As talks between the Rojava and Damascus delegations continue, preparations by the Kurdish delegation to return to Damascus come at a moment when the balances in the region are shifting rapidly. The decision by the United States to withdraw from Syria, the growing diplomatic engagement between Saudi Arabia and Damascus, and the uncertainty surrounding the policies of the Turkish state are making the Kurdish position even more critical. Within this picture, Kobanê remains a red line for the Kurds.
Although the policy of the Turkish state toward the Kurds does not play the sole determining role, the siege of Kobanê directly affects both the common stance of the Kurds and the course of any potential agreements with Damascus. It is increasingly clear that Kurdish resistance will remain a decisive factor in shaping the future of the region.
Damascus delegation visits Rimelan
On the afternoon of Sunday, 8 February, the Damascus delegation visited Qamishli Airport and today travelled to Rimelan for a series of meetings. The agenda includes the establishment of a joint coordination mechanism on oil and energy resources, border crossings, and airports, as well as the practical implementation on the grounds of the 30 January agreement.
Diplomatic contacts between the Rojava and Damascus delegations have intensified. Joint coordination efforts appear to have reached a certain stage. The positioning of the Internal Security Forces, determined from Derik to Hasakah (Hesekê), together with Damascus, is gradually clarifying the situation on the ground.
The siege of Kobanê and the response expected from Turkey
In Turkey’s Syria policy, it is becoming clear that the blockade of Kobanê is linked to the talks being conducted with Damascus. The deepening crisis in Kobanê has multiple causes. The effects of the agreement reached between Turkey and Damascus are being felt on the ground.
While a statement of “there is no siege” was made prior to the arrival of the Damascus delegation, this was later followed by claims that “the siege will be lifted.” Over the past two days, the most critical item on the agenda of the Rojava–Damascus talks have been Kobanê and the lifting of the blockade. As the siege enters its twenty-first day, the prolongation of the process is widely seen as being due to the expectation of a response from Turkey.
Kurdish delegation to travel to Damascus
It has been learned that the Kurdish delegation formed at the Rojava Kurdish Unity Conference held on 26 April 2025 in Qamishlo, with the participation of representatives of Kurdish political parties, will travel to Damascus for talks.
Although the recent visit to Damascus by the Kurdish National Council in Syria (KNCS) did not produce concrete results, the joint stance of Kurdish political parties and the new round of talks to be held with Damascus are expected to be decisive. Co-chair of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), Pervin Yusif, stated that KNCS had held meetings in Damascus on its own initiative.
The agenda of the Kurdish delegation includes the political future of Rojava, the mother-tongue and constitutional rights of the peoples of the region, and a range of issues to be addressed with Damascus.
The withdrawal of the United States and new possibilities
At a time when talks between Rojava and Damascus have accelerated, the decision by the United States to withdraw from Syria is reshaping the balances in the region. United States forces that withdrew from Shadadi (Şedadê) are expected to leave Syria entirely soon.
Transfers of members of ISIS handed over to the Iraqi government are continuing. Within the framework determined by the Autonomous Administration and the International Coalition against ISIS, more than 2,500 ISIS members have so far been transferred to Iraq. The Iraqi government has announced that it will review the files and launch investigations.
Uncertainty and a climate of danger in Syria
The risk of renewed conflict in Syria remains high. Cells from ISIS are planning attacks in several cities, while an operation was carried out last night in Hasakah. Developments along the Rojava–Damascus line are further increasing the fragility of the region.
Looting and forced displacement are being reported in Aleppo. In Deir ez-Zor (Dêrazor), Tabqa (Tebqa), and Raqqa (Reqa), inter-tribal tensions are heightening the risk of internal conflict. In Deir ez-Zor, the torching of oil wells and disputes over spoils are pushing the region toward an ungovernable state.
Syria has long been unable to ensure its own territorial cohesion. It is still too early to say where the current agreements will lead.
Saudi Arabia–Damascus meeting
An important meeting is taking place in Saudi Arabia today. If an understanding is implemented between Rojava and Damascus, and more broadly across Syria, Saudi Arabia seeks to assume a new role in the country. Beyond war and conflict, Riyadh is aiming to invest in the economic and tourism sectors.
One of the countries visited by Interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa (al-Jolani) after his return to Damascus was Saudi Arabia. Riyadh views a Rojava–Damascus agreement positively and is increasing its diplomatic engagement with Damascus. The cooperation that Saudi Arabia has developed with the Turkish state is also part of this process. Seeking to open an economic gateway to the region, Riyadh is searching for a new path in Syria.
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