Ahmed Suleiman: Kurdish unity stalled by foreign intervention

Following the fall of the previous Syrian regime in December 2024, Syria entered a new political phase, with various political and military forces reshaping the landscape based on new dynamics imposed by shifting regional and on-the-ground realities. In this context, discussions have resurfaced regarding the urgent need for Kurdish unity in Syria.

 Historically, internal divisions among Kurdish political parties and movements have hindered the formation of a unified stance on critical issues. However, recent developments necessitate overcoming these differences and finding common ground to ensure the Kurds play an effective role in shaping Syria’s future.

 While some regional actors—chief among them Turkey—actively seek to obstruct Kurdish unity, both local and international initiatives aim to revive dialogue among Kurdish factions. These efforts are directed toward securing Kurdish rights in Syria’s future constitution and enhancing their role in the transitional phase.

 Renewed Efforts for Kurdish Unity

 In an interview with ANHA Agency, Ahmed Suleiman, Deputy Secretary of the Kurdish Democratic Progressive Party in Syria, stated that the fall of the Syrian regime has opened the door for renewed dialogue among Kurdish factions to unify their ranks, particularly given Syria’s ongoing crisis and the critical role the Kurds must play in drafting a new Syrian constitution.

 Suleiman highlighted that efforts toward Kurdish unity date back to 2019, when the United States and the Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, initiated a dialogue. These efforts are now being revived under the sponsorship of various international actors aiming to strengthen Kurdish cohesion.

 He emphasized that Kurdish unity should not be limited to two political entities but should encompass all Kurdish factions, stressing that the achievements and gains secured thus far belong to the entire Kurdish people and should not be monopolized by any single party or movement.

 The Need for a Kurdish National Conference

 Suleiman underscored the importance of engaging in dialogue to reach solutions that guarantee Kurdish representation in all political arenas. He stressed the necessity of holding a Kurdish National Conference in NE Syria, bringing together all political forces committed to Kurdish unity and securing the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people.

 Turkish Interference: A Major Obstacle

 Addressing the challenges facing Kurdish unity, Suleiman pointed out that external interventions, particularly from Turkey, are the primary impediment. He noted that visits by representatives of Masoud Barzani to Rojava, as well as the visit of the SDF’s Commander-in-Chief to the Kurdistan Region, were aimed at reassuring Turkey that Syria’s Kurds do not pose a threat to its national security while also working toward resolving internal Kurdish disputes. However, these efforts have yet to yield tangible results due to Turkey’s continued obstruction.

 Strengthening the Kurdish Position in Negotiations with Damascus

 Suleiman argued that holding a national conference that unites all Kurdish political parties in Rojava would reinforce the Kurdish position in any future negotiations with Damascus. He warned that ongoing intra-Kurdish disputes are being exploited to marginalize the Kurds from Syria’s evolving political landscape.

 Inclusive Participation: A Prerequisite for Syria’s Stability

 Concluding his remarks, Ahmed Suleiman stressed that achieving stability in Syria requires the participation of all components of Syrian society, along with political and military forces—including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)—which have played a key role in safeguarding northern and eastern Syria and combating ISIS militants.

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ANHA