Damascus brings Kurdish commander into presidential advisory role
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has named Mazloum Abdi, former head of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, as an adviser to the presidency. The appointment follows the SDF's dissolution under a January integration agreement with Damascus. Authorities also approved Kurdish-language instruction in schools, signaling a shift in state policy toward Kurdish institutions.
Abdi, who led the SDF since its 2015 founding at Washington's urging, commanded forces that proved decisive against Islamic State, particularly after the battle of Kobane. His appointment follows a January integration accord reached after government troops seized Kurdish-held territory during clashes, and as US relations with Damascus warmed.
The education ministry's decision to permit Kurdish-language instruction marks another step in the integration process. Sharaa had previously signed a decree recognizing Kurdish as a national language, a first since Syrian independence in 1946. The SDF's dissolution formally ended the semi-autonomous administration that had governed Kurdish areas during the civil war.
This appointment could signal a meaningful shift in how Syria's new authorities approach Kurdish integration, potentially easing tensions in the northeast. Kurdish communities may view the advisory role and language recognition as partial validation, though the loss of autonomy remains a sensitive point. The arrangement's success may influence regional stability and how other