United States, Jordan, and Syria scheduled for three-way discussions concerning Syrian advancements on August 12th
In the ongoing Syrian crisis, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have adopted a strategy of cautious delay and negotiation, aiming to consolidate a cease-fire in Syria's Sweida province.
The SDF, balancing internal and external pressures, are navigating between criticism from their Kurdish base for being "too soft" and the opposing demands of allies such as the U.S. and France. Domestic pressure among Kurds calls for a firmer stance against Damascus and substantial federalism and decentralization, rather than simple submission to central authority.
The SDF views recent conflicts in Sweida and the Syrian government’s difficulties maintaining control in minority areas as opportunities to bargain harder in negotiations, insisting on their own political, cultural, and military identity within Syria. Despite signing an agreement in March 2025 to integrate their armed forces and civil institutions with the Syrian government, implementation has stalled amid complex dynamics.
The SDF's strategy is also influenced by concerns about losing military autonomy and skepticism about the central government’s intentions, especially under the new president Ahmad al Sharaa. The SDF faces increasing military pressure from Turkey, which openly threatens intervention if the Kurdish-led forces resist integration. Turkish backing of the Syrian government adds complexity, with Turkey urging the SDF to comply with the integration deal and abandon any cooperation with Israel.
However, the SDF leadership may be compelled to adopt a more flexible approach to avoid military confrontation. As of mid-2025, they continue to stall to preserve leverage and maintain internal Kurdish support.
Meanwhile, Syria's government has reached a deal to evacuate civilians from Sweida amid the fragile cease-fire. The cease-fire in Sweida has been in place since July 19, following clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups that left 426 dead. Renewed violence in August has persisted despite the cease-fire, with the violence escalating in July and resulting in strikes by the Israeli military supporting the Druze.
Syria's transitional administration, formed after Bashar al-Assad was ousted, is working to restore stability after nearly 25 years of authoritarian rule. The administration aims to meet the aspirations of Syria's people and preserve the rights of all Syrians.
A trilateral meeting between Jordan, the United States, and Syria is scheduled for August 12, with the aim of guaranteeing Syria's security, stability, and sovereignty. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and U.S. Special Envoy for Syria and Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack will attend the meeting, along with representatives from all three countries.
Tom Barrack expressed "our collective determination to move toward a future in which Syria and all of its people can live in peace, security, and prosperity." Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi will hold bilateral talks with Shaibani and Barrack.
The meeting will continue discussions held in Amman on July 19, focusing on the situation in Syria and ways to support its rebuilding. The meeting's goal is also to meet the aspirations of Syria's people and preserve the rights of all Syrians.
- The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are cautiously delaying and negotiating in the Syrian crisis, balancing internal pressure from the Kurdish base and external pressure from allies like the U.S. and France.
- The SDF's strategy is influenced by concerns about losing military autonomy and skepticism about the central government's intentions, especially under the new president Ahmad al Sharaa, and increasing military pressure from Turkey.
- Despite the stalled integration of their armed forces and civil institutions with the Syrian government, the SDF views recent conflicts in Sweida as opportunities to bargain harder in negotiations, insisting on their own political, cultural, and military identity within Syria.
- Syria's government, working to restore stability, is scheduled to hold a trilateral meeting with Jordan and the United States on August 12, aiming to guarantee Syria's security, stability, and sovereignty, with the goals of meeting the aspirations of Syria's people and preserving the rights of all Syrians.
