Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed Mazloum Abdi, the former leader of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as a presidential adviser in a move signaling improved relations between the two former adversaries in the country’s long-standing civil war.
Abdi, who commanded the SDF for over a decade and collaborated with the U.S. in combating the Islamic State and gaining control over parts of northern and eastern Syria to establish a semi-autonomous region, will now serve as a key advisor to President al-Sharaa.
Following the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad by a rebel coalition led by Sharaa in late 2024, the new Islamist-led government in Syria insisted on integrating SDF-controlled territories and institutions into the state structure. However, this process faced delays until a swift offensive by Syrian government forces against Abdi’s fighters in January resulted in a roadmap for merging the SDF into the central authorities in Damascus.
Abdi recently announced the formal dissolution of the SDF, marking the beginning of a new era focused on peace and contributing to the reconstruction of Syria. His appointment as a presidential adviser was made official through a decree issued by President al-Sharaa, although the exact nature of his role remains unclear.
Under Abdi’s leadership, the SDF implemented governance systems that promoted gender equality by having both men and women co-chairing key institutions. The forces also engaged in combat against extremist groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaeda, which had previously been led by al-Sharaa before disassociating from the organization.
As part of the integration process, SDF fighters are being absorbed into the Syrian Defence Ministry, including senior members who had previously criticized the Syrian government. The issue of integrating female SDF fighters, who have no counterparts in the country’s armed forces, remains unresolved.
Turkey, a key ally of President al-Sharaa, has welcomed the disbandment of the SDF, which it had long accused of having ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
The recent developments in Syria suggest a significant shift in the dynamics of power and cooperation between former rivals, paving the way for a new chapter in the country’s ongoing reconstruction efforts.
