Barrack meets Mazloum Abdi in Amman; Paris may host broader meeting

Well-informed analysts reported that the atmosphere of the meeting between U.S. envoy Tom Barrack and SDF Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi, held in the Jordanian capital Amman, was significantly more positive compared to their previous encounter in Damascus ten days earlier.

Analysts speaking to Al-Monitor confirmed that the bloody events in Sweida have offered the SDF a new political opportunity to strengthen its position in dialogue with the transitional government, amid growing U.S. and French support. They noted that Paris could host a forthcoming meeting with President Macron in attendance.

One source stated, “Barrack appeared more amicable, and the ice was broken with Abdi,” while other sources emphasized that France played a decisive mediating role in bringing the two sides closer.

In this context, Barrack clarified in an interview with the Associated Press that the violence in Sweida has not hindered the ongoing talks between the SDF and Syria’s transitional government. U.S. officials also denied the existence of any ultimatum to the Kurds, contrary to some media reports.

According to one source, U.S. envoy Barrack addressed SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi by saying, “You’ve been a great partner.”

At a press conference, U.S. envoy Barrack stressed that the transitional government in Syria must be held accountable for the clashes in Sweida, emphasizing that “revenge and killings by either side are unacceptable.”

A final remark from one analyst to the same outlet stated: “What happened in Sweida proves that centralized rule cannot be imposed by force. Mutual concessions are necessary,” adding that the government forces failed to control Sweida, “so how could they control the well-trained and armed SDF?”

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