Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed the former leader of a disbanded Kurdish-led combat group as a presidential consultant in a move signaling a reconciliation between the two historical adversaries in the civil war. Mazloum Abdi, who commanded the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for over a decade, collaborated with the U.S. to combat the Islamic State and gain control over parts of northern and eastern Syria to establish a semi-autonomous region.
Following the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 by a rebel coalition led by Sharaa, the new Islamist-led government in Syria insisted on integrating the SDF-controlled territories and institutions into the national framework. Progress on this front stagnated until a swift offensive by Syrian government forces against Abdi’s fighters in January prompted discussions on merging the SDF with the authorities in Damascus.
Abdi declared the formal dissolution of the SDF, marking the beginning of a new era focused on “peace and contributing to the development of the new Syria.” His appointment as a presidential adviser was disclosed through a decree issued by Sharaa, although the specific responsibilities of the role remain unclear.
Under Abdi’s leadership, the SDF and its associated entities implemented governance structures that promoted gender equality by having co-chaired positions held by a man and a woman. The group actively engaged in combatting radical factions, including the Islamic State and al-Qaeda’s local branch, which was once overseen by Sharaa before he severed ties with the organization.
As part of the integration process, SDF fighters are being assimilated into Syria’s Defense Ministry, including key figures who had previously criticized the Syrian government. The issue of integrating female SDF fighters into the national armed forces, which currently lack female personnel, has yet to be fully addressed.
Turkey, a key ally of Sharaa, has welcomed the disbandment of the SDF, which it had long accused of having affiliations with its banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militant group.
The transition and integration of the SDF into the broader Syrian state apparatus are significant milestones in the ongoing efforts to unify the country following years of conflict and division.