Amidst Calm in Damascus, Battles Continue to Rage in Northeast Syria

The newly appointed interim president of Syria, Ahmed al-Shara, seeks national unity amid ongoing conflicts in northeastern Syria, where fighting continues between U.S.-backed Kurdish forces and Turkish-supported militias. This situation challenges al-Shara’s authority and threatens regional stability, particularly for the Kurdish population.

In the Syrian capital of Damascus, the newly appointed interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, has convened a national unity conference and hosted foreign dignitaries. Meanwhile, citizens gather in cafes, able to speak freely for the first time in decades. However, challenges persist in northeastern Syria, where conflicts continue to erupt beyond the Damascus government’s control, leading to mass displacements.

Approximately 400 miles away from Damascus, violent clashes between opposing militias—the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces supported by the United States, and a predominantly Syrian Arab militia backed by Turkey—are ongoing. Tensions have escalated since the Islamist rebels deposed Bashar al-Assad, the former dictator, in December. The conflict presents a significant test for President al-Shara’s authority and ability to unify the nation amidst competing armed factions.

The outcome of these battles not only impacts al-Shara’s governance but also the stability of the region, as neighboring countries express concern about the volatility spilling over their borders. The Kurdish population in northeastern Syria, making up about 10 percent of the national demographic, faces precarious circumstances as they have established a semiautonomous region that may be threatened by external pressures.

Turkey’s government perceives the Kurdish factions as a domestic threat because some groups are advocating for independence, further complicating the already volatile situation in northeastern Syria. The ongoing struggle highlights the intricate dynamics at play, with significant ramifications for both regional power balances and internal Syrian politics.

In summary, while Damascus witnesses a degree of tranquility and political efforts for unity, northeastern Syria remains engulfed in conflict that threatens the stability of the entire region. The ongoing battles highlight the difficulties faced by President Ahmed al-Shara as he attempts to consolidate authority over a fragmented nation. The Kurdish community’s fate is particularly uncertain amid rising tensions with Turkey and the resurgence of militant groups.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com