The Syrian Future Movement is following with great interest the statements made by Mahmoud Barkhadan, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Ain al-Arab (Kobani), to the Turkish newspaper “Turkey” on Sunday, August 16, 2026. In these statements, he affirmed that the steps toward integration with the Syrian army and government have “overcome 99% of the obstacles,” and that the announcement of the dissolution of the People’s Protection Units (YPG) will be made within days, along with the dismantling of the “Autonomous Administration” structure, moving toward “one army, one state, and one flag.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Syrian Future Movement appreciates these statements, which, in essence, embody a clear recognition of the centrality and unity of the Syrian state and express a genuine desire to integrate into its institutions and end the institutional and military pluralism that has persisted for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We see this development as an important step toward consolidating state sovereignty and rebuilding the national fabric on the foundations of equal citizenship, in accordance with the principles of the modern civil state that we strive to establish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates that declarations of intent, however positive, remain a first step. The true test lies in the speed, transparency, and effectiveness of implementation on the ground, ensuring that this integration is comprehensive and equitable, preserves the rights of all Syrians, including our Kurdish brothers, and contributes to building a new Syria based on freedom, dignity, and equal citizenship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Syrian Future Movement notes that these statements carry three key implications, reflecting a significant shift in the political stance of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n First: Recognition of the centrality and unity of the Syrian state \u2013 We note that Berkhdan’s statement that “there is no Kurdish state in Syria” and “we are moving towards one army, one state, and one flag” constitutes an explicit acknowledgment that the only solution for Syria lies within the framework of a unified state, not in separatist projects or parallel structures. We see this shift as an indication of political maturity and realism, and call for building upon it to strengthen trust among all parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Second: Overcoming Obstacles to Institutional Integration \u2013 We note that Berkhdan affirmed that integration with the army and government has overcome 99% of the obstacles, and that the dissolution of the YPG and the abolition of the self-administration structure are imminent. We support this will and call for accelerating practical steps, especially regarding the integration of civilian and military institutions and the handover of vital facilities (such as oil wells) to state administration, in line with Berkhdan’s assertion that the transfer of public institutions and oil wells is nearing completion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Third: Integration into a Unified National Army \u2013 We note that Berkhdan spoke of integrating 10,000 fighters into the Syrian army, with the possibility of this number increasing to 12,000. He emphasized that the actual number of SDF fighters does not exceed 35,000, and that Arabs constituted the majority of these forces. We believe that this military integration is a fundamental pillar in building a state of law and institutions, and it must be preceded or accompanied by the establishment of clear integration criteria that ensure the preservation of competence and loyalty to the homeland, while respecting the rights of the integrated fighters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Translating statements into swift practical steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ensuring a fair and organized integration of military forces:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Strengthening Trust and Comprehensive National Dialogue:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Strengthening the Rule of Law and Institutions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Syrian Future Movement appreciates these statements, which reflect significant progress in resolving the Syrian crisis and consolidating the unity of the state and its institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is worth recalling that the unity of Syria is an asset for all its citizens, and that diversity is a source of strength, not weakness, as long as it is managed within the framework of the rule of law and equal citizenship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Syrian Future Movement affirms that the success of this path depends on translating words into deeds, ensuring that integration is comprehensive and equitable, and contributing to building a new Syria where peace, security, and prosperity prevail for all its citizens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For its part, the Syrian Future Movement will remain a supporter of everything that strengthens Syria’s unity and sovereignty, a critic of everything that hinders its realization, and a monitor of everything achieved on the ground, striving for a new Syria that unites its people on common ground, and where justice and citizenship prevail.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Analysis of Berkhadan’s statements regarding integration with the Syrian state and the important steps towards strengthening state sovereignty.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":66981,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[179],"tags":[4706],"class_list":["post-66984","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-political-office-en","tag-press-release"],"yoast_head":"\nBased on its national responsibility, the Syrian Future Movement recommends the following:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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