Ilham Ahmed calls for local governance to protect identities
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Elham Ahmad, Foreign Relations official of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), reiterated the need for a decentralized system in Syria, describing it as essential for the transitional stage and for overcoming the centralization policies of previous regimes that erased local identities.
In a detailed interview published by al-Majalla on Saturday, Ahmad emphasized that decentralization is not only vital for preserving Syria’s unity but also for ensuring genuine guarantees for all Syrians, protecting local identities, and enabling political freedoms and development.
Ahmad explained that AANES has presented a clear vision during talks with the Syrian transitional government for a decentralized system that includes distributing powers between central and provincial authorities. The proposal also envisions a bicameral parliament — one chamber representing the people and the other representing governorates — along with guarantees for mother-tongue education and political representation of women in decision-making positions.
She noted these points remain among the most significant unresolved issues with Damascus, alongside the future status of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) within Syria’s military structure. Ahmad said, “Damascus still lacks a clear vision on this issue, despite preliminary agreement to form specialized committees to address outstanding matters, which has not happened due to a lack of response from Damascus.”
Ahmad also referenced a March agreement between SDF Commander General Mazloum Abdi and Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al- Shara, under which proposals include Abdi or another SDF commander taking the role of Chief of Staff or Minister of Defense in a phased integration plan for the SDF within the Syrian Army.
On the size of the SDF, she stated it comprises around 100,000 members, including 12,000–13,000 female fighters from the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), underscoring their role in counterterrorism efforts. Ahmad stressed the importance of preserving their presence and role in the future.
Ahmad affirmed AANES’s openness to gradual integration into official institutions through joint military committees and teams, cautioning that direct, sudden integration could have negative consequences. “We must adopt a gradual model to avoid clashes or structural problems,” she said.
Regarding timing, Ahmad noted that specialized committees should have convened before President al- Shara’ s New York visit, but meetings did not occur, and AANES was not invited. She stressed continued efforts and reiterated that dialogue remains the best way to reach comprehensive understandings.
On remarks attributed to Ahmad al-Shara on September 19, warning of possible Turkish military action if SDF integration is not achieved by December, Ahmad expressed doubt: “I am not sure of the accuracy of what was reported about al-Shara‘statement. I don’t believe such direct threats will be issued.” She added that expecting swift resolution within one year is unrealistic given Syria’s prolonged conflict.
The full interview with Ahmad, conducted in London on September 21, will be published in three parts by al-Majalla.