Post by : Saif Rahman

A senior delegation from Turkey is heading to Damascus on Monday for critical discussions with Syrian authorities, centering on bilateral relations and the future of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This visit underscores Ankara's commitment to influence security dynamics in northern Syria and safeguard its national interests.

As per a Turkish Foreign Ministry source, the delegation will feature Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler, and Ibrahim Kalin, chief of Turkey’s intelligence agency. Their primary objective will be to deliberate on the implementation of an agreement that integrates the SDF into Syria’s governmental framework.

The talks take place during a delicate period. U.S., Syrian, and Kurdish officials have been striving for advancements on the integration deal; however, Turkey accuses the SDF of postponing essential actions. Ankara asserts that the group isn’t fully adhering to the agreement as the approaching year-end deadline looms.

Turkey labels the SDF as a terrorist organization due to its links with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), known for its long-standing conflict against the Turkish state and is outlawed in Turkey. Despite the SDF being a crucial U.S. ally against the Islamic State, Ankara contends that permitting the group to maintain its military capabilities poses a significant risk to its security.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan mentioned last week that Turkey hopes to refrain from military action against the SDF, yet cautioned that their patience is waning. Turkey has previously undertaken cross-border operations in Syria and is poised to act if it perceives threats to its security.

The integration agreement holds particular significance for Ankara, intended to dismantle the SDF’s independent chain of command. Turkey insists that any integration must ensure the group ceases to function as a distinct armed force and that its fighters fall under complete Syrian state authority.

Sources privy to the negotiations indicate that Damascus has suggested restructuring the SDF’s approximately 50,000 fighters into multiple divisions and smaller units within the Syrian military. In exchange, the SDF would be required to relinquish aspects of its command and permit Syrian forces into regions currently under its control in northeastern Syria.

Turkey also correlates the SDF issue to its broader peace and disarmament endeavors with the PKK. Ankara maintains that all armed factions associated with the PKK must disband and disarm, viewing the SDF as part of this overarching challenge.

For Turkey, the concern transcends borders—it’s about Syria’s unity. Officials assert that any SDF attempts to postpone or alter the integration deal jeopardize both Turkish security and the territorial integrity of Syria.

As the delegation arrives in Damascus, expectations are elevated and so are the tensions. The results of these discussions are poised to influence the future relationship between Turkey and Syria, potentially determining whether diplomacy or military action will characterize northern Syria's future.

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