Historic Kurdish Conference Paves Way for Unity in Syria - A Path to Peace and Integration - Faith & Freedom News

In a watershed moment for regional politics, Kurdish parties in eastern Syria have united in an unprecedented conference, marking a major shift toward reconciliation and stability. This historic meeting, held on Saturday, signals a new chapter as Kurdish groups prepare for integration with the government in Damascus.

A Unified Vision Emerges

The landmark conference brought together over 400 Kurdish representatives to forge a common path forward. According to Kurdish media outlet Rudaw, participating groups have “agreed on a joint vision for a decentralized, democratic state that guarantees Kurdish rights and calls for a national dialogue to reshape the country’s future.”

This agreement represents a significant breakthrough in Kurdish politics, which has long been fragmented by ideological differences and regional influences.

“Based on historical responsibility and in response to the requirements of the current stage, a joint Kurdish political vision has been formulated that expresses a collective will and its project for a just solution to the Kurdish issue in Syria as a decentralized democratic state,” stated the conference’s final declaration.

Historical Context of Kurdish Divisions

The journey to this point began during the Syrian civil war when government forces withdrew from Kurdish regions, creating a power vacuum. As ISIS expanded into this space, Kurdish groups mobilized for self-defense, with the YPG (People’s Protection Units) emerging as a significant fighting force.

The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which incorporated YPG fighters, eventually secured large portions of eastern Syria. As stability returned to these regions, governance became a pressing issue, but Kurdish groups remained divided along political lines:

The left-leaning groups linked to the YPG and its political arm, the PYD
The Kurdish National Council (ENKS), aligned with Iraq’s Kurdistan Democratic Party
Various other Kurdish organizations with differing political visions

From 2015 to 2025, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES), the civilian government linked to the SDF, essentially operated as a one-party state, excluding more centrist and conservative Kurdish voices.

The Path to Reconciliation

Recent developments have accelerated the push toward unity. With ISIS largely defeated by 2019, Turkish threats of invasion, and signals of an eventual U.S. withdrawal, DAANES and SDF leadership recognized the necessity of negotiating with Damascus.

The fall of the Assad regime created new possibilities. In early March, SDF leader Mazloum Abdi met with Ahmed al-Sharaa of the new Syrian government, laying groundwork for the integration of eastern Syria.

Regional Reactions and Future Prospects

Kurdistan Region of Iraq leader Nechirvan Barzani praised the conference, stating: “Praise and appreciation to Mr. Mazloum Abdi, ENKS, and all the brothers and sisters who worked on conducting the Kurdish Unity and Solidarity Conference in Syria. I congratulate everyone on the success of the conference, which is a source of great joy and has pleased the Kurdish people everywhere.”

The conference’s vision extends beyond Kurdish interests alone. It “safeguards Kurdish ethnic rights, upholds international human rights principles and treaties, and promotes women’s rights and participation across political, social, and military spheres,” according to Rudaw.

Implications for Eastern Syria

This unity agreement will impact all communities east of the Euphrates living under SDF protection and DAANES governance, including Arab tribes and religious minorities. While some have struggled with aspects of DAANES ideology that occasionally conflicted with local conservative values, the existential threat from ISIS had previously made these concerns secondary.

As U.S. forces withdraw, Syrian security forces are expected to gradually integrate areas previously controlled by the SDF. This process will require careful confidence-building measures to ensure stability for all residents of the region.

The Kurdish unity conference, coming at this critical juncture, represents more than symbolic reconciliation—it provides a pragmatic framework for peaceful integration into a new, more inclusive Syria.