U.S. revives push to bridge divide between AANES, Damascus – Sources

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United States has revived its diplomatic efforts to mediate between the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and Syria’s transitional government, seeking to prevent tensions from escalating into direct conflict, diplomatic sources told The National.

Washington’s new approach is described as less pressuring toward the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), after years of opposing their calls for a decentralized system of governance, according to The National.

The news website said that U.S. officials are now proposing compromises over Damascus’ demand that the SDF disband, including the possibility of integrating parts of the SDF into a restructured Syrian army.

The National cited sources as saying that mistrust remains high, particularly after the recent violence in Suwayda.  AANES officials fear that government forces could replicate such an assault in the northeast, and insist the SDF will not dissolve.

Washington established the SDF in 2014 as its main ground partner in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). However, Turkey, which considers the SDF a threat to its national security, strongly opposes decentralization and continues to influence Damascus’ negotiating position.

The National pointed out that the Kurdish issue has become one of the most sensitive points in US-backed stabilization efforts.  

By Jwan Shekaki