Barak in Damascus to Outline a Consensus Framework Between the SDF and Al-Sharaa Government
Tom Barak: The Only Path for the SDF Leads Through Damascus; Positive Progress in Talks with the Transitional Government
U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barak, stated that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have only one viable option: aligning with Damascus. He emphasized that the Syrian government has shown “unprecedented enthusiasm” for integrating the SDF into state institutions, under a unified national framework described as “one state, one nation, one army, one government.”
Barak noted that the SDF has been slow in responding to this direction, pointing out that federalism is “not a viable option” in Syria. He added that there has been a delay in the implementation of existing agreements by the SDF.
In a related development, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that ongoing talks in Damascus between the Syrian government and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi have focused on four key issues: the structure of the Syrian state, the relationship between the Autonomous Administration and the central government, the economic file, and military forces.
A broad meeting was also held, bringing together representatives from northeastern Syria and officials from the Syrian transitional government. The meeting included the participation of U.S. envoy Tom Barak and French government representative Jean-Baptiste Vivier. According to participants, the meeting was described as “positive.”
The discussions concluded with an agreement to remove obstacles hindering the implementation of the March 10 Agreement, reaffirm commitments regarding displaced persons, work toward institutional integration, and establish clear mechanisms for effective cooperation and partnership between the parties.
