Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed the former leader of a Kurdish-led military group, Mazloum Abdi, as a presidential consultant in a move signaling improved relations between the two historical adversaries from the civil war. Over the past decade, Abdi had commanded the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which cooperated with the United States in combating the Islamic State and controlling parts of northern and eastern Syria to establish a semi-autonomous region.
Following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 by a rebel coalition led by Sharaa, the new Islamist-led government in Syria emphasized the need to integrate the SDF-controlled territories and institutions into the state. This integration process faced delays until a swift offensive in January by Syrian government forces against Abdi’s fighters led to a plan for merging the SDF with the authorities in Damascus.
Abdi recently declared the formal dissolution of the SDF, marking the beginning of a new phase focused on “peace and involvement in the reconstruction of the new Syria.” His appointment as a presidential adviser was disclosed through a decree issued by Sharaa, although the specific duties of this role remain unclear.
During Abdi’s leadership, the SDF and its associated establishments implemented governance models that promoted gender equality through co-chaired positions held by both men and women. The SDF actively combated extremist factions such as the Islamic State and the local branch of al-Qaeda, which was once led by Sharaa before he disassociated from the group.
As part of the integration process, SDF fighters are being absorbed into Syria’s Defense Ministry, including key figures who had previously criticized the ruling Syrian regime. The issue of integrating female SDF fighters into the country’s military, where female personnel are currently absent, is still pending resolution.
Turkey, a key ally of Sharaa, has welcomed the disbandment of the SDF, which it had long accused of having connections to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militant organization.
