Syria's New Committee Tackles Sectarian Violence Amid Kurdish Integration Agreement

A Commitment to Investigate Violence
Reports from witnesses and war monitors indicate that the violence has predominantly affected villages where the Alawite community resides. In response, the Syrian authorities are gathering evidence and testimonies to investigate the incidents thoroughly. The interim government aims to identify locations for further examination and interview witnesses to ensure accountability. Demonstrations have also erupted in the northern city of Kamishli, where the Kurdish population is protesting against the recent violence and calling for unity among all sects in Syria.

Calls for Unity and Peace
A Kurdish demonstrator expressed a powerful message advocating for peace, reinforcing the idea that all communities in Syria—be they Christian, Arab, Kurdish, Druze, or Jewish—are brothers and should coexist harmoniously. The United Nations has echoed these sentiments, urging a halt to the violence that has claimed nearly a thousand civilian lives.

Integration of Kurdish Administration
In a significant development, Syria’s interim government has announced an agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate the autonomous Kurdish administration in the northeast into the national government. This deal, signed by interim President Ahmed al-Shara and SDF Commander Mazlum Abdi, aims for the complete cessation of hostilities. The agreement will facilitate the transfer of control over key border crossings, airports, and oil fields in the northeast back to the central government.

Additionally, the accord seeks to grant constitutional rights to the Kurdish community, allowing the use and teaching of their language—long banned under previous regimes. This move is seen as a crucial step towards reconciling the diverse ethnic and sectarian groups within Syria.

The Path Forward
As Syria grapples with the legacy of nearly 14 years of civil war, the agreement also aims to facilitate the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced citizens to their homes. Furthermore, many Kurds who have been denied nationality for decades will be granted citizenship rights, marking a significant shift in the government’s approach to its diverse population.

Conclusion
The formation of the fact-finding committee and the integration agreement with the Kurdish forces signify a pivotal moment in Syria's ongoing conflict. The government’s commitment to addressing violence and promoting unity among its diverse communities is essential for establishing long-term peace and stability in the region. As the situation unfolds, the international community will be watching closely to see if these efforts can translate into actionable change.