Damascus' final offer to SDF puts Syria on course for decisive confrontation

Syria's political and military landscape stands at a critical juncture as the Damascus government has delivered what it terms a final ultimatum to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). A detailed 13-point integration roadmap, formally transmitted to the SDF and supported by Türkiye, demands the group’s dissolution into the state’s security apparatus, with the deadline set for the end of the year.

The Plan: From Militia to a State-Controlled Force

The cornerstone of the Damascus offer is the integration of all SDF fighters into three new divisions within the Syrian Arab Army. According to the official plan, these would include a Border Protection Division for the northeast, a dedicated Women's Division preserving the SDF's existing female units, and a Counter-Terrorism Division. In exchange, the SDF would be granted significant representation, with 70 of its commanders integrated into the new military hierarchy and three high-level deputy minister positions in the defense, interior, and general staff structures. Crucially, Damascus has offered a commitment that its own regular forces would not deploy into the SDF-controlled northeast, a key SDF demand.

A Turkish Priority and High-Stakes Diplomacy

This push for integration aligns directly with Türkiye's core security policy. Türkiye designates the SDF and its dominant component, the YPG, as extensions of the designated terrorist organization PKK. Turkish officials have consistently stated that cooperation with Damascus is driven by a shared goal of countering the PKK/YPG presence. Recent actions, including the Turkish parliament's extension of the cross-border military mandate and ongoing intelligence operations, underscore the tangible military pressure on the group. Diplomatic sources suggest that Türkiye, having endorsed the integration plan, views it as the last peaceful alternative to a potentially large-scale military operation.

A Rocky Path and a Pivotal Choice

Despite a foundational agreement signed between Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara and SDF commander Mazlum Abdi in March, major hurdles remain. The SDF has reportedly rejected any scenario that allows other Syrian army units into its eastern territory, insisting on exclusive control. This positions integration as the primary alternative to a renewed and potentially devastating conflict. With the year-end deadline approaching, the SDF's response to the final offer will determine whether Syria moves toward a fragile reunification or descends into another chapter of significant violence.