What's happened
Turkey's top officials visited Syria amid a deadline for Kurdish-led SDF integration into the Syrian army. Turkey views the SDF as a terrorist group and warns of military action if progress stalls. Damascus proposes reorganizing the SDF, but delays persist, raising fears of conflict.
What's behind the headline?
The current situation underscores the fragile balance in northeastern Syria. Turkey's insistence on disbanding the SDF and integrating it into the Syrian army reflects its security concerns, especially regarding Kurdish autonomy and PKK links. Damascus's proposal to reorganize the SDF into three divisions indicates a willingness to compromise, but delays suggest deep mistrust. The US's role as mediator complicates matters, as it balances support for the SDF with regional diplomacy. If the deadline passes without resolution, Turkey may escalate military actions, risking broader conflict. The negotiations reveal a broader struggle over Kurdish autonomy, Syrian sovereignty, and regional stability. The next few weeks will determine whether diplomacy prevails or conflict resumes.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that Turkish officials, including the defense minister and intelligence chief, visited Syria amid ongoing negotiations, emphasizing Turkey’s security concerns and warning of military action if the SDF does not comply. AP News highlights the high-level visit and the looming deadline, noting the US-backed SDF's control of northeastern Syria. The Independent details the stalled integration process, with Damascus proposing reorganizing the SDF into three divisions, but delays and mistrust persist. Reuters emphasizes the acceleration of talks despite frustrations, with some sources doubting a major breakthrough. All sources agree that the situation remains tense, with regional and international actors deeply involved in the negotiations.
How we got here
Since March 2025, Syria and the SDF agreed to merge Kurdish-led forces into the Syrian army, but implementation has stalled amid disagreements over structure and control. Turkey opposes the SDF's integration, viewing it as a threat, and has conducted military operations in the region. The US supports the process, but tensions persist, with deadlines approaching and negotiations ongoing.
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Common question
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What are Turkey’s latest efforts to resolve tensions with Syria?
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