Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed the former leader of a Kurdish-led military force, which has since disbanded, as a presidential advisor, showcasing a reconciliation between the two historical foes of the civil war. For over ten years, Mazloum Abdi helmed the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), collaborating with the U.S. to combat the Islamic State and secure territories in northern and eastern Syria to establish a semi-autonomous region. Following the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 by a rebel coalition led by Sharaa, the new Islamist-led government in Syria emphasized the need to integrate the SDF-controlled areas and institutions into the national framework.
The process of integration faced delays until a swift offensive by Syrian government forces against Abdi’s fighters in January paved the way for merging the SDF with the authorities in Damascus. Abdi recently declared the formal dissolution of the SDF, marking the beginning of a new era focused on “peace and collaboration in building the new Syria.” His appointment as a presidential advisor was made public through a decree issued by Sharaa, although the specific duties of the role remain unclear.
During Abdi’s tenure, the SDF and its associated bodies implemented administrative systems that promoted gender equality by having both men and women co-chair governing structures. The group actively combated extremist factions like the Islamic State and al-Qaeda’s local branch, once led by Sharaa before he severed ties with them. As part of the integration process, SDF fighters are being integrated into Syria’s Defense Ministry, including prominent figures who had previously criticized the Syrian government.
The issue of integrating female SDF fighters into the national armed forces, which currently lack female members, is still pending resolution. Turkey, a key ally of Sharaa, has welcomed the disbandment of the SDF, accusing the group of having connections to its own banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militant organization.