20.01.2026 10:35
One of the critical topics in the integration process in Syria, the meeting between Shara and Mazlum Abdi ended with a tough standoff. The Damascus administration gave SDG leader Mazlum Abdi a deadline until the end of the day. It was stated that the 'secret' promises made by the U.S. Special Representative for Syria, Tom Barrack, to the SDG were not accepted during the meeting.
The meeting between Shara and Mazlum Abdi, seen as one of the most critical topics in the integration process in Syria, ended with a harsh standoff instead of reconciliation. During the summit, which lasted more than three hours, the Damascus administration gave SDG leader Mazlum Abdi a deadline until the end of the day.
DAMASCUS: CONDITIONS CANNOT BE CHANGED
According to information provided to the Syrian press by sources close to the Syrian government, Mazlum Abdi attempted to change the terms of the previously agreed-upon conditions during the meeting. The same sources reported that significant differences of opinion emerged within the SDG leadership, and they could not present a clear vision of what they wanted.
US PROMISES NOT ACCEPTED AT THE TABLE
It was stated that the main reason for the deadlock in the negotiations was the commitments allegedly made to the SDG by the US Special Representative for Syria, Tom Barrack. The Damascus administration clearly expressed that it did not recognize these promises.
DECISIVE REJECTION OF TWO CRITICAL ITEMS
According to claims, Barrack made two fundamental promises to Mazlum Abdi. The first was that the SDG would continue to exist as a "unified and independent division" within the Syrian Arab Army without being disbanded. It was stated that this item would not be put in writing to avoid public backlash, but would be implemented in practice. The second promise was that northern Syria would be governed by the Kurds and that a local Kurdish administration would be officially recognized.
The Damascus government firmly opposed both items, emphasizing that these demands were unacceptable.
FULL INTEGRATION AGREEMENT
The operation launched by the Syrian army on January 16 against the terrorist organization YPG/SDG in the regions west of the Euphrates River later expanded with the participation of tribes east of the river, and a large portion of the territory occupied by the organization came under the control of the Syrian administration.
The Ceasefire and Full Integration Agreement reached between the Damascus administration and YPG/SDG includes provisions such as the complete withdrawal of the organization from the Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor provinces east of the Euphrates River, the transfer of public institutions in Hasakah to the state, the central authority's control over all border crossings and energy resources, and the individual integration of YPG/SDG elements into the security forces.