U.S. Envoy Praises SDF-Government Dialogue, Hails Mazloum Abdi’s Role in Syrian Unity
US Envoy hails SDF's Mazloum Abdi as key to Syrian unity, backs 'one army, one state' vision. Talks with Damascus continue, but Kurds demand constitutional guarantees before military integration. France to host next round of negotiations.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a public statement posted on X, U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, commended Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander General Mazloum Abdi for his leadership, describing it as pivotal to Syria’s future unity.
“Your leadership and the SDF’s perseverant efforts, alongside the Syrian government’s resolute commitment to inclusion under President al-Sharaa, are pivotal to a stable Syria of ‘one army, one government, one state,’” Ambassador Barrack stated, addressing Abdi directly. “We so appreciate the constructive dialogue to advance integration and unity. We await continued talks for a secure future.”
.@MazloumAbdi - Your leadership & the SDF’s perseverant efforts, alongside the Syrian government’s resolute commitment to inclusion under President al-Sharaa, are pivotal to a stable Syria of “one army, one government, one state.“ We so appreciate the constructive dialogue to… pic.twitter.com/6sHBk6z657
— Ambassador Tom Barrack (@USAMBTurkiye) July 29, 2025
Barrack’s remarks come amid intensifying discussions between the SDF and the Syrian government, following a recent meeting between General Abdi and President Ahmed al-Sharaa, which Abdi described as “positive.” According to Abdi, channels of communication remain open on a daily basis.
While both sides have expressed agreement on the vision of “one Syria with one army and one flag,” core concerns persist—particularly among Kurdish components—regarding the integration of the SDF into a centralized military structure without constitutional protections.
General Abdi has consistently underlined the need for guarantees within any integration process. During his interview with Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, he noted that while cooperation with Damascus is ongoing, “deep-seated concerns” remain about integration without a constitutional framework.
International Engagement and the Road Ahead
The ongoing discussions are being closely followed by the international community. French President Emmanuel Macron has underscored the importance of honest negotiations, and Paris is expected to host future rounds of talks involving Syria, France, and the United States to facilitate the SDF’s integration.
As diplomatic efforts unfold, the process of integrating the SDF into a centralized Syrian military remains a critical and sensitive component of shaping a post-conflict Syria.
