Democratic integration versus the centralized model in Syria

Under an agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Damascus government on March 10, both sides affirmed the importance of integrating military forces and unifying defense efforts. However, the latter seeks to dissolve the former under the guise of integration.

Mukhtar Ghabashi, Vice Head of the Arab Center for Political and Strategic Studies and political researcher, believes that "talk of dissolving the Syrian Democratic Forces in North and East Syria is unrealistic, and the best option lies in the democratic integration of these forces within the Syrian army." He emphasizes that the experience accumulated by the SDF over more than a decade makes it one of the main pillars of any future national army.

integration, not dissolution

Ghabashi explains that the approach toward the Syrian Democratic Forces should be through their integration into the Syrian military system, not their dissolution or dismantling. He adds that this integration can take two forms: either the SDF retains its bloc as an organized force within the army, or its fighters are distributed among various brigades and military formations throughout the country. In both cases, he stresses that their mission should not be limited to protecting the North and East regions of Syria but should extend to defending the entire national territory.

significant gains for Syria

Ghabashi affirms that Syria will widely benefit from integrating the SDF, as they are a trained force that has fought major battles against ISIS and other armed groups since 2011 until today. He describes them as a "qualitative addition" to the Syrian army, as they have proven their ability to protect vast areas with limited resources and to impose stability in a volatile environment.

model of organization and discipline

Ghabashi emphasizes that the SDF represents a unique model of discipline and organization. He highlights that their most distinctive feature is their ability to establish a force that embodies a form of commitment and protection for the Northeast and North of Syria. They have successfully withstood numerous armed groups and confronted the Turkish army in multiple locations. According to him, this diverse experience will make them an indispensable force within the Syrian army if integrated fairly.

He notes that this issue is very complex and requires a degree of political cunning to resolve, but it is not insurmountable provided there is goodwill and the Damascus government realizes the importance of providing a form of security to this region if it intends to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces.

Toward a unified National Army

Ghabashi concludes that the major problem facing the Syrian state today is not only in the North and East but also in other regions where sectarian armed groups have emerged.

He believes that if the Syrian state can provide a sense of security to all Syrian communities and ensure justice in their distribution and protection, then an ideal model can be developed to build a new generation of patriotic Syrians capable of facing very significant challenges both regionally and internationally.

ANHA