Masrour Barzani and Syrian Foreign Minister Discuss Kurdish Rights and Regional Stability

Peregraf

Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Masrour Barzani, met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asad Shaibani on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos to discuss the situation in Syria and the protection of community rights in the war-torn country.

During the meeting, the two leaders emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rights of all communities in Syria, including the Kurdish population.

“The Kurds are our brothers and sisters, and they are an important and indigenous community in Syria. We assure them that their rights will be protected,” said Shaibani, underlining his government’s commitment to inclusivity and stability.

Barzani echoed the sentiment, highlighting the KRG’s readiness to assist Syrian communities. “We reiterated that we attach great importance to maintaining peace and stability in Syria and are prepared to provide all necessary support and assistance to our brothers and sisters in Syria. We agreed on the need to protect their rights, including those of the Kurdish people and all other communities in Syria.”

The leaders also explored avenues for strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional challenges. Their dialogue comes at a time when the Syrian crisis continues to pose significant humanitarian and political challenges, particularly for minority groups.

The World Economic Forum, held annually in Davos, serves as a platform for global leaders to address pressing international issues, including peace, security, and economic development.

Barzani’s Engagements with Syrian Kurdish Leaders

In addition to his meeting with Shaibani, Masoud Barzani, the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), convened with the leadership of the Syrian Kurdish National Council (ENKS) on January 21 in Pirmam. Earlier, on January 16, Barzani met with Mazloum Abdi, the commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). These discussions focused on the critical need for unity, coordination, and collaborative efforts among Kurdish political entities in Syria.

Challenges in Post-Assad Syria

Since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, the country has undergone massive transformations. The anticipated fall of the Assad regime, seen by many as inevitable due to the ongoing conflict and international isolation, is expected to usher in a new political era. However, this transition poses significant challenges for Syria’s diverse communities, including Kurds, Arabs, and other ethnic and religious groups.

For the Kurds, the post-Assad era could represent both opportunities and risks. While the vacuum left by the regime’s collapse may allow for greater autonomy in Kurdish-majority regions, it could also exacerbate internal divisions and external pressures. Kurdish areas, which have enjoyed a de facto autonomous administration under the SDF since 2013, will need to navigate complex negotiations with other Syrian opposition factions, regional powers like Turkey, and international actors.

Kurdish Divisions and the Role of Unity

Kurdish unity has long been a contentious issue, with major factions like the SDF and ENKS often at odds over ideology, governance, and alliances. The Syrian Kurdish National Council (ENKS), closely aligned with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Turkey, frequently clashes with the Democratic Union Party (PYD), the dominant force within the SDF, which has ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

These divisions have weakened the Kurdish position on the national stage and undermined their ability to secure recognition for their autonomous administration in northeastern Syria. Calls for unity, like those from Mazloum Abdi and Masoud Barzani, reflect growing awareness of the need to present a cohesive front in future political negotiations.

As Syria transitions into a post-Assad era, the ability of Kurdish factions to overcome their differences and work together will likely determine their role in shaping the country’s future. A united Kurdish bloc could advocate more effectively for federalism, minority rights, and the preservation of self-governance structures. However, continued disunity risks sidelining Kurdish aspirations in the broader struggle for Syria’s political reconstruction.

International Stakes

The Kurdish issue in Syria remains a focal point for regional and global powers. Turkey, which views Kurdish autonomy as a threat to its national security, continues its military operations in northern Syria, aiming to dismantle the SDF’s control. Meanwhile, the U.S. and European nations have backed the SDF as a key ally in the fight against ISIS, further complicating the dynamics.

With the Syrian crisis at a turning point, the future of Kurdish-majority regions will depend not only on internal cohesion but also on navigating the intricate web of international interests. The coming years will test whether the Kurds can seize this critical moment to secure a sustainable and equitable role in a redefined Syria.