Rob Geist-Pinfold, a lecturer in international security at King’s College London, told Al Jazeera that integrating the Kurdish-led SDF into Syria’s army is critical to the country’s future stability.
He said what happens in eastern Syria will shape wider dynamics, with other minority groups closely watching the outcome.
Geist-Pinfold noted that neither Damascus, Turkiye nor the SDF wants escalation, but key issues remain unresolved after the integration deadline passed.
He explained Kurdish fears stem from past persecution and the high cost they paid fighting ISIL to secure autonomy.
The Syrian government wants full military integration, while the SDF seeks autonomy and to retain command structures.
He said a compromise could see Arab SDF units fold into the army, with Kurdish units retaining limited autonomy.
Geist-Pinfold added that sustained US mediation will be essential to break the current impasse.
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