Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, recently engaged in what were described as “positive” discussions with Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) officials, signaling potential shifts in the country’s complex political and military dynamics. The meeting, held in Damascus on Monday, marked Sharaa’s first official dialogue with Kurdish commanders since his forces ousted Bashar al-Assad’s regime in early December. An official characterized the talks as a “foundation for future dialogue,” with plans to intensify discussions in the coming weeks.
However, as diplomatic bridges are being built, violence on the ground remains unrelenting. In Aleppo, Turkish-backed fighters launched a deadly assault on a checkpoint in the Kurdish-majority Ashrafieh neighborhood early Tuesday. The attack, involving gunfire and explosive-laden drones, claimed the lives of three Kurdish security personnel and left seven others critically injured. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights described it as the first attack of its kind in Aleppo since the city’s transition away from Assad’s control.
Amid these developments, significant changes were announced within Syria’s new governance framework. For the first time, a woman, Dr. Maysa Sabreen, has been appointed as interim governor of the Central Bank. This groundbreaking appointment reflects broader attempts to reshape Syria’s administrative institutions. Additionally, the military command unveiled the appointment of Abu Qasra, 41, as the new defense minister in the transitional government. Formerly an agronomist, Abu Qasra has a storied history as the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) armed wing, a role he held for five years.
Sharaa, speaking to Al Arabiya TV on Sunday, emphasized the need for unity under a centralized military structure, calling for the integration of Kurdish forces into the national army. “Weapons must rest in the hands of the state. Those qualified for defense roles will be welcomed,” he stated, outlining conditions for further negotiations with the SDF.
While the meeting between Sharaa and Kurdish leaders offered a glimmer of hope for future collaboration, the ongoing clashes underscore the fragility of peace in Syria’s war-torn landscape. The road ahead remains fraught with challenges, but these recent developments hint at a nation attempting to redefine itself amid the chaos.
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