Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed a former leader of a Kurdish-led fighting group, which is now disbanded, as a presidential adviser. This move signifies a reconciliation between the two historical adversaries in the civil war. For over ten years, Mazloum Abdi headed the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which collaborated with the U.S. in battling the Islamic State and gaining control over vast areas in northern and eastern Syria to establish a semi-autonomous region.
Following the removal of former president Bashar al-Assad by a rebel coalition led by Sharaa towards the end of 2024, the new Islamist-led government in Syria insisted on integrating SDF-controlled territories and institutions into the state. However, the integration process faced obstacles for more than a year until a swift offensive by Syrian government forces against Abdi’s fighters in January led to a plan to merge the SDF with the authorities in Damascus.
Abdi recently declared the formal dissolution of the SDF, marking the beginning of a new era focused on “peace and contributing to the development of the new Syria.” His appointment as a presidential adviser was disclosed through a decree issued by Sharaa, although the specific responsibilities of the role remain unclear.
Under Abdi’s leadership, the SDF and its associated bodies implemented governance structures where both men and women held leadership positions to promote gender equality. The group actively combated extremist factions, including the Islamic State and the local branch of al-Qaeda, which Sharaa once led before disassociating from the organization.
As part of the integration process, SDF fighters are being absorbed into Syria’s Defense Ministry, including prominent figures who previously criticized the Syrian government. The issue of integrating female SDF fighters into the country’s armed forces, where women are not traditionally enlisted, is still unresolved.
Turkey, a key ally of Sharaa, has welcomed the disbandment of the SDF, which it had long accused of having connections to its banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militant group.
