04.08.25 – 10.08.25
“Unity of communities” conference
On August 8th, the DAANES hosted the “Unity of Position for the Components of Northeastern Syria” conference, which saw participation from over 400 representatives, including DAANES members, tribal leaders, religious figures, and various community representatives from across Syria. The attendees issued a statement advocating for a new democratic constitution that would ensure political pluralism, equitable participation of all Syrian communities in governance, and a decentralized system that respects the cultural and political diversity of northeastern Syria. Leaders from the Druze and Alawite communities emphasized that “Syria’s future can only be realized through dialogue among its components.”
Syrian Transitional government rejects the conference and withdraws from Paris talks
On August 9th, the Syrian Transitional Government announced its withdrawal from the Paris meeting, stating, “The SDF conference dealt a blow to the ongoing negotiation efforts; therefore, the government will not participate in any meetings scheduled in Paris.” The purpose of the Paris meeting was to facilitate discussions between the Transitional Government, the Syrian Democratic Forces, and some DAANES representatives.
In response to the conference a government representative remarked that “religious or national groups have the full right to express their political visions and establish their parties within national legal frameworks, provided that their activities are peaceful, do not involve armed conflict against the state, and do not impose their vision of the Syrian state.” He also urged the SDF to “seriously engage in implementing the March 10 agreement.”
The Damascus government’s opposition to the decentralized project advocated by DAANES at the conference is bolstered by support from the Turkish state.
Visit Turkish Foreign Minister in Damascus
In a meeting held in Damascus on August 7th, Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shara and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed the recent clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the transitional government. They noted that “talks are expected to assess Turkey’s national security concerns stemming from northeast Syria, at a time when preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and unity is more important than ever.” The SDF has since held the Syrian government accountable for the escalation of tensions.
On August 9th, the SDF issued a statement highlighting ongoing violations of the ceasefire by factions supported by Turkey and operating under the Damascus Government. They called for an immediate cessation of these violations, urged international actors to monitor the situation, and reiterated their willingness to engage in dialogue.
The meeting also covered various topics, including bilateral relations, tensions between Syria and Israel, counter-terrorism cooperation, and efforts related to the reconstruction of Syria.
Anti-ISIS operations
In a statement aimed at recruiting new fighters from the hardline factions within Al-Shara’s coalition, ISIS accused Al-Shara of manipulating Sunni Bedouin fighters for his political agenda and then abandoning them to face “siege, betrayal, and displacement.” The statement condemned the involvement of the Syrian Transitional Government Forces in a US-led anti-ISIS operation in Al-Bab. Shortly after this statement was released, the Syrian Ministry of Interior conducted an operation that resulted in the arrest of a significant ISIS cell in northern Idlib.
On August 5th, Mazlum Abdi asserted that the SDF aims to conduct joint counter-ISIS operations with both the United States and the Syrian Transitional Government. He emphasized that the Syrian Transitional Government has a responsibility to join the fight against ISIS, particularly due to its relationship with the US.
Economic cooperation with Turkey
A delegation led by the Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry from the transitional government visited Ankara to discuss ways to enhance economic collaboration between Turkey and Syria. This visit ended with the establishment of the “Syrian-Turkish Economic Cooperation Council” in Ankara.
This cooperation comes at a crucial time as the Syrian Transitional Government aims to advance the country’s development. On Wednesday, Al-Sharaa unveiled 12 major infrastructure projects valued at $12 billion.