{"id":123494,"date":"2025-03-23T08:18:48","date_gmt":"2025-03-23T08:18:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/npasyria.com\/en\/?p=123494"},"modified":"2025-03-23T08:18:50","modified_gmt":"2025-03-23T08:18:50","slug":"sdfs-abdi-al-sharaa-agreement-marks-turning-point-in-syrias-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/npasyria.com\/en\/123494\/","title":{"rendered":"SDF’s Abdi, al-Sharaa agreement marks turning point in Syria\u2019s future"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Norman al-Abbas<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) \u2013<\/strong> Amid Syria\u2019s ongoing political and economic transformations, the signing of a historic agreement between Syria’s Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa and the Commander in Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, on March 10, 2025, represents a pivotal moment in the country\u2019s trajectory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A key provision of the agreement stipulates the integration of civil and military institutions in northeastern Syria into state institutions, including border crossings, airports, and oil and gas fields. The agreement also emphasizes the recognition of the Kurdish community as an integral component of the Syrian people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Economic revival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many Syrians see the agreement as an opportunity to rebuild the country\u2019s war-ravaged economy. The natural resources in northeastern Syria\u2014oil, gas, and fertile agricultural lands\u2014are considered crucial for a comprehensive economic recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Atta al-Shaer, a resident of Damascus, told North Press that the agreement is vital for national unity and the optimal use of Syria\u2019s natural resources, including oil and wheat. He also highlighted the richness of Kurdish culture, describing it as an essential part of Syria\u2019s diverse social fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shaza Mohammed, a resident of Homs, expressed optimism that the agreement would benefit Syria\u2019s economy and all its communities. She stressed the importance of national unity, emphasizing that Kurdish culture is open and serves as a valuable addition to Syria\u2019s social landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, Mohammed Khalifa from Damascus viewed the agreement as a positive development for all Syrians, predicting that it would lead to lower prices and an improved standard of living. He underscored national unity as the ultimate goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unifying Syria\u2019s resources<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Taysir al-Masri, a professor of economics at Damascus University, emphasized the significance of the agreement in unifying the country\u2019s resources under a single authority, which would enhance Syria\u2019s ability to launch major development projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Al-Masri noted that northeastern Syria is rich in vital natural resources such as oil, gas, and fertile agricultural land, making it a strategic focal point for economic growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to al-Masri, managing oil fields and natural resources domestically would boost local production and support Syrian markets, ultimately strengthening the Syrian pound\u2019s purchasing power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also stressed the need for sound economic management of these resources to maximize benefits, adding that competent governance would be crucial in avoiding the economic chaos the country has previously endured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Easing of sanctions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Economic experts believe the agreement\u2019s positive impact will also stem from the exemption of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) from the Caesar Act, as well as efforts to freeze European Union (EU) sanctions. Additionally, it could help resolve Syria\u2019s oil and electricity shortages by allowing supplies to be sourced from AANES areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Feb. 28, the first diesel tanker since the fall of the al-Assad regime in December 2024 arrived at the Baniyas terminal in Syria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Syria’s state-run news agency SANA reported that the vessel carried over 30,000 tons of diesel and had docked at the Syrian Oil Company terminal in Baniyas, located in the Tartous countryside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So far, Brussels has lifted some restrictions, including those on Syrian Airlines and investments in energy and infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, sanctions continue to pose obstacles. Syrians in Europe are still unable to send money to relatives in Syria through regular banking channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EU officials acknowledge that the easing of sanctions has yet to bring tangible changes on the ground. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani echoed this sentiment, stating that the EU\u2019s steps have not met expectations and urging further relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if Brussels were to lift all sanctions, most U.S. sanctions on Syria remain in effect\u2014making a significant difference. Unlike the EU, the United States enforces its sanctions extraterritorially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EU sources suggest that there are ongoing efforts to gauge Washington\u2019s stance on Damascus. So far, the Trump administration\u2019s diplomatic focus has been largely centered on Ukraine and Gaza. The U.S. has not revealed much about its position on Syria, even at last week\u2019s donor conference in Brussels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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