- Deadly sectarian clashes threaten fragile post-Assad stability
- Kurdish-led forces merge with national army in historic pact
- International backing crucial for unification, but challenges persist
Syria’s interim government faced a critical test this week as sectarian violence erupted along the coast, leaving over 300 civilians dead. The clashes, sparked by remnants of the Assad regime, underscored the precarious security situation under President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Analysts warn that integrating disparate militias into a cohesive national army remains the cornerstone of lasting stability.
The breakthrough came Monday with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) agreeing to merge 60,000 fighters with the national army. This unification deal, brokered with U.S. and Turkish support, brings northeastern oil fields under Damascus’ control for the first time since 2012. However, disputes over prison management and PKK-linked fighters could delay implementation.
Economic sanctions continue to hamper reconstruction efforts, with GDP stagnant at 40% of pre-war levels. Unlike Lebanon’s successful militia integration after its civil war, Syria’s 150,000 unemployed ex-soldiers form a recruitment pool for armed groups. The government must address these economic pressures while rebuilding trust with Alawite communities targeted in recent attacks.
Regional dynamics play a pivotal role: Turkey demands SDF sever ties with Kurdish separatists, while Israel exploits southern security vacuums. As Damascus navigates these challenges, the international community watches whether this week’s diplomatic gains can outweigh persistent fractures in Syria’s fragile peace.
