SDC representative in Washington: US- Interim Govt. relationship still being tested

The debate and controversy surrounding the nature of the relationship between the United States and the interim government in Syria continues, while pro-government circles promote the idea that these relations are growing in the government's favor. However, observers believe that the relationship is going through several phases, beginning with the current phase, which is a testing phase and a readjustment of the Syrian situation according to the international perspective.

Discussions about this issue have increased following the visit of the head of the interim government, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to Washington and his meeting with US President Donald Trump, the announcement of the suspension of sanctions for six months, and Damascus's joining the international coalition against ISIS.

However, despite this, the lifting of sanctions remains temporary and conditional on steps that the Damascus government must take. Furthermore, the process of the al-Sharaa government joining the International Coalition remains limited to the political sphere, without any concrete practical steps.

Serious discussions focused on stabilizing the situation in North and East Syria

Bassam Ishaq, the representative of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) in the United States, told ANHA agency: "The meetings between al-Sharaa and the American administration focused on stabilizing the situation, particularly in northern and eastern Syria, as it is a sensitive and influential region for the country's future."

He explained: "There was a serious discussion about how to protect the region's political and administrative autonomy while simultaneously integrating it into state institutions in a gradual and agreed-upon manner. The future role of the Syrian Democratic Forces within a national security structure was also raised, with emphasis on the importance of the experience they have accumulated in combating terrorism. The Americans also stressed the need for swift economic and humanitarian measures to alleviate the pressure on the people and pave the way for a broader approach regarding sanctions."

Implementation Requires Clear Procedures

Regarding how to implement the outcomes of these discussions on the ground, Ishaq pointed out that "implementation first requires clear de-escalation measures to prevent friction and ensure that coordination takes place through official channels. After that, practical steps can be taken in services and administration, so that there is joint cooperation that respects the region's specific characteristics and builds trust between the two sides."

He added, "On the military side, integration must be gradual, taking into account the SDF's specific characteristics and role, and ensuring the region remains stable without any vacuum. Economically, possible measures include facilitating trade, improving basic services, and opening the way for international organizations to operate effectively."

An Opportunity for Faster Negotiated Solutions

The SDC representative in Washington spoke about the expected impact of these discussions on the political and field situation in Syria, explaining that "this type of discussion, if translated into practical steps, will first lead to a decrease in the level of tension in North and East Syria, which opens the door to greater stability."

He concluded by noting that “politically, the visit sent a signal that Washington is ready to listen to the needs of the region and to search for a realistic formula that reassures all Syrians, including the residents of North and East of the country. On the ground, the understandings may prevent deterioration and provide an opportunity for broader negotiated solutions, and this will reflect positively on the future of the region and the relationship between state institutions and local communities.”

ANHA