Two rival Kurdish groups, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), held a significant meeting in Irbil, northern Iraq, aimed at strengthening Kurdish unity during Syria's transitional phase. The meeting comes at a critical time as Kurds in the region face an uncertain future due to political upheaval in Syria.
The talks between KDP leader Masoud Barzani and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi focused on unifying the Kurdish position within Syria and exploring ways to separate the SDF from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), designated a terrorist organization by Turkey. Barzani emphasized that such a move could lead to broader international support, particularly through KDP's relationships with the United States and Turkey.
Barzani stressed the importance of presenting a united Kurdish front in Syria to negotiate with the new de facto Syrian government from a position of strength. The Kurdish-led SDF, which has controlled northeast Syria for the past decade, is currently under attack from the Syrian National Army, supported by Turkey.
Amid concerns about a resurgence of the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, Kurdish factions are under growing pressure to set aside their political differences. The KDP in Iraq has friendly relations with Turkey and has been at odds with the SDF and other groups aligned with the PKK.
Earlier discussions between Barzani's envoy and Abdi in northeastern Syria indicate ongoing efforts towards Kurdish unity. The regional developments highlight the need for Kurdish factions to work together to address common challenges and secure their interests in the evolving political landscape.
