Al-Sharaa urges U.S.-supervised integration of SDF into Syrian state forces
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa said on Tuesday that the “optimal solution” for Syria’s security and unity lies in integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the country’s official security institutions under U.S. supervision.
In an interview with The Washington Post following his “historic” first visit to the White House on Monday, al-Sharaa said the move would ensure that “the responsibility for protecting Syrian territory rests with the state.”
“Keeping Syria divided, or allowing any military force to exist outside government control, creates the ideal environment for ISIS to thrive,” al-Sharaa added.
Al-Sharaa’s comments came amid ongoing discussions between Damascus, Washington, and SDF leaders over the future of northeast Syria and the reintegration of the institutions of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) into the Syrian state structure.
The Syrian president also revealed that direct negotiations with Israel are underway and have “made significant progress” toward a potential peace agreement. “But to reach a final deal,” he said, “Israel must withdraw to its pre-December 8 borders.”
He noted that the United States supports Syria’s position in these talks, adding that President Donald Trump has expressed willingness to accelerate efforts toward a final settlement.
Regarding his recent meetings with President Trump and members of Congress, al-Sharaa said the primary goal was to “begin building a relationship between Syria and the United States” after what he described as “a century of strained ties.”
“We found that there are many shared interests between Syria and the U.S.—security, economic, and regional stability,” he said. “Syria’s stability affects the entire region, and its instability affects it as well.”
Al-Sharaa also emphasized that sustainable stability in Syria is tied to economic recovery and the lifting of sanctions, saying, “This discussion has been ongoing for months, and I believe we have achieved good progress, though we still await a final decision.”
Al-Sharaa’s visit to Washington marked a significant diplomatic shift following years of estrangement between Damascus and Washington. The trip came amid U.S. congressional discussions on easing Caesar Act sanctions and integrating Syrian forces into the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.
The SDF, backed by the U.S. since 2015, remains the primary force controlling large swaths of northeast Syria. Talks on their future integration into the Syrian army have long been a central issue in negotiations over Syria’s post-war political settlement.