Kendal Nezan: "The Abandonment of the Kurds is an American Betrayal"

Syria - Ekhbary News Agency

Kendal Nezan: "The Abandonment of the Kurds is an American Betrayal"

In a pivotal shift within the complex Syrian political landscape, Kendal Nezan, the seasoned President of the Kurdish Institute of Paris, has asserted that the recent agreement struck between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) represents a crushing blow to Kurdish aspirations for self-rule. In strongly worded statements, Nezan denounced what he termed an "abandonment" of the Kurds by the Americans, emphasizing that this retreat amounts to a betrayal, particularly given the pivotal role the Kurds played as the "spearhead" in the battle against the Islamic State a decade ago.

The agreement, the precise details of which are still unfolding, stipulates the gradual integration of Kurdish forces and their autonomous administration into the framework of the new Syrian state. This development follows a swift reassertion of control over territories by pro-government forces, believed to be those of Ahmad al-Chaara, leading to significant disillusionment among Kurds who had harbored ambitions of establishing a semi-autonomous entity in northern and eastern Syria. Historically, the Kurds, the world's largest stateless ethnic group, have long sought recognition of their national rights across four countries: Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran.

Nezan's statement has ignited widespread debate regarding the United States' commitments to its regional allies, specifically to the Washington-backed SDF. Since 2014, the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), the primary component of the SDF, have been the most effective partner for the US-led international coalition in defeating the Islamic State. They made immense sacrifices in this struggle, losing thousands of fighters on the front lines. American support was crucial, not only in providing training and weaponry but also in offering air cover that enabled them to achieve decisive victories against the jihadists.

However, with the primary threat posed by ISIS largely neutralized, the United States began to reassess its strategy in Syria. After years of support, sustained Turkish pressure, which views the YPG as a terrorist organization linked to the outlawed PKK, led to a reduction in American backing. This was manifested in repeated withdrawals of US forces from certain areas, leaving the Kurds vulnerable to Turkish offensives and Syrian government advances. This shift in US policy is widely perceived within Kurdish circles as a betrayal of the alliance's principles.

The integration of Kurdish forces and administration into the Syrian state raises serious questions about the future of these regions and the fate of the Kurdish population. While the agreement may offer some short-term stability, deep-seated tensions between the Kurdish self-administration and Damascus could resurface. Damascus, under President Bashar al-Assad, has consistently rejected any form of Kurdish autonomy, viewing the armed Kurdish presence in northeastern Syria as a violation of its sovereignty. This agreement, if fully implemented, would reassert Damascus's control over these areas, effectively undermining any Kurdish aspirations for self-determination.

Kendal Nezan's perspective, representing a significant voice within the Kurdish diaspora, reflects a profound disappointment and a sense of betrayal. The Kurds, who have historically been a tool in regional and international power struggles, once again find themselves in a precarious position. This situation echoes numerous historical instances where the Kurds were abandoned after serving the interests of major powers, deepening their sense of marginalization and mistrust.

Furthermore, the ramifications of this agreement extend beyond Syria's borders. It could impact Kurds in Iraq, Turkey, and Iran, potentially influencing their national movements. It also sends a troubling message to other US allies in the region about the reliability of long-term American support. The ongoing events in Syria highlight the volatile nature of international alliances in the Middle East, underscoring that geopolitical interests often supersede moral obligations or promises made in times of need.

The question remains open as to how this agreement will be implemented on the ground, and whether it will lead to sustainable peace or a new round of instability. The fate of the Kurds in Syria, who have made immense sacrifices for a better future, remains uncertain amidst the complex interplay of regional and international powers.

Ekhbary News Agency