Damascus, Syria – The Syrian arena witnessed dramatic developments today as part of efforts to unify the country. The Syrian Democratic Forces (QASED) announced the start of their withdrawal from the eastern Aleppo countryside.
This coincided with a historic presidential decree issued by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The decree ended decades of cultural and political marginalization of Kurdish citizens.
Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, announced that his forces had begun withdrawing from areas east of Aleppo. They plan to redeploy in areas east of the Euphrates River.
Abdi explained that this step comes in response to mediation efforts by friendly countries and confirms the seriousness of implementing the “March 10 Agreement.”
Strengthening national sovereignty
This agreement aims to integrate the forces within the Syrian state apparatus.
For its part, the Syrian Ministry of Defense welcomed the withdrawal decision.
The ministry considered it an important step toward strengthening national sovereignty. However, there was a tense atmosphere that preceded the announcement in the city of Deir Hafer.
In a move described as historic, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a presidential decree. The decree affirmed that the Kurds are an integral part of the Syrian fabric.
The decree included revolutionary provisions such as:
Cultural Identity: Recognizing the Kurdish language as a “national language” and allowing its teaching in schools in predominantly Kurdish areas.
Complications on the ground
Full Citizenship: Abolishing all exceptional measures resulting from the 1962 census. The decree also grants Syrian citizenship to all resident Kurds, including those whose births were not officially registered.
National Holidays: Adopting Nowruz as a paid public holiday throughout the republic as a symbol of fraternity.
This political movement comes amidst complexities on the ground. The Syrian army had previously reported military operations targeting positions in Deir Hafer.
Meanwhile, the SDF confirmed that the city was subjected to heavy bombardment. However, observers believe that the recent presidential decree and the mutual withdrawal steps
It lays the foundation for ending the state of military and political division that has lasted for many years.
