U.S. State Department to North Press: Damascus and the SDF are Hopefully Beginning a Dialogue

U.S. Department of State building, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Department of State building, Washington, D.C.

DAMASCUS, SYRIA (North Press) – In a virtual press briefing on Friday with the U.S. State Department, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara A. Leaf expressed hope that a dialogue between the Syrian government (Damascus) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) will soon begin. Leaf highlighted that the U.S. is actively engaged in discussions with both its Kurdish partners and Turkey to support this process.

“We are hopeful that Damascus and the SDF will begin a dialogue soon,” Leaf told a North Press reporter during the briefing. “We are working closely with our Kurdish partners and Turkey to support this process and encourage all parties to engage in constructive dialogue.”

U.S. Engagement with Kurdish Partners and Turkey

Leaf explained that the U.S. has long been a strong supporter of the SDF, particularly in the fight against ISIS in Syria. However, this relationship is complicated by Turkey’s concerns over the SDF.

“We are working energetically with our Kurdish partners and Turkey to help facilitate this dialogue,” Leaf stated. “Our goal is to ensure a peaceful and stable Syria, and that includes addressing the security concerns of Turkey while supporting the role of the SDF in the region.”

The Role of the SDF in Syria

The SDF has played a pivotal role in the defeat of ISIS, particularly in northeastern Syria. The group has also taken on governance responsibilities in the region, leading to tensions with the Assad regime, which opposes Kurdish autonomy. Leaf reaffirmed that the U.S. continues to support the SDF’s role in regional security.

After the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, the U.S. has been involved in Syria, initially supporting opposition groups and later focusing on counterterrorism efforts, including backing the SDF in their fight against ISIS. Despite shifts in U.S. policy under different administrations, U.S. forces remain in northeastern Syria, continuing their support for local partners and stabilizing the region.