A recent agreement between Syria’s interim government and Kurdish-majority neighbourhoods in Aleppo has sparked debate over whether it could serve as a model for the country’s reunification. The 14-point deal—reached with representatives of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh—includes the withdrawal of military forces, maintaining security management in the hands of local security forces, and the recognition of existing local civil administrations.
At first glance, the agreement offers a peaceful framework for addressing disputes over governance and security in areas where Damascus still lacks full control. However, applying this model beyond Aleppo is not so simple. In regions like the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) or Sweida, both the issues at stake and the political dynamics are significantly more complex.
Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh have remained under Kurdish control throughout the Syrian conflict—even as other parts of Aleppo shifted hands. A tacit arrangement, which sidelined Kurdish forces during the final offensive on Aleppo in November, allowed this status quo to persist even after the fall of the Assad regime. However, with the transitional government stepping up efforts to reassert authority across the country, new terms became necessary.
The resulting agreement calls for the demilitarisation of the two neighbourhoods through the withdrawal of Kurdish fighters affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). In return, security inside the neighbourhoods will continue to be managed—at least for now—by local security forces.
The deal also recognises the role of the local civil administration, allowing existing educational, municipal, and service institutions to operate without interruption until a long-term solution is reached. Crucially, it affirms the cultural and social identity of these Kurdish-majority communities.
A step forward
The Aleppo agreement marks a significant step in Syria’s path toward unity. It offers a peaceful resolution to local tensions by enabling the withdrawal of a rival force seen by many residents as hostile. This has helped restore internal connectivity in the city, brought back a degree of normalcy, and reduced the risk of renewed military confrontation.
