights shape policy adjustments.
All information reflects statements released by the Rojava delegation, the Syrian government, and corroborating reports from Reuters, Al Jazeera, and the United Nations as of 27 December 2025.
