End of an Era: The Transformation of Kurdish Autonomy in Northeastern Syria

As of today, the Kurdish territories in northeastern Syria will no longer retain their autonomy and distinct status within the country, reverting to a region governed alongside others under the Syrian central government based in Damascus. This significant shift comes as part of an agreement reached last week between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stipulating that Kurdish military and administrative bodies, which were operating independently, will gradually be integrated into the state structures. Today marks a notable transition as Syrian military forces are set to enter the predominantly Kurdish cities of al-Hasakah and Kamishli, with the expectation of no armed resistance from Kurdish forces. This development effectively signals the end of Syrian Kurdistan, colloquially known as Rojava. In al-Hasakah and Kamishli, the Kurdish authorities have imposed a daytime curfew for Monday and Tuesday. This measure is intended to facilitate the peaceful entry of security forces dispatched by the central government. According to the outlined plans, within ten days, these forces will assume control of vital installations, including border posts, Kamishli Airport, regional oil wells, and strategic military facilities. The situation in Kobane, a city within Aleppo province located closer to the Turkish border, remains more complex. While Kobane, an iconic symbol of the battle against the Islamic State, remains under Kurdish control, it is now effectively besieged by Syrian forces. Rojava emerged as an experiment in self-governance initiated by the Kurds in northeastern Syria in 2012, seizing control amidst widespread uprisings against Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Their territories expanded notably during the fight against the Islamic State, which seized large areas of both Syria and Iraq from 2013 to 2019. The SDF—backed by the United States and an international coalition—played a pivotal role in combatting the extremist group. The Kurdish governance model drew inspiration from democratic confederalism, as theorized by Abdullah Öcalan, the founder of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). This approach emphasized grassroots democracy, coexistence with other Syrian communities (particularly Arabs), gender equality, and ecological sustainability. Although it received significant international solidarity, especially during the war against the Islamic State, the actual implementation of this model across various regions of Syria was partial and often incomplete. The SDF has faced persistent opposition from Turkey, which perceives the establishment of a Kurdish state as a threat to its own territorial integrity, particularly in areas with substantial Kurdish populations. Transformations began with the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the emergence of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration. The SDF's loss of U.S. support marked a turning point, prompting the central government to present itself as a mediator for peaceful coexistence among Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities. Despite these claims of mitigating conflict, escalations have occurred in recent months against various groups, including Alawites and Druze, resulting in approximately 3,000 deaths. A preliminary agreement between the government and Kurdish groups was established in March 2025 but lacked finality. Following additional skirmishes and violence between government troops and Kurdish forces, a renewed agreement solidified last week. This pact includes a form of surrender by the Kurdish forces, who are now diminished due to recent conflicts. Under this arrangement, Kurdish militias will be dismantled and incorporated into the Syrian army, with plans to form a division and a Kurdish brigade within the regular armed forces. In a gesture of concession, the government has acknowledged some civil rights for the Kurdish minority, including the recognition of Kurdish as a national language (albeit not officially) and the provision of Syrian passports for Kurds, which had been previously denied under the Assad regime. This current phase represents a profound change for the Kurdish community in Syria, whose aspirations for independence or greater autonomy have been significantly curtailed, ushering in a new chapter in the region's complex history. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2