In Irbil, Iraq, leaders from two formerly rival Kurdish factions convened on Thursday, signifying a potential reconciliation amidst the chaos stemming from the political instability in Syria that has placed Kurdish communities in a precarious situation.
A prominent official from the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), Hoshyar Zebari, characterized the discussions between KDP leader Masoud Barzani and Mazloum Abdi, who leads the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as a “notable step toward enhancing Kurdish unity and fortifying their stance” during this transitional phase in Syria.
This meeting, held in Irbil—the capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdish area in northern Iraq—occurred just weeks after the swift collapse of former Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government, triggered by an aggressive insurgent offensive, as tensions escalated due to Turkish-backed armed factions targeting Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria.
No formal statements have been released by either the KDP or SDF concerning the meeting. However, an unnamed senior member of the KDP, who was not authorized to speak publicly, revealed that discussions were focused on consolidating Kurdish positions within Syria and strategizing on how to distance the SDF from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a Kurdish militant organization that Turkey designates as a terrorist group. According to this official, Barzani asserted that by distancing the SDF from the PKK, it could pave the way for greater international backing, notably leveraging the KDP’s connections with both the United States and Turkey.
During the discourse, Barzani highlighted the necessity of unifying Kurdish efforts in Syria to engage with the emerging Syrian government from a position of strength. He pointed out that the political achievements secured by the Kurds in Iraq, such as constitutional recognition, might serve as a model for their counterparts in Syria.
The Kurdish-led SDF has maintained control over northeastern Syria for the past decade but is currently facing assaults from the Syrian National Army—an alliance of militias supported by Turkey, which views the SDF as linked to the PKK. Concurrently, discussions have intensified involving politicians from Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party alongside imprisoned Kurdish leaders, aiming to resolve a decades-long conflict with the PKK.
Amid the uncertain security landscape following Assad’s downfall, worries are rising over the possible resurgence of the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, with Kurdish forces playing a vital role in the battle against this militant faction in both nations. The evolving regional dynamics are increasing the urgency for Kurdish factions to reconcile their political divides.
Earlier this week, Barzani’s envoy, Hamid Darbandi, also engaged in discussions with Abdi in Hasaka, located in northeastern Syria. The KDP has established amicable relations with Turkey, which has led to tensions between them and the SDF, along with other groups associated with the PKK.
