Macron Proposes Kurdish SDF Partnership to Syrian President in Joint Fight Against ISIS
By Kardo Roj
PARIS, France (North Press) – In a significant diplomatic gesture, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday he proposed to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa a partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to combat the Islamic State (ISIS), highlighting France’s support for efforts that foster stability and counterterrorism in Syria.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Sharaa at the Élysée Palace in Paris, Macron emphasized the importance of bolstering joint security efforts, including a potential framework for cooperation between Damascus and the SDF—an internationally backed force instrumental in dismantling ISIS’s territorial hold in Syria.
Support for Decentralized Cooperation
Macron’s remarks mark a rare moment of Western endorsement for direct dialogue between the central government in Damascus and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), the political entity under which the SDF operates. The French president stated unequivocally that “France will support the implementation of the agreement between Damascus and the Autonomous Administration in Syria,” signaling a potential policy shift in European engagement with the Syrian file.
He further stressed that the enduring presence of ISIS in parts of Syria continues to pose a threat not only to national but also to international peace and security. “There can be no stable Syria without defeating this threat in coordination with effective forces on the ground,” Macron said.
Economic Revival and Sanctions Relief
In addition to security cooperation, the French president underscored the economic dimension of Syria’s recovery. He asserted that France would advocate for a gradual lifting of European Union sanctions on Syria and would press the United States to consider a similar path.
“Syria will not regain stability without economic recovery,” Macron said, hinting at conditional engagement tied to reforms and inclusive governance. His comments come as European policy circles debate the recalibration of sanctions to address humanitarian needs without empowering actors accused of past abuses.
Sharaa Signals Openness to International Partnerships
President Sharaa, who assumed office following the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024, welcomed Macron’s remarks and struck a cooperative tone. “The Syrian people are determined to rebuild what the war destroyed,” he said, adding that the country is collectively working to move past the legacy of war and authoritarian rule.
Sharaa acknowledged France’s early support for opposition to the former regime and praised the possibility of bilateral cooperation in the fields of security, justice, and reconstruction. Notably, he committed to continued coordination with France and the international community in combating ISIS and eliminating chemical weapons stockpiles.
He also reiterated Syria’s rejection of the latest Israeli airstrikes inside Syrian territory, calling them “unjustified acts under the pretext of protecting minorities.” Nevertheless, he confirmed that Damascus is engaged in indirect talks with Israel, with the UAE mediating a recently revealed backchannel aimed at reducing tensions.
Strategic Implications for Northeast Syria
Macron’s public support for SDF-Damascus coordination may mark a turning point in how the international community approaches governance in post-conflict Syria. The SDF, a multi-ethnic force with a proven record in counter-ISIS operations, maintains effective security control across much of northeast Syria in collaboration with the AANES.
While the AANES has long advocated for decentralized governance and political dialogue with Damascus, efforts to establish formal agreements have faced hurdles. France’s explicit support could bolster the legitimacy of these local governance models and encourage broader diplomatic recognition of their role in maintaining stability.
Analysts note that any future partnership between the central government and the SDF would need to account for complex military, political, and ethnic considerations, particularly in regions historically marginalized by centralized power.
The Paris meeting reflects a growing international acknowledgment of the SDF’s centrality to Syria’s counterterrorism architecture and the necessity of inclusive governance frameworks. As regional actors navigate shifting alliances and persistent threats, diplomatic openings like Macron’s offer may pave the way for more integrated, locally grounded approaches to peacebuilding in Syria.