US and Turkey Demand Syrian Kurds Join Government in 30 Days

In a significant escalation of diplomatic pressure, officials from the United States and Turkey have issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), urging them to finalize their integration with the Syrian government. The ultimatum follows an agreement signed in March 2025 by SDF leader Mazloum Abdi and Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, which aimed to facilitate the full merger of the SDF into the Damascus administration. However, progress has stalled, as the SDF and associated Kurdish groups have insisted on maintaining a degree of autonomy and a separate military structure within the Syrian defense framework.

According to a source familiar with the situation, during a recent meeting in Syria, US and Turkish officials conveyed their dissatisfaction with the SDF's slow progress in negotiations. The source stated, "The SDF was told that not all of its armed units would be integrated into the Syrian army. Units excluded from integration would be disarmed, and overall control would remain with the Syrian government." This ultimatum reflects the waning patience of both Washington and Ankara regarding the SDF's demands for autonomy, which include retaining command over the all-women units known as the YPJ, affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

US Ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack has reiterated Washington's stance in favor of a unified Syria, emphasizing the need for a singular military and governance structure. In statements made in July 2025, Barrack warned that failure to reach an agreement with Damascus could lead to "other alternatives," indicating a potential shift in US policy towards the SDF should they continue to resist integration.

The backdrop to this ultimatum is fraught with regional tensions. Recent Israeli air strikes in Damascus, triggered by violent clashes in the Sweida region between Bedouins and Druze, have raised concerns in Turkey that such international interventions may embolden the SDF in their quest for autonomy. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed strong support for al-Sharaa's government, asserting that his administration would not permit any partitioning of Syria.

During the same meeting, Turkish officials underscored the necessity for the SDF to provide intelligence on tunnel networks and arms depots located near the Turkish border, further complicating the dialogue between the parties involved. The SDF's ongoing negotiations with Syrian officials, alongside discussions with American and French representatives, have yet to yield substantial breakthroughs, as highlighted by a US State Department official who confirmed that integration talks remain active.

The implications of this ultimatum are profound, potentially reshaping the power dynamics in northeastern Syria and affecting the Kurdish population's future within the broader Syrian context. As the deadline approaches, the SDF faces an urgent decision: to align more closely with the Damascus government or risk losing significant autonomy and operational capabilities. The outcome of this situation could have lasting ramifications not only for the Syrian conflict but also for the geopolitical landscape of the region, where US, Turkish, and Iranian interests intersect.

In conclusion, the 30-day ultimatum from the US and Turkey serves as a critical juncture for the SDF, compelling them to navigate a complex terrain of regional power struggles, international diplomacy, and the aspirations of their constituents. The forthcoming weeks will be pivotal in determining the future of Kurdish governance in Syria and the broader implications for the Syrian state's integrity.