Peregraf
Erbil hosted a pivotal meeting between Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), and Mazloum Abdi, General Commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), amid mounting challenges in the Kurdish political landscape. The meeting, confirmed by KDP Politburo member Hoshyar Zebari in a post on X, was described as a significant step towards fostering Kurdish unity.
“Today’s meeting in Erbil between President Masoud Barzani and SDF Commander of N.E Syria is a significant achievement to strengthen Kurdish unity and position vis-a-vis the new Syrian rulers in Damascus for a smooth political transition. Thanks to all our allies & friends,” Zebari stated.
The visit follows a series of efforts by Barzani to promote unity among Kurdish factions in Syria. Earlier this month, Barzani met with a delegation from the Syrian Kurdish National Council (ENKS), advocating for dialogue and peaceful measures to resolve disputes. He emphasized the importance of unity in addressing the challenges faced by the Kurdish people in Syria.
Mazloum Abdi, who has consistently called Kurdish national unity a “historical necessity,” met with Barzani’s representative, Hamid Darbandi, on January 13 before the Erbil visit. The discussions centered on consolidating alliances among Kurdish factions and addressing shared concerns ahead of a potential political transition in Syria.
Context and Challenges
The meeting takes place as the Syrian conflict reached a critical juncture. Following the fall of the Assad regime, Kurdish regions in Syria face both opportunities for greater autonomy and risks of increased division. Kurdish factions, including the SDF and ENKS, have historically been divided over political ideologies and alliances, complicating efforts to present a unified front.
Masoud Barzani’s outreach to both the SDF and ENKS reflects a broader effort to strengthen the Kurdish position in negotiations with Syrian opposition groups and international stakeholders. However, external pressures, particularly from Turkey, and internal disagreements remain significant obstacles to achieving lasting unity.
A Turning Point for Syrian Kurds
As Syria navigates a potential post-Assad era, the ability of Kurdish leaders to unify their ranks will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Kurdish-majority regions. A united Kurdish bloc could push for federalism, minority rights, and autonomy in a redefined Syria, while continued disunity risks marginalizing their aspirations on the global stage.
This meeting between Barzani and Abdi is seen as a critical step towards bridging divides and presenting a cohesive vision for the Kurdish future in Syria.