Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed the former leader of a Kurdish-led military group, Mazloum Abdi, as a presidential adviser in a move signaling improved relations between the two historic adversaries of the civil war. Abdi had helmed the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for over a decade, collaborating 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. 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 pushed for the integration of SDF-controlled territories and institutions into the state.
After a pause in the integration process, a swift offensive by Syrian government forces against Abdi’s fighters in January paved the way for a plan to merge the SDF into the government in Damascus. Abdi recently confirmed 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 public through a decree issued by Sharaa, although the specific nature of his role remains unclear.
During Abdi’s leadership, the SDF implemented governance structures that promoted gender equality, with leadership positions shared between men and women. The group engaged in battles against extremist factions like the Islamic State and al-Qaeda, once led by Sharaa before he severed ties with the organization. As part of the integration process, SDF fighters are being absorbed into Syria’s Defense Ministry, including prominent figures who had previously criticized the Syrian government.
Questions remain about the integration of female SDF fighters into the country’s armed forces, which currently lack female personnel. Turkey, a key ally of Sharaa, has welcomed the dissolution of the SDF, alleging connections between the group and the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Additionally, the appointment of Sipan Hamo, a prominent Kurdish commander who had suggested Israeli airstrikes on Syrian troops during the January conflict, as the deputy defense minister following the integration agreement, highlights further shifts in Syria’s military landscape.